Not all people enjoy being in the spotlight, especially when it comes to big life events such as marriage. If you are committing to a life partner, why do you have to showcase it to hundreds of people? Now, marriage is a great life event to celebrate with our family and friends. I am all for weddings and all-things-love, but we cannot forget those who do not want a big soiree. Read on further to learn about 8 reasons for having a party instead of a wedding.
8 Reasons for Having a Party Instead of a Wedding
MONEY. Finances are a major aspect of people’s lives and it can cause a great amount of stress when a couple discusses wedding costs. You can absolutely celebrate your union with family and friends on a small scale and reduce costs. Weddings can cost over $30,000 as I personally know several couples who surpassed their high budgets.
LESS PLANNING. Don’t bother taking a meal count of chicken or beef. Go for a party-like atmosphere and ask for guests to bring their favorite dish to share. For an idea, provide a signature drink or a special decoration to put a personal touch on your party. You do not need to hire a wedding planner, as a party is typically held on a smaller scale. Enlist a couple friends or family members to assist so the burden can be taken off of you as much as possible. Additionally, opt out of seating charts which is just another added stressful task.
WEDDING PARTY. Although it can be fun, there are often times of disagreement and bad feelings amongst those in the wedding party. Why should you experience drama when the purpose of this gathering is to celebrate your love with your partner? Do not pacify bridesmaids or groomsmen just because you went to school with them in 5th grade. Just don’t have a wedding party at all and avoid potential hurt feelings! There are usually high costs inflicted amongst those who were chosen to be in the wedding party, and not everyone can swing that.
PUBLIC SPEAKING. You can show your sincere appreciation and gratitude towards your loved ones who attend the party without the microphone and spotlight. Rather than making announcements or having friends proclaim their love for the newlyweds, use a written guest book instead. You can absolutely avoid the public speaking and even print out thank you cards with a picture from your event to mail out on a later date.
MINGLING. Some people want to actually enjoy their celebration rather than abide by all traditions that come with weddings. It is typical for the newlyweds to connect with their guests, whether it be a receiving line after the ceremony or during the reception. By having a party instead of a wedding you can do these things on your own time. People can also easily go up to you when it’s convenient for both of you.
‘WHAT DO I GET’ EXPECTATIONS. For some reason, and I don’t know why, when it comes to weddings many people think, ‘What are they going to offer us? What is the food that will be served? Will there be a cake, cookies, chocolate fountain or all of the above?’ When it comes to parties, people tend not to think that as much. Remember folks, if you are attending a wedding it is to celebrate the guests of honor and witness their union. Why does it have to be all about the hors d’ oeuvres, speeches, and dances?
TIME. Parties can either be short- or long-lived. Weddings typically have a formal cocktail hour, dinner, dessert, and then dance time. If the couple doesn’t like living life on a schedule, then have a party where they can do anything and everything they want. If you are paying for a venue, then the owners typically charge an hourly rate to some extent based on their contracts. You will still have a set time but won’t have people telling you what to do and when to do it. For example, cake cutting time or participating in the garter toss!
ATTIRE. Getting dressed up in a beautiful gown and fancy tuxedo may seem appealing to some people, but not everyone. If you are having a party instead of a wedding, then you can opt out of formal attire altogether. You do not have to wait for months for your wedding dress to arrive, nor do you have to pay thousands for it. There are many beautiful dresses and suits at a store like Macys for instance!
All in all, a wedding can be what you make it to be. It does not have to follow tradition, nor does it have to be something swept under the rug and not celebrated. You can make it as special as you want it to be whether you are under the spotlight or not! I hope that my 8 reasons for having a party instead of a wedding has given you some food for thought.
Check out the rest of my event planning blogs for more thoughts and inspiration.
