13 replies to this topic

[rachel1005]

i am getting married at the end of august this year having a curch service at 12 noon but i am considering an unusual reception and just wondering if it seems too strange. we are having quite a small wedding with 40-50 guests however around 20 of those guests are children i really have to invite (nephews, first cousins etc). to save the problems of having a full sit down meal with so many young guests i am thinking of having a tea party style reception for all the guests in the afternoon (tea, cakes, little sandwiches, background music etc wedding cake) in a child friendly venue where they can run around outside play with each other etc followed by an adults only meal around 7.30 in the evening with speeches and toasts then. not sure if this is too odd, will offend some guests, is not fair on the children etc. looking for any adivce or opinions please!!!

[MrsBrown]

Hi welcome to the forums.
I don't think it sounds odd, it sounds like you are trying to meet the needs of your guests! A tea party sounds great! Have you found your venue yet? A few people on here have planned Alice in wonder land style weddings.. That would fit really well with your ideas.

The only thing I would say is what is going to happen to the children in the evening? Who will look after them? and will your guests need to take them to who ever is baby sitting?

Looking forward to hearing your plans.

[rachel1005]

most of our guests with children live close by to the area and we are thinking of finishing the tea party around 4 and not having the meal until 7.30 ish (i want to get changed, have a sit down and get my daughter ready for the babysitter). we are hoping that would help other people as well. i know my nephew and cousins would all be with my daughter at my parents house, as they are all traveling from futher away(about 10 mins away from church) not sure about the others as i cant really find space for everyone there (parners sister has 6 children plus other children wirth guests on his side) but they live within half an hour of the church. not sure if it would be ok to expect them to sort there own babysitters?

we are thinking of a village hall ( there is a lovely old one in the village that has recently been redecorated and looks really pretty) which has a play area and large field outside for the children, which we could decorate somehow.

i never thought about alice in wonderland, but it would work quite well i think, maybe i could find a croquet set for the field, what do you think?

[Becky]

I don't think it sounds odd at all, I think it sounds like a great idea! I'm sure the parents would be very happy with it too

Croquet would be a great idea! Which part of the country are you getting married in? Have you looked at any venues yet?

Welcome to the forums by the way!

[rachel1005]

we are getting married at a tiny country church in herefordshire

[Becky]

That sounds gorgeous! Well our own venue database is currently under construction, but if you want venue ideas you could check out hitched.co.uk

[poppleminster]

Welcome and brilliant idea. I'm using a village hall when I find one! There is a dedicated website for all of them which I think is villagehalls.org.uk. If i'm wrong i'll edit the link later. I find it invaluable as it has photos but also hall dimensions and facilities listed xxx

[MrsBoucher2B2012]

Welcome, it sounds like a great idea, less stressful for the parents as well if the kids can run about instead of having to try and keep them calm throughout a sit down meal.

[Helen]

Welcome to big day!

I think your child friendly tea party followed by an adult only meal sounds like a great idea! I would leave people to sort their own babysitters, you have plenty of other things to be doing rather than sorting out guests children, that way it is up to them what they choose to do.

[lauriex]

Hi and welcome!!!

It sounds like a marvellous idea! Im sure your guests will all be delighted at your kind gesture!!! xx

[haydee9]

its actually a nice idea, since guests live in close by areas, they can bring their kids back at home and be back at dinner since there's still plenty of time in between, or guests that won't be able to attend dinner could at least attend the tea party.

[rachel1005]

thanks everyone, lets hope our guests feel the same

[Becky]

I'm sure they will and if they don't we'll sort them out for you!!

[koodle]

it sounds good to me. i dont like 'normal' weddings. its supposed to be your and your grooms day! therefore it should be however you want!!