Is 8 a meal time?

kris10royal

We are planning to have our ceremony at 7:30, so the reception will start about 8 (same location, except reception will be inside). Is this an appropriate time to serve dinner or would most people eat before the wedding? I was planning on doing a buffet dinner, but my caterer said that it would be too late for dinner. WDYT?

HisCB

i would have already eaten, unless i knew what to expect, then i would probably have a big late lunch, or a snack. but im from the northwest

i think that heavy apps or buffet dinner is a great plan. people who want to eat "dinner" can get full off of heavy apps, people who already ate, can enjoy just a few bites for fun.

mysticl

I usually eat around 8pm.  I'm not working right now but when I was I didn't get home from work till 6-6:30 and then by the time I changed, relaxed a little, and FI or I got dinner ready it was at least 8.

I might grab something light before getting ready for a 7:30 wedding but unless the invite stated it was a dessert or cocktail party I'd be expecting dinner.

tenofcups4me

I'd expect a meal at that time. In my crowd, that's a fairly common time for weddings to start and there's always a full dinner. (My first wedding ceremony started at 7, cocktail hour 7:30-8:30, dinner and dancing 8:30-12:30.) FWIW, I would consider heavy hors d'oeuvres dinner as long as they really were heavy and plentiful. I guess it depends most on your circle and what they would expect.

Regardless of what you do, I'd note it somehow on the invitation so people know what to expect since it can clearly go either way. (My invitations said DInner and Dancing to follow -- I knew my crowd would know that, but just to be sure the ex's family and friends knew what to expect.)

cqbride

As far as I'm concerned, I would reasonably expect dinner any time before 9:00. I frequently eat dinner around 10 when I'm working, but I wouldn't expect someone to feed me quite that late.

bellaxanthe

I am in the same time boat as you. I am doing a buffet dinner served at 8 and simeply said Dinner and dancing to follow the ceremony.  I'm having a Friday night wedding so this later tie allows for people to run home if needed, grab a bite if they want and then head over.  I looked into the heavy apps and found that the price was incredilbly high as opposed to serving a full dinner.  Paritally because the food is more fussy.  The servings from our tasting were also very small.  I felt like the better ddeal was to serve dinner and if people didn't want to eat, they could grab what they liked off the buffet and be done.  You might be surprised at the pricing.  I was.

emilykathleen511

I think either way would be fine--as long as you note it in the invitation either way.

For dinner, write "dinner and dancing to follow"

For apps and drinks, write "cocktail reception to follow" or "light refreshments to follow" or something of that nature. That way your guests will know whether they should eat a meal beforehand.

kris10royal

I'm noticing today looking at a lot of places that cater, that (even a buffet) dinner is cheaper than heavy apps. I think I may stick with dinner, like I said, I'll talk to my caterer Tuesday and see what her prices look like for what we want. I have roughly for the buffet 3 meats (chicken, pork, beef) and a seafood, a pasta (veggie opt), and about 7 sides. For the apps, I have about 5 different meat dishes, 2 seafood, 2 different kinds of quiche, fruit, veggies, cheese fondue, 3 dips, crackers (different kinds), etc. I think the apps may be more expensive. Thanks so much for all of your input.