I’m starting to believe that the details of wedding planning are as hush-hush as a pregnant woman’s intermittent fearful thoughts of becoming a mother. Everyone is always so vocal about how wonderful and exciting it is to plan a wedding (or to have a baby), despite the typical hardships. I am going to break the silence, “this is crazy stressful.” The difference might land in how much money you have at your disposal. I assume that the amount of money you have available for spending is negatively correlated with the amount of stress you experience while planning. Although, I also see how that statement can be naive. Women are completely capable of stressing themselves out regardless of socioeconomic status. Thus, the conflict at hand is whether to have a sit down dinner or a cocktail style reception.
I am learning that the cocktail hour is significantly cheaper, but does it feel cheap? Do I even worry about other people’s expectations? Everyone keeps repeating, “This is your wedding, do what you want!” Have we all forgotten that our actions affect other people? I am struggling to find the balance of doing what I want, but not being too selfish, and not leading ourselves into debt. So we arrive again at what to do about the reception. I think my friends are extremely talented at mingling and socializing with a drink in their hand. It’s not them I am worried about. What about the older generations? Would they be silently disappointed or dissatisfied when attending a “wedding reception happy (four) hour?”
I must admit, I feel hesitation around the idea of a cocktail style reception, but I am unable to define why it seems inadequate. I need to remind myself that my personal repetitive experiences of sit down dinner receptions are not the only way to have a party. In favor the cocktail wedding reception, some of the hors d’oeuvres offered by catering companies are incredibly elegant and romantic, but half the price! The more I read about others successes of cocktail receptions the more acquainted and comfortable I am with the idea. My checkbook and savings is also shouting Hooray.
This is my stamp of approval on Cocktail Wedding Receptions. They make more sense to the frugal wedding planner.
