How to Get Married in the Same Room as My Reception

Plan your ceremony and reception in the same venue.

Your wedding has two key parts: the ceremony where you exchange vows, and a reception where you celebrate the union with family and friends. There is no one way to arrange your wedding festivities, and holding the reception in the same room or site as the ceremony is a viable option that saves on planning time and your budget. The key to making it work is to make the right preparations and let your guests know what to expect.

Instructions

1. Include the phrase "Reception to follow" at the bottom of your wedding invitation. This phrase lets guests know the ceremony and reception are taking place at the same location.

2. Work with the facility manager to determine the maximum amount of people that can be seated for both the ceremony and for the reception. Determine whether or not it matters if these numbers are not the same. For example; if less guests can be accommodated for the ceremony than the reception, it does not matter if you invite less people to the ceremony and more people to the reception.

3. Determine the seating arrangement for the ceremony in the space in question. Also determine the seating and table arrangement for the reception. Draw a schematic or ask for a schematic/floor plan to be created by the facility manager.

4. Create the schedule for your ceremony and reception. Build in time for transition, if moving of tables is required. Work with your facility manager to ensure the timings and floor plan are well understood, and that the required staff hands are available for any rearrangement necessary.

5. Determine where to place guests, if sections of the room need to be cleared during the transition from ceremony to reception.

6. Document all the wedding ceremony and reception plans as carefully as possible to avoid snafus. Make the floor plans, scheduling and transitions a part of your contract with the facility. Get everything in writing and leave nothing to assumption.

References

• The Knot: Q&A: Invitation Wording: Ceremony and Reception at Same Site?
• Everything About Weddings: Wedding Receptions
• Elegala: Ways to Save - Plan a Priceless Wedding Reception on a Budget