budget reception...... i need help!!!!

blacktopaz32 · May 2011

okay because i'm on a very low budget for my wedding... i decided to not do a sit down dinner. what we thought was to do cake and finger foods but no alcohol. idk what to have for the finger foods. maybe little sandwiches and quiches? it's going to be half inside and half outside for the reception. should i have any seating? also what are good punch ideas? i thought of mixing a fruit juice of some sort with ginger ale and freezing berries like raspberries as a pretty little thing to drop into the glasses.

so give me some ideas! im so stuck! thanks

Allycat11 · May 2011

First of all for good punch recipes go to allrecipes.com and search for them, you'll get amazing results of recipes and reviews.
For this style of reception, make sure it is at a non-meal time. If you have any older people at your reception, I would recommend at least some seating.

blacktopaz32 · May 2011

well we decided it to be in the evening around seven. would it be a good idea to in some way include that it's just finger foods and cake in the invitations?

kmmssg · May 2011

Why does it need to be in the evening? If you are going for 7 pm you need to feed them a meal or heavy apps that would equal a meal.

sklink0486 · May 2011

I agree with PP. Don't do it in the evening if you are only having cake, snacks, and punch. People will either show up late or leave early and it is rude to try to it at a meal time but not serve a meal. Definitely have seating. I am only 24 and I would be irritated to go somewhere and be expected to stand while holding a drink and a plate of food and be expected to be able to do anything with that. Even if you have tall tables you would need to make sure there were enough for everyone so no one is left trying to drink their punch, hold their plate, and eat their food without somewhere to sit something. Older guests will absolutely need chairs and a table.

As far as food to serve, little sandwiches would be good and quiches sound good too. I also love allrecipes.com. There are tons of ideas there.

blacktopaz32 · May 2011

the reason why is because we want to have lights and candles everywhere. well thats why im asking u... what heavy food can i do? i just cant afford to decorate tables. we want the ceremony to be lit up at night. and it's not rude. it's a budget thing. it's not just about the ppl. it's about us too... we also would like the whole day to get ready and not have to wake up early and rush.

cschuma2 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_budget-reception-need?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:c944ece8-3f28-40f4-9ced-b59bd47a25baPost:144453dd-554d-44f1-bcde-fd1c785f9666">Re: budget reception...... i need help!!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]the reason why is because we want to have lights and candles everywhere. well thats why im asking u... what heavy food can i do? i just cant afford to decorate tables. we want the ceremony to be lit up at night. and it's not rude. it's a budget thing. it's not just about the ppl. it's about us too... we also would like the whole day to get ready and not have to wake up early and rush.
Posted by blacktopaz32[/QUOTE]

I hope you do not think that your own feelings are more important than all of your guests that you are inviting. It would be rude to have an event at a meal time and not host a full meal for them. It's that simple.

Most of us are all familiar with cutting corners here and there due to a budget. We understand that.

If you want the atmosphere of a late night event, why not have it start later so that it isn't a meal time? Have your ceremony at 8pm with the reception immediately following. As a guest, I wouldn't expect a full meal at this time. You can have plenty of time to decorate, get ready, and do all of your pictures beforehand this way.

cschuma2 · May 2011

As for ideas about what foods to serve, I would ask for catering suggestions on your local board and talk to them. Your caterer will be able to give you ideas and you can decide based on your budget. Just make sure that you have enough. Nothing looks worse to me than a reception that runs out of food!

Have chairs and tables for everyone. If I show up to your wedding with some awesome heels on and you cannot provide a chair for me, I promise you that I will be leaving early when my feet start to hurt- and I'm only 25. Like pp said, I want a table so I'm not balancing everything while I try to eat. Even if everyone is eating throughout the night and not all at once, it's nice for everyone to have their own table still. I like a "home base" of sorts that I can leave my camera, wrap, drink, etc. while I'm up mingling or dancing.

goodcosia · May 2011

I totally get the whole budget thing...I like the idea of a later start to your ceremony. Maybe you can theme your invitations as a late night snack wording in there some where and do fun finger foods. Is the age of the majority of your guest younger? If so you could really have a fun time with a late night theme...kinda like tapas and sliders and funny apps, that way when you set up for the ceremony with the lights it can transfer into the 'party' afterwards, Do you mind if I ask what your budget for the food is and how many people are attending...that would help alot, I have an idea that would be fun but not sure of the budget. Thanks!

