AIBU to skip an evening reception for a small wedding?

82 replies

Wnahsi · 26/06/2026 07:06

AIBU not to have an evening reception wedding is summer next year ), here is what the day will look like without one, it's a smaller wedding around 45 people including children (we have two ourselves):

2:30 Arrival drinks in the bar
3pm Ceremony
3:30 - 430/530 Canapes and live music , in a rooftop room with a terrace and views overlooking the city
530 -730 Wedding breakfast (no speeches etc)
730 - 9 drinks on the terrace with live music , thinking of getting a magician either here or at the canapes ?
930pm move down to the hotel bar , people can go , stay etc. we will probably head up to our room at 10 as we have an amazing room with a hot tub with amazing views 😂.

The second option would be after the wedding breakfast we move down to a basement room (which is lovely), have a band or DJ that will finish around midnight .

OP posts:

Original poster

Wnahsi · 26/06/2026 07:27

Thank you everyone! I'm wondering if when writing this out I bring the ceremony forward to 1pm , as we can only have live music in the room until 830, and also brings food forward?

Stretches the day a bit ?

OP posts:

IwanttoWFH · 26/06/2026 07:22

As someone who loves to be in bed by 10pm, this sounds like a dream event to me.
I think just let guests know the plan, so no one is expecting an all night bender.
As your food is late, I’d also let guests know to have a big/late breakfast.
We had a magician, he was amazing and everyone spoke about it afterwards. We had him from after the wedding breakfast and just into the evening entertainment. It filled that lull. I’d have him whilst you have your canapés, personally.

PersephoneParlormaid · 26/06/2026 07:18

Sounds perfect. I had a lot of things at my wedding because it’s what you did, rather than what I wanted.

AirborneElephant · 26/06/2026 07:16

I’d really miss the dancing. But after dinner I’ve had enough of making polite conversation and absolutely love a wedding disco!

HelloCheekyCat · 26/06/2026 07:12

I think that sounds great, that's a late enough finish to feel like you've had a good.might but not so late you'd be knackered the next day

PollyBell · 26/06/2026 07:11

I have never got this multi layered event for a wedding, I get why royalty do it but as for normal people who have this weird hierachy of who makes the grade or not is plain weird to me

I like your idea it seems normal to me

Pleasehelpmedress · 26/06/2026 07:10

To be honest that sounds like my dream wedding as a guest! And if it's what you want for go for it.

Especially with the option available for people that want to stay up longer to socialise but without feeling obliged to. Have a lovely day!

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