Best Time for Appetizer/Cake/Punch reception?

lyndsay782

Originally my FH and I were planning on a late afternoon wedding (3pm) with dinner, but the closer our date gets, I'm thinking I'd rather do an appetizers, cake and simple beverage reception.  No real dancing except the first dance and father daughter dance, but I wanted to know what time would be best for that?  I was thinking we could move the ceremony to 1:30pm, which gives guests time to get lunch before, and have it all end by 4-5pm? 

We aren't leaving for the HM until the next day, so this is primarily in the way of conserving our budget, but I wanted to get some opinions from TK'ers to see what times you all think works best for that sort of set up?

lyndausvi

I would start it at 1:30 and have it last until 4-4:30pm.

[Deleted User]

I think that sounds like a nice plan.  The only question I have is-- are most of your guests local?  If someone has to drive two hours to the wedding, it could make it difficult for your guests to eat before they come.

kmmssg

Ditto Lynda.  She always has good stuff to say.

QueerFemme

I would have your ceremony at 2pm, have it end by 4:30.  Also, I would recommend taking your photos ahead of time.  Since you won't have a lot of time with your guests, you may want to maximize that time instead of spending 30-60 minutes taking photos.

lyndsay782

70% of the guests are local. I like the idea of doing photos first. But FH doesn't. But he didn't like the idea of apps/cake only at first either... Looks like I have some research to do. Should I tell guests on the invite that it's a finger food reception? Or just put it on the website?

QueerFemme

lyndsay782 said:

70% of the guests are local. I like the idea of doing photos first. But FH doesn't. But he didn't like the idea of apps/cake only at first either... Looks like I have some research to do. Should I tell guests on the invite that it's a finger food reception? Or just put it on the website?

If you decide to go this route, I would put "Dessert reception immediately following" or something along those lines on the invitation.  People need to be given a head's up that they need to eat first.

lyndsay782

thanks Stage  StageManager14 said:

I disagree with the 1.5 hours max. Our reception was light finger foods and cake and lasted 3 hours. We had our ceremony begin at 2pm, took all separate photos before hand, then sent everyone over to the reception building to start eating and mingling while we took some quick family and couple photos. We were there by 3, so they only waited 20 or 30 minutes for us, and since everyone was eating and visiting, they were happy. The reception ended at 5:30 and the majority of our guests were still there. On our invitations, we put "Please join the happy couple for refreshments after the ceremony" so there was no confusion about the food situation.

See, this is why I ask you ladies for your expertise.  I knew you'd all have the right guidance.  Our reception is about 20 min from our ceremony site, so I am happy to hear you had a similar situation.  And double gold star for helping with the wording on invites.  I think starting at 2 gives the guests that are coming from out of the immediate area enough time to get lunch before hand.  It's much easier/cheaper to only have to serve lunch to the bridal party/immediate family members that will be around pre ceremony.