how to i word this in an appropriate way?

hblazerchic · November 2009

So we're having a 1pm ceremony with a 2pm reception to follow. Due to budget restrain as well as a few other limitations, we decided to just do heavy hor d'ouvres and wedding cake at the reception. We figured this would not be a problem since the reception will be 2pm to 6pm, so it's just barely squeezed in between lunch and dinner times. My question is, how should i word the invitation to indicate that a full meal will not be served? I was going to put something like "please join us for a light reception after the ceremony." or something, but is that appropriate? Advice please!!

Mrs.B6302007 · November 2009

"please join us for hor d'ouvers" will be sufficientdontcha think that a 4 hour reception with only hor d'ouvers is pushing it a bit? I would consider about a 2 - 2.5 hour reception

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · November 2009

Please join us for an hor d'oeuvres reception after the ceremony.Or: Cocktails and appetizers will be served following the ceremony. Just something to indicate it's not a dinner reception. (And heavy apps are always okay in my book, so long as there's enough to feed people.)

danieliza1127 · November 2009

There's no way your reception will last 4 hours. Daytime receptions usually only last about 2 to 2.5 hours.If you're serving alcohol, put Cocktail Reception immediately following. If no alcohol, put Hors D'oeurves Reception immediately following.

sucrets4 · November 2009

Ditto B. 4 hours is way too long for apps and cake. Plus, it stretches to 6pm which is dinner time to me.

Mrs.B6302007 · November 2009

yep. Without a sit down meal, 4 hours is way too much time.

hblazerchic · November 2009

well, we have the reception place from 2 to 6, i guess i should have clarified that. I don't expect the reception to last quite that long either. I'm planning on getting out of there by 5pm, but if ppl want to stay til 6pm they could i guess.

Mrs.B6302007 · November 2009

to do what?you'll be gone before 5

JEClovesMPC · November 2009

I'm having a daytime reception and its going to be four hours... but it will be a meal, etc.. essentially just a nighttime reception moved to the day. Drinks, dancing, etc... do you guys think this will actually last this long?

Mrs.B6302007 · November 2009

if you're having a sit down meal, that will most likely take an hour of the 4. That leaves 3 for dancing, toasts, etc. We planned a 4 hour reception(evening) but it was pretty much over at 3 and a half hours.

betrothed123 · November 2009

JE,We had a daytime reception. Cocktail hour started at 11:30. We had to be out of the venue by 5:30. We had a full meal. the venue had to kick my guests out at 5:30 because they didn't want to leave. It really depends on your crowd.

tinkerbell.katie81 · November 2009

I agree with PP, it all depends on your guests. If you have a crowd that likes to dance, they could stay the entire time that you have in the place. Also, it depends on if it is a Saturday or a Sunday. If your wedding is a Sunday afternoon, many people will leave early if they have a long drive ahead of them.