Quick Reception Question

rodeo417

I have reviewed other post and am kinda confused on this... Is it ok to replace a sit down dinner/buffet with heavy hors d'oeuvres and a couple of action stations instead? We are looking at having the ceremony start at 2PM and following it would be food and celebrations. The ceremony and reception is in the same location. I was going to plan to have 15-20 heavy items pp to eat... Is this ok? Also is it still ok if started the reception at  5PM also.. The last question has money on it between my mom and I. I think it's ok since its not light hor d'oeuvres and there are also action stations... She said I must have a plated dinner... Who is right?

lyndausvi

Yes it is okay to have heavy apps and action stations, because it can be concerned a full meal.  A lot of people prefer that type of reception.

As far as your timing, I'm confused.  A 2 pm ceremony would only last an hour, right?  So I think 5pm would be a long wait, especially if it's at the same location.

But starting that type of reception at 5pm is fine, because again there is enough food to be called dinner.

rodeo417

sorry for the confusion... If the ceremony started at 2PM then reception would start at 3-30pm....well right after the ceremony... I am just happy I won $20 bucks from my mom!!! Heavy apps and action stations it is!!!!

Lasairiona

15-20 pieces per person is what you serve when you have a cocktail hour in place of dinner. A plated meal is actually the equivalent of 6-8 heavy appetizers per person. That menu is perfectly acceptable for a dinner reception. While many people consider that a little early in the day for dinner, they should be filled up so that they don't go home hungry at all, and if they do, that's their own fault. What you have planned sounds great and definitely appropriate.

Catwoman708

I'm a little confused also. 

If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, a 2+ hour gap is a pretty long time to keep guests occupied.  If they get bored or hungry, they will leave. 

If you start cocktails and appetizers right after the ceremony, it will keep them around, but by the time the 5:00 receptions starts, they might already be "partied out" and ready to leave. 

And yes, heavy appetizers, either passed around, or a finger food/appetizer buffet, in place of a meal is acceptable. 

If this is a hotel type venue where most guests will also be staying, then they will have a place to go before the reception.  Just start the reception when you want to start the reception.  Maybe start the cocktail hour  at 4 pm, with cocktails and light appetizers, heavier appetizer to start when you arrive at 5 pm. 

But otherwise, I'd suggest narrowing the gap between ceremony and reception to about an hour if at all possible.  It doesn't matter if the ceremony starts later, or the reception starts earlier as long as there is food and drink.  You can't expect the guests to wait around for hours.  Some people just don't have the stamina to last more that a few hours.

For a 2 pm wedding, 2 hour gap, reception at 5, running until 7-9 pm?  That means guests have to leave in time to get there by 2, and might not get home until 8-9 pm.  That's a long day for many people, longer that many people spend at work each day.

*Edited to add:  I see where you are planning on starting the reception at 3:00-3:30, which is much more preferable than starting at 5. 

gottahavashorti

The amount of food you plan to have is equivalent to a full meal, so you can have your event whenever you want.  A plated dinner isn't a must.