7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?

gupsmom

Ok, Original post has been changed.

1st, there is NO wedding before the reception/open house/get together (whatever you want to label it). We are having a private ceremony a few weeks before. 

2nd, this is a 2nd wedding for both of us and only family & close friends will be there.  I expect around 75 at most. 

3rd, it's very casual- more of an "open house" situation rather than a traditional reception.  I don't expect people to stay all evening but come in & out.  

So again, thanks for all your help, ideas & opinions!

bsn1752

7 pm is dinner time... I would probably expect a meal.

Can you do heavy, warm apps?  Something where everyone can sit down?

I honestly think that serving dinner is the best bet.

aegrish

What to serve? DINNER. 7pm is DINNER time.  If you are having a late ceremony/reception, cake and punch is not appropriate!  Think about it, your guests will be starving!  Even app's probably won't tide people over until the next morning, and they will likely leave early to go have dinner somewhere. Is bbq'ing an option? If not, move the reception time back to mid afternoon.  People will be expecting dinner otherwise.

J&K10910

If you want to do apps, they need to be hot, heavy, and enough to constitute a meal for a 7pm reception.  If you wanted to do something lighter, I suggest pushing your reception time back to 8.

twilight.rose

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:f510a4df-8a2f-4087-a408-e5030bf029e8">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]If you want to do apps, they need to be hot, heavy, and enough to constitute a meal for a 7pm reception.  If you wanted to do something lighter, I suggest pushing your reception time back to 8.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

This.

kristinanddan

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:f510a4df-8a2f-4087-a408-e5030bf029e8">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]If you want to do apps, they need to be hot, heavy, and enough to constitute a meal for a 7pm reception.  If you wanted to do something lighter, I suggest pushing your reception time back to 8.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

I also totally agree with this. I expect to get dinner at a 7pm reception.

bbrown185

I would say that serving a meal would be best at 7pm.  That is right in the middle of dinner time and people will be starving.  Even something as simple as spaghetti and meatballs, with garlic bread and salad would work just fine and be economical. Then cake and punch with that a voila you have done it.

MyNameIsNot

7:00 is prime time for dinner.  You need to serve a full meal, one way or the other.

If you're going casual, open house style, how about a cook out or BBQ?

jessicabessica

I agree with everyone.  Full meal with enough seating for everyone.  You don't have to do a formal, sit down dinner, but you should have enough food that people can eat a full dinner at the party.  I don't think you need tables and chairs to go around, but you should have somewhere for people to sit to eat (I would be fine sitting on a couch while eating if the food wasn't too involved).  I actually think stations could work really well for this format--people could graze or have a big plate of food--and it would keep people up and mingling.  You could have one table of pizzas with gourmet toppings, one table with make-your-own salad fixings, some pasta dishes, etc. 

GoodLuckBear14

I answered this on the food and cake board.  For future reference, please put a XP before the title of a post that you place on more than one board.

aegrish

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:4a36c71e-457e-4a6f-b0b1-97df3151a9b9">7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok, Original post has been changed. <strong>1st, there is NO wedding before the reception/open house/get together (whatever you want to label it). We are having a private ceremony a few weeks before.  2nd, this is a 2nd wedding for both of us and only family & close friends will be there.  I expect around 75 at most.  3rd, it's very casual- more of an "open house" situation rather than a traditional reception.  I don't expect people to stay all evening but come in & out.</strong>   So again, thanks for all your help, ideas & opinions!
Posted by gupsmom[/QUOTE]

none of these ammendments to the OP would change my answer.  You are still hosting people in honor of your wedding.  You should do it right and have heavy heavy apps at 7pm, or cake and punch earlier, or just not do it at all and celebrate with those that are coming to the 'private' ceremony. 

tenofcups4me

I didn't get to see your original post so it's not clear to me if your reception is at home or out. In either case, I do think you can get away with heavy apps, the same as any other party at that time (given that there's no ceremony before to cross over that traditional dinner hour). I'm not really sure what your question is -- are you looking for apps ideas?

(FWIW, my ceremony was at 7 and we had a cocktail hour and then full dinner afterwards, which is what I'd typically expect. I guess I'm reading this thinking that you're having the reception at home and that it's essentially more of a party than a typical reception. In that scenario, I'd do heavy apps. If it's out, you could do either heavy apps or a full meal. )

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:1249f62c-8829-42aa-bb91-e9d7de446ba1">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]7 pm is dinner time... I would probably expect a meal. Can you do heavy, warm apps?  Something where everyone can sit down? I honestly think that serving dinner is the best bet.
Posted by bsn1752[/QUOTE]

Even though you changed your original post, I still stand by my answer.  7 pm is dinner.

SuMmErKuTiE

Our ceremony was at 7:00 and cocktail hour was at 7:30 which meant our reception didn't begin until after 8:30 and we still served a full dinner. If your reception is at 7:00 it's definitely dinner time, and as a guest I'd expect at least heavy apps. If you don't go this route, make sure it's very clear on the invitations that it's just a light apps or cake and champagne/punch reception so they'll know to eat beforehand.

J&K10910

There's nothing wrong with doing apps, especially with a more casual, open-house type of affair.

