Intimate Winter Wedding & A larger summer reception?

Question

My finance and I want a smaller winter wedding, and to have an extend larger reception in the summer time. Is that too much time between the two events? Just wondering if anyone has done this, and if it has worked out well. The reception we want to have is more of a laid back fun summer style get together. We have a lot of people in our lives, but don't want a big wedding. Any suggestions? THANKS !!!

Answer 1

Wow, this is almost exactly what my fiance and I are planning to do...I am not sure what advice I have, except to say that your wedding is YOUR day and if you want it small and intimate and taking place over the holidays then good for you!! As I understand it, a "reception" symbolizes the first time you receive guests as a married couple...and I think you have a great idea in doing so at a time that is more convenient to them (over the summer vacation months) and in a more relaxed setting than the typically formal and overblown wedding reception.

I made my decision to do this because my fiance and I are planning on an intimate "destination wedding" for just the two of us. More than likely, I will not have time directly following the wedding to throw a reception, as my spring semester of college resumes right after we get back from the honeymoon and I also will not really be able to afford it at that time! Luckily for me, my family fully supports my idea of throwing an outdoor party in celebration of my wedding during a warmer time of the year. In fact they can't wait!

Answer 2

That is too much time for a reception. Why not call it "After the Wedding" party instead of a reception? Best Wishes! :-)

Answer 3

It's best to host the reception immediately after the wedding but you have up to a year to host a reception. Note that the longer you wait, the fewer of the traditional elements are included such as first dance as husband and wife, garter toss and that sort of thing.  

Answer 4

Thats a big gap.

Answer 5

It would probably work if you had the Wedding in another town/state.. otherwise, people might view it as something it's not... like a gift collection.

It could REALLY be fun if you had a Summer BBQ after a Winter Wedding.  A relaxed atmosphere, food, folks, and fun.  It can be as big or as small as you like.

Whatever you do, remember - the day is about the two of you.  Follow your heart, and those that love you will understand.

Have fun!

Answer 6

Unless there is an obvious reason why you can't have the ceremony and reception at the same time, it's kind of an odd thing to do.