Can You Have a Wedding Reception Without a Program? Here’s What Wedding Planners Think!

What if you don’t like to do a first dance during your reception? What if you also don’t like games? Then, maybe a no-program reception is for you! Some couples have specific wants for their wedding reception, and sometimes a program flow is not one of them. If you find yourself being one of those couples, you may be wondering how you can make a reception without a program work. What exactly is it about? When should you go for it? And how can you pull it off? We interviewed four wedding planners who have experience with no program wedding receptions, and they shared important points that you’ll want to take note of. Read on.

Unlike the usual reception program where there is a sequence of events, a no-program reception is almost quite the opposite of it. It means that you’re taking parts of the reception away.

For me, a no-program reception is minimal to no program. This is usually for couples that want a low key and intimate celebration. It’s more of an informal gathering. It’s really something that is different, and you know, more and more couples like to do.”
-Amanda Tirol, Events by Amanda Tirol

“It’s really similar to family lunches where you don’t really have speeches, there are no games. It’s really just a free-flowing conversation with one another. So I guess, in terms of no program, hindi naman siya walang nangyayari talaga. It’s just very relaxed.”
– Kam Tolentino, The Weekend Planner

“I don’t really equate no program with no content at all. For me, when you say no program, wala masyadong all the other extras but it should have the essentials.”
– Jets and Rhona, Canaan Celebrations by Jets & Rhona

When should you go for a no-program reception?

If the idea of not having a program has recently crossed your mind, you have to know that there are certain things that you need to consider: Your personality, your venue, and even your family sometimes!

“I would say, it’s been a perfect fit for our clients who are a bit more introverted, because they really don’t like having the limelight, ‘di ba. So doon, naging rest nila yung reception. Like, not all eyes are on us but we’re with everyone.”
– Kam Tolentino, The Weekend Planner

“Minsan the venue becomes a factor, the space. And for how long the venue is allotted for the program or the event itself. So, if nagmamatter sa couple na may after-party sila, then a no program will be more appropriate for them.”
– Jets and Rhona, Canaan Celebrations by Jets & Rhona

“If it suits your personality and both of you as a couple agree to it, then it’s not a problem. You and your soon-to-be spouse have to get along and both want it.”
– Amanda Tirol, Events by Amanda Tirol

What are the advantages of a no-program reception?

There’s a reason why not having a reception program is becoming a thing recently! Everybody including the couple, gets to have fun without following an order of events. Sounds really interesting, right?

“It’s more organic, it’s natural. You have more time to listen to the speeches, usually we just limit the speeches to 3-5 minutes, but now it’s just free flowing. So, there’s no pressure pala.”
– Jets and Rhona, Canaan Celebrations by Jets & Rhona

“The pros of it is for someone who doesn’t really like the attention to them, it works great. It doesn’t feel like you were pressured into anything, you don’t feel socially drained.”
– Kam, The Weekend Planner

“To be honest,  I think these kinds of weddings are fun and more memorable because people are invited to dance and have fun, than just watch a program going on in front.”
– Aiza, Not Just a Box Events

When is a no-program reception not suitable for you?

While more and more couples opt for a no-program reception, sad to say, it’s actually not for everyone. Ask yourself if this is feasible for your type of wedding. The last thing you’ll want to do is to not have a reception program only because it’s a trend!

If you are doing a large wedding with 150, 200 – 750 guests or more, then a sort of program would be appropriate with a bit of intermission numbers.”
– Aiza, Not Just a Box Events

“Not suitable siya kung may mga SDEs ka. You definitely need a program kasi you want to have a recap of everything that transpired during the day. Pag wala ka kasing program there’s a tendency na mamaya wala ng tao after it’s edited.”
–  Jets and Rhona, Canaan Celebrations by Jets & Rhona

“If you and your family like traditions. You know how we are as Filipinos, we like the father-daughter dance, or the parents to speak, and a money dance too. So, if you’re very traditional and you want a no-program reception, it’s really not suitable for you.”
– Amanda Tirol, Events by Amanda Tirol

What are the disadvantages of a no-program reception?

The downside of not having a reception program is that you’re actually stripping a tradition away. It means that you’re going in a different direction and not everyone is used to that! However, it’s really just about weighing the pros and cons, and going for something that you feel strongly about.

“There might be sensitivity issues within the families. Either the bride or groom’s side, if they’re not very receptive to that, you’re gonna hurt somebody’s feelings.”
– Amanda Tirol, Events by Amanda Tirol

“If you have guests who are a little bit traditional, you could probably hear something from them. So, it’s more about the guests sometimes.”
– Kam, The Weekend Planner

“It’s not for everyone. Couples have to discuss between themselves what they want and what they don’t want. Baka kasi may mga extra silang gustong gawin pero hindi na fit kasi wala ngang program.”
– Jets and Rhona, Canaan Celebrations by Jets & Rhona

If you reached this point, you’re probably really keen about having a no-program reception. Make sure to take note of these tips from wedding planners themselves!

“You can easily get away with it if your ceremony and reception is at one venue. That way, it feels more fluid. You also have to invest in your food. If the food is not good, it’s gonna be such a bad wedding experience. Baka ‘yan pa yung pag usapan ng mga tao more than your no-program reception.”
– Kam, The Weekend Planner

“You know, you can do something minimal. The couple we had just spoke to everyone saying, ‘just letting you know that this is something we’d like. Just enjoy and have fun! The stations are there, eat whenever you want.’ Also, talk to your families ahead of time and tell them what to expect.”
– Amanda Tirol, Events by Amanda Tirol

“Have a really good cue system in place and flawlessly execute it. When I first meet a couple who makes it clear on the first meeting that they only want everyone to party after dinner, I would immediately present the cue system.”
– Aiza, Not Just a Box Events

Tagged: / /

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.