BUT there is a RIGHT WAY to do apps at 7pm and a wrong way.  The wrong way would be to serve chips and dip and cheese and crackers.  The right way would be to serve mini sandwiches, bbq, meatballs, quesadilla pieces, bacon wrapped dates, whatever (all examples, not the exact things you should serve), and enough of it for each person to have enough to fill them up as a meal would.  So all we're doing is giving you suggestions on serving the right kinds of apps for your 7pm reception.

If I went to a party at 7pm, and all that was offered to me for food was light, mostly cold apps, I would stay for an hour tops before my stomach was eating itself and I turned into a raging bitch and had to leave. 

J&K10910

Also, it makes no difference if there is a ceremony before or not.  7pm is still dinner time for many people.  If you want to do lighter apps or cake and punch, that's absolutely fine.  But if you do it at 7pm, people are giong to be hungry, and they're going to leave.  Having it later, or earlier in the afternoon would be the best choice then.

gupsmom

Thanks for all the responses!  I'm doing mostly hot apps with a few cold such as mini subs.  Chips & Dip wasn't even a thought.    I'm going to be there, and I don't want to starve myself so there will be plenty to go around. 

Thanks again everyone, you've been most helpful!

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:6e3fb0d1-d940-44b1-a9ca-0548bac13ed6">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for all the responses!  I'm doing mostly hot apps with a few cold such as mini subs.  Chips & Dip wasn't even a thought.  :)  I'm going to be there, and I don't want to starve myself so there will be plenty to go around.  Thanks again everyone, you've been most helpful!
Posted by gupsmom[/QUOTE]

That sounds fine then!  Just make sure you enough for everyone to have 8-10 "pieces" and you're set. 

bltata

I definitely think that you need enough food to constitute a meal.  Lots of grocery stores allow you to order large trays of pasta or chicken, along with salads and bread, that could be placed out, along with some finger foods.  Since this is similar to an open house and not a traditional reception, think of what you would find at a large holiday party or graduation party.  Something similar to that would be appropriate, in my opinion.

cherylnicholas

I think most people that posted "Dinner!" are first time brides..... As a fellow second bride I think you can do whatever feels right to you. Your guest will be aware that this is an open house style reception. I dont think that a full meal is expected unless you are having a formal reception. I think apps and a fun dessert buffet! The second time around is so much more fun..... You really get to do it for you. There's no traditions that HAVE to be followed and everything is much more comfortable and casual!  GOOD LUCK! (my wedding is the same weekend as your's!)

gupsmom

Cheryl - thanks for understanding!  Yes, I agree most posters are 1st time brides and 2nd time around is a bit different.  Whew, someone understands!!!   I know my "crowd" and what they expect or rather expect from me, which is very casual; I  don't think they're expecting a full meal. Besides,  it's an "annoucment" that we're sending out asking to come celebrate and by no means formal invitation.  I did address the food in the annoucment as an "apps menu".  

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:bc157d77-8163-489c-aacd-11d26aca908b">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think most people that posted "Dinner!" are first time brides..... As a fellow second bride I think you can do whatever feels right to you. Your guest will be aware that this is an open house style reception. I dont think that a full meal is expected unless you are having a formal reception. I think apps and a fun dessert buffet! The second time around is so much more fun..... You really get to do it for you. <strong>There's no traditions that HAVE to be followed and everything is much more comfortable and casual!</strong>  GOOD LUCK! (my wedding is the same weekend as your's!)
Posted by cherylnicholas[/QUOTE]

It's not a "tradition", it's <strong>dinner</strong> time.

It has nothing to do with first or second time brides either.

katieisawesome

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:1249f62c-8829-42aa-bb91-e9d7de446ba1">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]7 pm is dinner time... I would probably expect a meal. Can you do heavy, warm apps?  Something where everyone can sit down? I honestly think that serving dinner is the best bet.
Posted by bsn1752[/QUOTE]

<div>Likewise.  Especially on a weekend - this is probably the earliest I would eat dinner and I'm not night owl party animal.</div>

gupsmom

All I can do is smile and be thankful each of us can have our own opinions, ideas and voice them.   Have a great day everyone!

J&K10910

No one is trying to say she can't do apps.  They're trying to say that there is a right way to do it, at DINNER TIME.

And whether or not you're a 1st, 2nd, or 15th time bride, properly hosting your guests is a requirement. 

(gupsmom, like I said before, I think your plan is fine as long as you have ENOUGH of your apps, this is directed at cheryl).

bsn1752

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_7pm-reception-serve-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:ea65843f-8241-4052-be99-a3e15d1bd3e9Post:6645284c-b1d6-44d0-a2c6-8087bbca8468">Re: 7pm reception; what to serve? Ideas?</a>:
[QUOTE]No one is trying to say she can't do apps.  They're trying to say that there is a right way to do it, at DINNER TIME. And whether or not you're a 1st, 2nd, or 15th time bride, properly hosting your guests is a requirement.  (gupsmom, like I said before, I think your plan is fine as long as you have ENOUGH of your apps, this is directed at cheryl).
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Cosigned, me

Also, yes we all have our ideas, but I think the resounding consensus is that 7 pm is dinner time (even if it's your 18th wedding...  7 pm is dinner time).  As J&K said, heavy apps are just fine - just please be a kind hostess and actually host your guests (with food).

hamilton00

You have yo be mindful of your budget. If your budget does not allow for you to have a sit down dinner please do not allow anyone to talk you into that. Heavy Apps should be fine and if you can not afford that than plan for wha you can afford. Your family and friends are going to be happy either way....Good Luck