NWI Brides...Wedding / Reception timeline

Angel Helper

Hi We are considering a late afternoon wedding at 5:30/ 6:30pm on August 28, 2010 at Deep River Gazebo in Hobart. Wedding reception to follow at the Porter Co. Expo. The reception would start at 7 or 8pm following the wedding. For budget reasons, we would like to serve a light dinner or just appetizers. What's your opinions? I have never been to a appetizer only reception. We would like to have everything else as well... dancing etc. Don't want to look cheap. Has anyone had or been to a wedding like this in Northwest Indiana? What other time lines would you suggest for budget brides? Looking at about 150 guests. Must use their suggested caterers as well.

kmarcov

I would say if the wedding is that late in the evening to have a shorter reception to allow people to go get a meal afterwards. People will want dinner. Or you can move the wedding up a few hours and make it an in-between lunch and dinner kinda reception. If there are going to be plenty of appetizers, cake, etc to keep people satisfied though, then don't worry about people being hungry. Depends on how much food is served. I have never been to one either.

BoilerBride0710

I think that if the apps are heavy enough to satisfy everyone, about 8-10 per person, then you should be fine. I have heard of receptions that are apps and not sit down dinner. It lets people be able to do what they want and not be nailed down by a schedule of when to eat, when to dance, etc. We aren't doing it, but I think it is a good idea.If the apps will not be enough then I think you need to consider moving the ceremony and reception start time up, so that it is not around dinner time. A 1pm ceremony and 2pm reception start time, would be an example. If you have a meal time reception then there really needs to be enough food to satisfy your guests. I know that this may not be an option, but the best way to help with your budget is to cut the number of guests. Food is the number one expense for a wedding. The more people to feed, the more money you will be spending. HTH

tobeDrReed

Serving apps is a good way to keep your budget down.  One thing you should consider is your time frame.  Reception at 5:30/6:30 is often a time when  your guests will be eating dinner.  If you start at this time many people will expect to be fed a full meal and may not eat before hand.  You should provide them enough food to qualify as "dinner" so no one feels hungry afterward.  Or, move the ceremony back to a later time when guests may not expect a full meal and would have time to feed themselves prior to your ceremony.