I met my wife to be at our church where she was Director of Religious Ed when I volunteered to teach Confirmation teens classes. She decided we would invite our friends and family to a 5:30 Sunday Mass where we were married after the Liturgy. Reception in the hall followed where anyone attending Mass was invited for food (home cooked), drinks, music (youth ministry band) and fun. “Candy bar” for the kids. Around 300 people and everyone had a blast. Didn’t set us back that much either even with the open bar. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. :)
One of the leaders of our teen choir just had a very similar wedding. (One of my daughters was a soloist.)
I LIKE the “Candy Bar” idea. I will have to add that to my list of children’s ideas for our church.
We normally do the Children’s programs and my adult daughter runs the puppet ministry.