HELP! Church vs reception hall

Kris0703 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 09:45 AM

HELP! Church vs reception hall

Hi everyone! I was wondering how everyone felt about getting married at a church and/or getting married at the reception hall. We have it booked for the reception hall bc I have always wanted to get married outside and we thought it would make things easier for guest (I am one of those crazy brides getting married on a Thursday - July 3rd 2008). But I am starting to feel like it is creating more stress on me. I have to think about the weather (rain or heat), and I not sure if I feel right about not doing it in a church. Please help, how do you guys feel about this? Don't worry, I won't be offended either way. Thanks.

jayandjenny Posted: Jun 13, 2007 09:51 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

I think you need to consider what you really want for your wedding. For us, it wasn't a decision because faith is really important to us and we want to be married in our church. If you always wanted an outdoor wedding (which is always beautiful), you can get a tent, add some decorations, and you beat the weather issues! I always loved how tent weddings look on TV/movies.
Do what makes you happy and everything will work out!!

Espo22 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 09:55 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

I agree you need to decide what is important to you. We know how much it means to his mother that our marriage is recognized by the catholic church so we couldn't get married at the RH bc of that...fh had even talked about doing this at first but he didn't know that if you get married anywhere besides the church it wont be recognized by the catholic church.

If this is not important to you then do what makes you happy and what you invision for your wedding

tinadansr Posted: Jun 13, 2007 09:57 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

The FH and I are not very religious so we skipped the church and we are getting married at our RH. I believe it cut some costs also because we don't have to decorate for a church.

DrWho Posted: Jun 13, 2007 09:59 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

On a Thursday, I'd say your first instinct is absolutely correct - make it easy on your guests. We took a Friday, which theoretically is less stressful, and people still keep saying they're glad it's all in one spot.

rsolano222 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:01 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

I'd have to agree with what the ladies have already said. FH and I are getting married in a church b/c it has meaning to us to get married in the church and be recognized by the church. Actually FH doesnt really mjind either way but it means more to me so hes willing to do it. So I think you have to evaluate if having the outdoor ceremony you've wanted is more important than the meaning behind the church ceremony. Hope that helps!

jessica08bride Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:07 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

Posted by tinadansr

The FH and I are not very religious so we skipped the church and we are getting married at our RH. I believe it cut some costs also because we don't have to decorate for a church.

same here...we are not religious so the RH was the next best choice. but it depends how you feel about it.

rkl1130 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:13 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

Do what you feel is best.

I originally wanted to get married at the RH, but after the initial planning I started feeling bad and really wanted a church wedding--it meant a lot to both families and in the end it means a lot to FH and I. Make the decision based on what you and FH feel comfortable with.

Kris0703 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:14 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

thanks everyone! I know it is going to come down to which is more important, I just wish I could have both!! How do you choose between the outdoor wedding that you always wanted and your marriage being blessed by a church!

Espo22 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:20 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

Posted by Kris0703

thanks everyone! I know it is going to come down to which is more important, I just wish I could have both!! How do you choose between the outdoor wedding that you always wanted and your marriage being blessed by a church!

again it comes down to what is more important for you. I am not even catholic, but I know how much this means to his family, and know how his mom would feel if we didn't. She has done so much for us and always is there for me so it was an easy decision.

BUT here is the thing once you hear that it wont be recognized by the church if you get married at the Rh, how does that make you feel? if its not something that immediately makes you say OH NO i cant do it then, well its not that important to you so don't worry about it.

SusiBtoM Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:24 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

FH and I are of two different religions, so it is no problem for us that we are marrying at the RH. We worked with our officiant to make our ceremony spiritual without being religious, and pulling in some traditions from each of our faiths.
I could have asked him to marry in my church and he would have agreed.

I do like the idea of everything taking place in one location. It doesn't necessarily cut down on the cost - you still need to pay for the ceremony and for any special decorations that you would like.
Our RH has a separate chapel dedicated to ceremonies - I like this because the site then does not have to be broken down and reconfigured to become the reception room. They also have a separate outdoor location, so I can make a decision that day whether or not to have the ceremony outdoors.

Ultimately the choice is up to you.

Julybride08 Posted: Jun 13, 2007 10:57 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

I have always picture me walking down the aisle at a church. so we chose the church. plus were both religious. so that could be it too!!! But i jus tlove the idea of coming down a really long aisle and all the pics in the church.

the future mrs m Posted: Jun 13, 2007 11:36 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

we are not very religious so we are doing it at the rh

bemyyoko Posted: Jun 13, 2007 11:39 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

i always wanted an outdoor wedding as well. but FH wanted a Church. i mean, it's the only thing he was dead set on.
So we're doing the Church, and honestly I feel really good about it. I may not be very religious these days, but i find comfort in knowing that i'll be getting married in 'god's house'

but you have to do what you're comfortable with. if you think you'll regret not getting married in the church maybe you should reconsider and do it that way.
if the weather is your only concern, rent a tent.

this is something only you and your FH can decide.

LB and DC Posted: Jun 13, 2007 11:41 AM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

we are getting married at our RH because my family is jewish and FH's is catholic, so it was a no brainer - but that's not to say you can't have a religious ceremony at your FH if you want! you can absolutely find a minister who will perform an outdoor ceremony.

JennysMOH Posted: Jun 13, 2007 12:27 PM

Re: HELP! Church vs reception hall

An outside wedding is not recognized by the Catholic church. If you are of a different denomination (not Catholic) then you should check with your clergy to see if it would be recognized by their church. If that denomination does recognize it then you can have your outside wedding and that church's blessing.