Is an afternoon tea okay for a reception?

Murfle11

Personally, I never liked wedding food. Every wedding I've ever been to, the food has been kinda effing nasty. I don't want to pay a caterer $15 per person for disgusting food that makes the WP and guests feel bloated and like it's time for a nap. 

That being said, is having a "tea time" reception okay? I would have some heavier things for the people that need protein and are just hungry (because seriously, I know people have come from far and wide to watch you say your vows and break a plate, so I don't want them going to Taco Bell afterwards!!). Anywho... I know that most people expect more of a meal, but on top of it being expensive, it's gross. My grandmother (English background) has some very tasty recipes and her friends have offered to help with the preparations, but I don't want friends to have to be cooking instead of enjoying the wedding. So now we've come full circle. Help?

Muffin'sMom

I think an afternoon tea reception would be lovely.  There are caterers, tea shops, pastry shops who can get you what you need for a nice spread.  It will, however, have a different vibe.  If you are looking for the big party, dance the night away atmosphere...this probably won't work.

SD3194

An AFTERNOON tea party would be fine but you need to serve a meal if you plan on having your reception around dinner time.

Magdala9

Afternoon tea weddings are fairly common.  The invitation needs to spell out that it is a tea reception so that your guests know what to expect.   Generally the tea receptions are timed to start mid afternoon. 

CassieeK

Just lovely!

arrabelle

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_afternoon-tea-okay-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:05c5ca2f-8120-4dbd-8b88-ef0428a3f88cPost:770aaa19-5a2b-4b49-8ee3-28a73c33e0b6">Is an afternoon tea okay for a reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]Personally, I never liked wedding food. Every wedding I've ever been to, the food has been kinda effing nasty. I don't want to pay a caterer $15 per person for disgusting food that makes the WP and guests feel bloated and like it's time for a nap.  That being said, is having a "tea time" reception okay? I would have some heavier things for the people that need protein and are just hungry (because seriously, I know people have come from far and wide to watch you say your vows and break a plate, so I don't want them going to Taco Bell afterwards!!). Anywho... I know that most people expect more of a meal, but on top of it being expensive, it's gross. My grandmother (English background) has some very tasty recipes and her friends have offered to help with the preparations, but I don't want friends to have to be cooking instead of enjoying the wedding. So now we've come full circle. Help?
Posted by Murfle11[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>this is funny. i totally went to taco bell after my cousin's wedding!  mostly because i was tipsy, i don't remember what their food was like.</div><div>
</div><div>agree with pp's, tea time reception is beautiful!  but only if it's actually tea time.  if you are doing an afternoon reception you could do a mimosa or bloody mary bar, finger sandwiches, maybe a crepe station, croissants, cheese, fruit, pasta salad....???</div><div>
</div><div>if you just hate "wedding food" but you want a dinnertime/evening party you could do different things like a pasta station, mac & cheese station, baked potato station...???  i would LOVE a mac & cheese station but FI is lactose intolerant, so that would be bad.</div><div>
</div><div>good luck!

</div>

PinkGold&Roses

An afternoon tea reception sounds really nice maybe have some little sandwiches, soups, cheeses, crackers, meat?, lots of desserts, pastries, and tons of yummy stuff and they will get filled up!  Also besides regular tea you could have some yummy flavored ice teas, flavored coffee/lattes, some fruity alcoholic beverages, like spiked ice tea, and wine.