what i can tell you is that some people think that having an at home reception will be less money BUT they arent always. They can wind up being more too depending on how much you go all out.
Two sets of family friends had at home receptions, one was less formal, very lovely but didnt cost much, the other was incredible and had to cost $$$$$$$$$$$$ everything was impeccable
You should have a large enough area to have the reception too weather could cause issues if the entire reception will be help outdoors even though some tents have covers, it can still get messy
DayBeforeThanksgiving
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
IMO, the hall reception would cause less stress on you and your family, or whomever's house you are using to host the reception. Do you really want to worry about cleaning, the caterers coming on time, if someone breaks something? I think it's easier to have the hall take care of it.
nferrandi
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
A home reception could easily wind up costing you just as much , if not more, than a reception hall. You will have to rent everything from china, stemware, tents, dancefloor, tables, and chairs (and most likely chair covers). You will also have to rent bathrooms and there's two reasons for that- #1 you will not want a hundred people trapsing through a home to use the facilities #2 your toilet may not be able to handle all of that traffic and the last thing you need on your wedding day is a tiolet overflowing. You will also pay top dollar to have caterer bring out their own stoves and what-not to prepare and keep food warm.
suebride
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
everyone thinks that at home receptions are so much cheaper but they usually aren't --you need to rent everything (tables, chairs, etc)...
SuzBride
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
I really was considering the backyard reception but I couldn't deal with:
1) Linen rental 2) China rental/silverware 3) Tent rental/table rental 4) Possible dance floor rental 5) Making sure the correct electrical needs are met for band/dj 6) Waitstaff hiring
7 - what if it rains!
Too too much for me. I am too lazy to have a backyard wedding, plus i handle stress very poorly!
wc0143
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
My brother had his wedding at his home. It was a cocktail reception and quite lovely.
It was under a tent, he had a bartender, chefs from a prestigious New England cooking school working several grills (there may have been passed trays as well but I can't remember).
They did have a fancy portapotty.
They didn't have to rent chairs though since his wife's family own a funeral home - they supplied the chairs!!! (and the limos to shuttle our family to & from the hotel ).
There was no dance floor because there wasn't dancing. Just a string ensemble playing throughout the evening.
MonkeyLuv
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
Thanks everyone!
suven
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
Don't get fooled- at home does NOT necessarily mean less $$$.
We were going to do this when I was on good terms with my dad because he lives in an 'estate'.
Then, one of the neighbors did it and told us that the plusses they thought they would have weren't plusses at all.
They had to find and hire a valet, find a good caterer, get a tent, find and hire waiters, find a band, photog, video and invites (just like a hall wedding).
They figured they could 'stay as long as they wanted' but that HUGE staff of employees wanted overtime- the band wanted overtime...their house was DESTROYED. People were in and out of the house all night
tourist
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
Pro-- you can have it at whatever time you want & you are more flexible with the food, b/c you can get whatever ever caterer you want/can afford. You could also be more flexible with how formal, casual, you wnat it to be.
Con- people may never leave your house.
My uncle's was in his backyard. I was only 10, but I think it was nice. The harpist was off to the side & no one could hear her, so someone ended up putting a radio in the window, which was al ittle rude. There wasn't any dancing, but at somepoint int he night , by father & some other people were singing. (My mom was thrilled )
I dont' remember the bathroom being an issue, &they only had the one. I don't think they had a lot of peopel though.
My main concern would be the weather, unless the home was big enough to have it indoors.
My uncle's wedding coudln't have been too expensive, b/c I don't think he had much money at the time. He was actually renting the house he lived in & had the wedding at.
usuk2004
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Re: At Home Reception vs Hall Reception
Most weddings in the UK are at home. so, some things to consider
1. TOILETS!!! Most people here rent fancy portapotty's...
2. This sounds funny, but if it's going to be tented, make sure the ground underneath is mostly flat. I've seen many people trip at outdoor weddings - at one the Best Man bit it HARD! Also a bit dangerous for dancing.
3. Parking - do you have the space
4. Your neighbors - things can get very late and very noisy. Make sure your neighbors won't complain.
5. Places to take pictures...not necessarily a concern for everyone...but somewhat valid
