Hi all, I am having a small wedding in June 2014, away from home (but not abroad) followed by, at a later date, an informal party for friends and family. Best part is wearing the dress twice 
Really struggling to find a venue to do this – originally wanted to find an inexpensive venue that could host a daytime BBQ or hog roast for approx. 125 people but everywhere seems to only want to do a proper wedding breakfast plus evening event and charge £’s. I have a budget of around £3k for the party, possibly a bit more but really struggling to find anywhere in Bucks or Beds. Alternative is to have an evening disco with either BBQ/hog roast or buffet but an evening “do” appeals to me less.
Has anyone organised similar? I really don’t want a formal reception – so no speeches or first dance. We will have a cake but no formal photographer at the party (we have proper photographer for the ceremony, but will just ask friends to take pics at the party).
If we can find a daytime location do you think we need to have any entertainment? If so what? A disco wouldn’t work in the day but not sure about a band either?
Drinks – should we provide wine/beer/soft drinks ourselves or have a venue with a cash bar, or should we put money behind the bar? I know at an ordinary evening do after a normal daytime reception the usual is to have a cash bar, but not sure if this would feel harsh as we have no formal wedding reception part?
I have the dress ordered, we have given notice and have the ceremony booked and photographer booked. I have ideas for hair and flowers, so that part is all sorted. It’s the party that is proving the hard bit and that is the bit that is meant to be fun and informal!
