In order to include mom and dad's guests without having a supercrowded wedding with strangers, I proposed a separate banquet for all of their guests on the Sunday after the wedding. However, my mom is thinking it'd be better to knock it all out in one day. Is it too crazy to do something like a tea ceremony, then family friends lunch, small ceremony and then small reception? The only thing somewhat locked in for time is ceremony at 5pm. Has anyone done something similar before that can offer suggestions? I realize it'll be a lot in one day, but then again maybe I'll be running off the adrenaline anyway...?

It's a lot in one day but I'm sure you can do it! What time were you thinking of having the tea ceremony and lunch? How many hours before the ceremony?

It's definitely been done before but it's extremely tiring for everyone. I remembered being at my cousins house before 7am to get hair and makeup done prior to the tea ceremony.

Things you will need to note,

1. it will be a 12+ hour day for most of your vendors. You might have to pay overtime depending on your contract.

2. you won't have time to take pics with bridal party, etc.

3. you really need to be on the ball with time management.

4. You may need to hire/get friends to help set up and clean up as you rush to the next location.

5. You need to allocate time for hair/makeup

What we're doing is breaking it up in 2 days.

I did that all in one day. It can be done, but it's hectic and tiring.

This was my schedule:

• 6:30am - hair/makeup and getting ready for Viet ceremonies
• 11:00am - 1st tea ceremony (bride's house) + family photos
  
• 12:30pm - 2nd tea ceremony (groom's house) + family photos
  
• 1:30pm - lunch for both sides of family (>100ppl)
• 2:30-4:00 - change into gown/tuxes and take photos
• 4:30pm- Western ceremony
• 5-530pm - bridal party photos, while guests had hors d'ouerves
• 6:00pm - doors open at Restaurant
  
• 6:30-11:30pm - reception for 300 guests.

Sooo..yea. long long day. If you could break it, up it'd probably be more enjoyable. When it comes to the vendors, you'd have to pay overtime for the long long day, BUT if you want professional photos and what not for the Sunday reception, you'd have to pay a lot too.

Let me know if you have any questions!

I also did it all in one day. My day started with getting up at 4:30 AM for hair and make-up and ended at midnight. It was a very tiring day but I cannot imagine extending my wedding day to the day after. You will be just glad and happy once the day is over and not having to stress out over the planning anymore the next morning. :-)

And I agree with the other girls here. You may be able ti enjoy it more if you split up the wedding into two days but it will be more expensive as well if you had to pay some vendors to show up the next day too.