Reception Alternatives

I think of some outdoors areas like being along the water with boating activities -- paddle boats, canoes, jet skis. Another would be farm parks with a zoo feature. Maybe find a park theater performance. Could consider a ball game that allows picnics too. There may be an arts/craft show.

Renting a private room or a regular reservation for your group at your favorite restaurant will not be expensive unless you get an expensive restaurant. Wedding does not have to equal the most expensive costs possible. Do you have a favorite hole in the wall lunch spot (ethnic or otherwise)? Those are usually dirt cheap and tasty and perfectly suitable for a wedding dinner.


Anything that you do following the ceremony where guests are fed something is a full reception. Dancing is not a requirement. Full dinners as receptions are fairly new in the grand scheme and some circles don’t have them because cake and coffee is their norm /traditional and has been for generations. What is traditional for you or someone else is not the universal traditional.

View Quoted Comment Love the idea of a picnic! Perfect for nicer weather

Same here!
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