How to Manage the Reception and MC Duties? Tips and Flow for a Small or Family Wedding

Family and Relatives Only Weddings

Unlike traditional weddings where many colleagues and friends are invited, family weddings are ceremonies and receptions held exclusively with close relatives and family members.

These intimate, homey weddings are chosen by couples who feel that a small and cozy celebration is more true to themselves than a flashy and lavish event.

It's also common to hold the wedding in either one of the couple's hometowns or at a resort.♡

How is a Family or Small Wedding Different from a Traditional Wedding?

For brides planning a family or small wedding, a key concern is "what changes should we make compared to a traditional wedding?"

With fewer guests, most of whom are family and relatives, the flow and content naturally differ from a larger banquet attended by 60 to 80 people.

This article explores the differences between family and small weddings and larger weddings, addressing points of interest.♡

Do You Need a Reception for a Family or Small Wedding?

This involves asking guests to sign a guest book and collecting gifts.

In a large wedding, it's typical to have two friends from both the groom's and bride's sides help with the reception, totaling four people.

However, in a small wedding, it is more common to ask just two friends for assistance.

(Since there is usually a family introduction, asking relatives to help with reception duties is often not feasible.)

It seems that some couples opt to have one representative from each side, while others might ask two friends from one side.

In weddings with only relatives, it's also possible to skip the reception altogether.

☑ If you have declined gifts in advance

☑ If you have already received gifts from all participants

☑ If relatives do not require signing a guest book

☑ If there are no items to hand out such as a seating chart

then it's perfectly fine to forgo the reception.

What is the Going Rate for Gifts in a Family or Small Wedding?

Even in family or small weddings, it is common to follow a gift-giving system similar to larger weddings.

The going rate for gifts from relatives is typically higher than that of friends (30,000 yen), ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 yen.

Given the higher value of gifts, it is courteous to provide nice return gifts.

Additionally, if a significantly large gift is received, it is essential to send a thank-you gift back.

Should You Hire a Master of Ceremonies?

For a large wedding reception, having a professional master of ceremonies to facilitate the event is essential.

The fee for a master of ceremonies is usually between 50,000 to 100,000 yen, regardless of guest count. For weddings with less than 30 attendees, deciding whether or not to hire one can be challenging.

According to experiences shared by previous brides,

☑ If there are senior guests, such as bosses from work

☑ If you want a formal atmosphere even in a small setting

☑ If you are anxious about the event flow and want to leave it to a master of ceremonies

they tend to hire someone.

Conversely,

☑ If the main activity is chatting and there are few moments that require formal hosting

☑ If you want an at-home atmosphere

☑ If you have a relative who can act as the master of ceremonies

some brides choose to proceed without one.♩

This article shares experiences from brides who opted not to hire a master of ceremonies for their family or small weddings, so feel free to check it out.

➡ What Should You Do If You Don't Hire a Master of Ceremonies for a Small or Family Wedding?

Is a Head Table Necessary?

In a large banquet hall, the main couple usually sits at an elaborate head table...

However, in smaller family weddings, sometimes a head table is not provided.

You might arrange a buffet-style setting with a table where guests can join you, or move around to dine with guests.

Being able to chat leisurely with all participants is truly the charm of family and small weddings, so many couples choose not to set up a head table and enjoy conversations with guests at the same level.

Who Gives the Toast at a Family or Small Wedding?

The initial program of the reception consists of greetings and the toast.

In a larger wedding, it is common for guests such as company superiors or mentors to give this, but in a small wedding, there may not be any honorary guests present.

For family or small weddings, the toast is commonly given by

☑ An older relative (such as an uncle)

☑ The groom's father or brother (or the bride's father or brother)

☑ The groom

However, guests other than these can also do the toast. A simple greeting can be made before raising a cheerful toast.♡

@china_y0924

Will There Be Entertainment?

The question of whether to include entertainment during a family or small wedding can be a deliberation as well.

While friends of the couple usually provide entertainment at larger weddings, this may prove challenging in a family-centric small wedding.

Therefore, it's advisable to consider alternatives such as

☑ Showing a thank-you video

☑ Extending the time for table rounds

☑ The couple and guests showcasing their special skills

to keep the energy lively.♩

For additional creative ideas on hosting a wedding reception without entertainment, this article offers some suggestions.

➡ Satisfaction Guaranteed Even Without Entertainment: A Summary of Engaging Activities for a Wedding Reception Without Entertainment

What About Cake Cutting and Outfit Changes?

Cake cutting and outfit changes are common features in standard receptions.

In a more dining-like setting, these may not be performed often, but it's perfectly fine to include them.

Since there are various types of performances related to wedding cakes, incorporating them can add structure to the flow of the event if there isn’t any entertainment.◎

➡ 9 Types of Performances Involving Wedding Cakes

@k_wedding_k

As for outfit changes, it’s not uncommon for family to request that the couple not only wear dresses but also traditional clothing. It might be a good idea to discuss this with your family.♩

Let’s Create a Wonderful Family or Small Wedding

This article covered family or small wedding receptions that focus on relatives.

Being surrounded by loved ones during your wedding makes for cherished memories.

May your special day be wonderful, uniquely suited to family and small weddings.♡

Additionally, this article reports on the charm of family and small weddings from the perspective of those who have experienced them.

➡【Wedding Report from a Graduate】Reasons for Choosing a Family Wedding with Just Relatives and Its Unique Charm Afterward♡

@wakana522