"Casual" Evening Reception

Schnoodle500

Hello,

I am having a sunset beach wedding (at sunset due to the heat and the beauty of the sunset), so therefore am having an evening reception (outdoors).

It is going to be small (less than 50 people), and we are on a tight budget. We would like to keep things more casual. We are thinking of meat/cheese/fruit/veggie tray appetizers and a sandwhich/sub tray for the main course of the buffet. So basically, there is not really going to be hot food. For beverages, we are thinking of doing open coolers with canned/bottled beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Do you think this is too casual for an evening reception? If you were a guest (particularly one who traveled a long way to attend), what would your thoughts be? Do you foresee any issues?

Thanks in advance!

hischelseababy

I'm doing the same thing at my reception. We're also adding small finger foods like deviled eggs, armadillo eggs, and lil smokies. Plus chips and mac and cheese.

cmp1986

I think it's fine. Just make sure your invite sets the theme of casual. This way your guests know not expect a whole 3 course meal.

rascal17

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_casual-evening-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:c9ab5177-b805-4b90-a215-8451d5b79d6ePost:fd142311-9f4b-4069-becd-7bf07ea16cf5">Re: "Casual" Evening Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's fine. Just make sure your invite sets the theme of casual. This way your guests know not expect a whole 3 course meal.
Posted by cmp1986[/QUOTE]

<div>this.</div>

NOLAbridealmost

I agree with Mrs. Jesse.  I think you could get away with this light fare at 2 or 3 in the afternoon, but you've basically got to offer a meal for something in the evening hours.  You can do heavy appetizers, but cheese, veggies, and sandwiches doesn't reach the heavy apps level.  I'd be disappointed if it was just a local wedding. I'd be pretty ticked off I had traveled for it.  

Have you looked into BBQ? You can do a full dinner for very reasonable prices at most BBQ restaurants. Many of them will cater. 

jhedge

I'm doing something similar at my wedding, only instead of cold sandwiches we are doing pulled pork and making it like a backyard casual bbq. I think that's a great idea.

valbeil

If I was a guest and I was out in that heat the last thing I would want is hot food as well. I would want something fresh and cool. Just my opinion.
And if you have guests coming from out of town they are willing to go because they want to be a part of one of the most special days in your life. They should understand that you are working with a budget.
Good luck sweetheart!

browneyedgirl1972

I agree...it's your wedding, do what makes you and your future husband happy! We're having a casual outdoor wedding too, around 5:00 in the evening. We are trying to keep things as simple as possible, and do either pulled pork or chopped brisket, and make most of the side dishes ourselves. Most of our guests know we're on a tight budget, and just want to celebrate with us. I"m sure no matter what, you'll have a beautiful wedding...it's ok to break from tradition