Many non-denominational couples have both the ceremony and the reception at the same location. Latter Day Saints’ weddings are structured similarly to traditional religious weddings. The ceremony is performed at the temple, where the couple is sealed. However, unlike other religious ceremonies, this portion of the ceremony is only witnessed by a few family members and close friends.
The first consideration is the number of people attending. Finding a wedding hall that can accommodate 40 close family and friends may be easier than finding one that can seat 300-400 attendees. Decide who is important for the bride and groom to invite and how many people they can afford to invite. Stay within a budget.
Reception halls are usually chosen on the basis of people attending. There are a wide variety of wedding halls to choose from so it’s important to pick a venue that reflects the style and personality of the married couple. Some venues hold up to sixty people while others can house several hundred guests. Be sure to include people that are special to the couple’s life and not people they merely want gifts from. The couple should also decide how much money they can afford to spend and stay within those numbers.
According to LDSWedding.com, a formal reception should take place at noon or later in the day. The meal should consist of several courses. The tables should reflect the elegance of the event with complete service of silver, crystal, place cards, menu cards and a centerpiece. Music should be chamber music or jazz as guests arrive followed by a live band/orchestra for dancing.
Semiformal receptions can take place at any time of day after the temple sealing. Guests should be provided with either a seated meal or buffet food, or appetizers that guests can sample with refreshments. The meal should be catered. There should be table assignments and centerpieces that can be creatively decorated or can include flowers.
Weddings that are little less formal or semi-formal can occur at any time. There is no set hour for this type of ceremony. There should be food for guests to enjoy. The food can be set up as a buffet so guests can help themselves, or it can also be a seated dinner service. Drinks should be available to help guests stay cool or to warm up depending on time of year. If the meal is served, then catering is the way to do it. People should also be informed where to sit with place cards. The venue should be decorated to reflect the day.
When the couple wants to celebrate in a casual manner, then a buffet is a great way to feed guests. Another alternative is to offer finger foods so guests can sample a variety of foods at their leisure. The bride may prepare the dishes, or she may hire a caterer. If money is tight, then exchanging food dishes for gifts is a great way to feed all the guests.
There is much to celebrate when a couple is joined together before God. While the couple should be the focal point of the day, they should also remember the seriousness of their vows and start living their lives as an example to others.
