reception... dinner?

trents_322mom

Serving a dinner is really not in our wedding budget. We were planning on serving snacks, appetizers, and drinks. Does that sound alright? Just wondering what time we should have the ceremony and reception. Any thoughts?

salt78

If you don't want to serve dinner, don't get married at dinner time. 

shellydiane820

If you plan on doing snacks, and apps, I would do an early ceremony and reception.  Your reception shouldn't be during a meal time.

laurenclaire1386

Don't do it at a meal time. I'd think 4 PM would be ok.

danieliza1127

For just light snacky finger foods, an afternoon reception is best.  That way people aren't expecting a meal and can get dinner afterward.  Those are usually around 2pm and go until about 5pm.

If you wanted an evening reception with just appetizers and a bar, you'd need it to start pretty late, like 8pm or later so people can get dinner first.  Then on the invitation, you would need to say "Cocktail Reception" so people know not to expect a meal.

btrflykate1230

I would think as long as it's not near a time when people typically eat a meal, it would be fine. Like Danieliza said, it should have some indication that there won't be a meal.

pumpkinpumpkin

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:036be7b1-27f6-4993-851e-cca0933901f7Post:406deadc-a5af-4ed9-af98-c07670d8d9f1">reception... dinner?</a>:
[QUOTE]Serving a dinner is really not in our wedding budget. We were planning on serving snacks, appetizers, and drinks. Does that sound alright? Just wondering what time we should have the ceremony and reception. Any thoughts?
Posted by trents_322mom[/QUOTE]

This is okay, by all means. Have an evening wedding (AFTER dinner hour), and serve the heavy appetizers. I would suggest a 7 pm ceremony or something...and go from there, with no gaps.

georgia_bride09

You could also do a lighter meal at brunch time. Have a morning ceremony followed by brunch items. You'll get away with less alcohol this way as well.  

squirrly

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:036be7b1-27f6-4993-851e-cca0933901f7Post:cd9d1c59-7f47-43a9-8c71-8fd4544515ea">Re: reception... dinner?</a>:
[QUOTE]You could also do a lighter meal at brunch time. Have a morning ceremony followed by brunch items. You'll get away with less alcohol this way as well.  
Posted by georgia_bride09[/QUOTE]

Yup.  We went to a brunch wedding on Saturday that had mimosas and bloddy mary's.  Food was good, it was fun, and we hit the bar afterwards to watch the UK game.  Good times, tiny budget.

ZoeTheDog

Just please, whatever you do, make sure you indicate that it's a "Cocktail Reception/Party."  Hungry, cranky guests will forever talk about your wedding...god knows I have been complaining about the one I went to in Boston last month every chance I've gotten. 

polichik

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:036be7b1-27f6-4993-851e-cca0933901f7Post:16aba8d6-dc2b-495e-94f9-3bf6a0e160d3">Re: reception... dinner?</a>:
[QUOTE]Just please, whatever you do, make sure you indicate that it's a "Cocktail Reception/Party."  Hungry, cranky guests will forever talk about your wedding...god knows I have been complaining about the one I went to in Boston last month every chance I've gotten. 
Posted by ZoeTheDog[/QUOTE]

Really? Although it's poor etiquette to leave your guests hungry, I think it's even worse etiquette to complain about it every chance you get. It's one thing on here, but it's different IRL.