Any tips for a small family wedding?

Ok, here goes. I've been married for 9 months now (happily!) and had a fantastic day. We had a relatively small wedding with about 50 guests during the day and maybe going up to 80 at night. We're both 30 years old and know that a big fairytale wedding plays second fiddle to a secure home and family! My mums idea (which we both thought was excellent) was to have the guests arriving while a harpist was playing background music. I know this sounds corny but everyone commented on how nice and relaxed the atmosphere was when they came in. There was no need for introductions from the wedding party as everyone got into the spirit of things as soon as they arrived.

I'd highly recommend this idea as everyone said it was a memorable day (including me and the wife!!)

Hope this helps

I think you should do what you want, to make your day special.

Is there any friend, family member, or even someone connected with the VFW, that could act as an emcee? You could have a schedule set up ahead of time. The person would greet guests, and direct them to the appetizers, drinks, etc. Let guests mingle for about a half hour. Then let this person announce the start of the ceremony. Ask guests to either be seated, or stand in a designated area (whatever you are planning). You could then enter.

I would save the greeting of guests until after the actual ceremony. You can create a small aisle to walk down. I don't know how your room will be set up but at our local VFW there are a couple side rooms (dart or pool room) maybe you can hang some curtains and then you walk out of that room when it's time for the ceremony. Just do the ceremony 15 minutes or so after all the guests arrive then there will be plenty of time for meet and greet.

The whole point is to walk down the isle, do it. I don't know how much mingling you want before the ceremony, but I think so not go out for your groom to see you before the ceremony. It's a surprise. Enjoy

The idea of you mingling before the wedding may seem like a good idea to you, but I am sure guests are not used to that. Generally brides appear at the start of the wedding, upon seeing you they may think they missed the ceremony, and you will be pestered by people who think they arrived too late.

Well for a start, I don't think 50-75 is a small wedding ceremony!!

Anyway, what's wrong with walking down the aisle to start the proceedings, or you could play a specific song that will show that you are going to start things off.

I don't think you should greet your guests at the start (it's not a funeral)

No you should not be there to meet your guest.You should have a Host there doing that you and your husband will have plenty of time to mingle. And yes you should walk down the isle formal or informal. This is you're special day .. It does' nt matter that it is your second time around.

nothing baby should stop you from your walk down the isle right. it's stated in the first amendment isn't it? so let go of the mingling part and engage your fiance and brides maid to do it in your place. you can have your big entrance without boring the crowds.