cschuma2 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_budget-reception-need?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:c944ece8-3f28-40f4-9ced-b59bd47a25baPost:8606b38e-3759-46ba-8686-636a801c525d">Re: budget reception...... i need help!!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I totally get the whole budget thing...I like the idea of a later start to your ceremony. Maybe you can theme your invitations as a late night snack wording in there some where and do fun finger foods. Is the age of the majority of your guest younger? If so you could really have a fun time with a late night theme...kinda like tapas and sliders and funny apps, that way when you set up for the ceremony with the lights it can transfer into the 'party' afterwards,Do you mind if I ask what your budget for the food is and how many people are attending...that would help alot, I have an idea that would be fun but not sure of the budget. Thanks!
Posted by goodcosia[/QUOTE]

That might not be helpful anyway. Costs can vary so much by region. I guarantee you that I was able to get a lot more food for my money here in Ohio vs. if I was planning my event in Manhattan. Know what I mean?

OP, I would definitely ask on your local board for suggestions.

iluvmy0341 · May 2011

Is it possible to cook the food yourselves (family I mean!)? That's what we're doing, but ours is at 3pm. Because 7 is dinnertime and most people would have to eat early to get to the wedding in time, then they'd be hungry again by 8pm. I'd push it later like 8 or 9 or else cook the food yourself. If not possible, Swedish meatballs are a good option. Get some meatballs from Sam's Club, cook them in the oven. Take 2 large jars of grape jelly, 2 jars of chili sauce, mix together/heat on the stove until all the jelly is melted, then pour over the meatballs. You can also get a large loaf of Italian bread and make sandwhiches.

Temmith · May 2011

Yeah, I would agree with everyone else. Cook the food yourself, do a BBQ, or have chilcken fingers, chili, full sandwiches, etc., or some other low cost dining if you are having it at a dinner time. It's unfair to your guests - the people who spent money on gifts, possibly have taken time off work, and have travelled to be with you on your special day. Yes, it is your wedding day, but after they drive the distance, wait for the ceremony to begin, sit through the ceremony, wait for wedding pictures to be over, you plan NOT to feed them during dinner time? Inconsiderate. If I was a guest, I would wait just long enough to seem polite (Maybe 25-30 minutes after you enter the room) and then leave for the nearest fast food joint. After I ate, I might come back, but it's unlikely - moreso if there is no seating.

Go for some sort of seating though. The women in heels and the elderly will appreciate it. And if you invite children to the wedding, they are going to get tired and want a place to sit and drowse if it's a late wedding.

I understand being on a budget. Trust me - FI and I are both college students right now. And it's not like I'm that big on tradition either. It's just you need to think about your guests too.

Edit: Also, if you're really struggling that badly with budget that you feel pressed to take something like food or seating out of the equation, maybe you should focus more heavily on DIY things. I know I am going to save nearly $700 by doing my own invitations. And for decorations, you could do something like silk flowers for the BM and GM flowers. No one really gets close enough to them to tell the difference. Or make all the centerpieces out of silk flowers. Make your favours fall flower bulbs - one bulb per person, pack of 24 for $2.99. Check out used bridal good websites, like RecycledBride. Check out Goodwill for glass vases/cups for centerpieces or for your drinks, if you don't have a caterer.

Hope this helps.

em105 · May 2011

If you make it a little on the later side, you could even just go all dessert themed. I had a co-worker who put something on the invite that just stated it was a wedding with a dessert buffet and dancing to follow.

They basically went to a nice bakery in town and for 200 or 300 dollars bought a TON of gorgeous desserts that they laid out beautifully. I think they also had like a fruit and cheese platter (you don't have to order them from the supermarket, do one yourself, it just looks SO much better too!) They served wine, beer, coffee, tea and then did a champagne toast. They set the expectation that it was specifically a dessert event and I think they had the ceremony at 7:30 or 8 at night then had this beautiful little reception.

It was one of those things where you wouldn't have known it was 'budget' if you hadn't really thought about it. The desserts looked so luscious and everyone had a great time. As a favor, they got pretty Chinese takeout boxes and ordered extra desserts and had people take home extra desserts as a favor. Definitely not something for everyone, but if your idea is a gorgeous, intimate candlelit reception, it's an idea to consider.

kmmssg · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_budget-reception-need?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:c944ece8-3f28-40f4-9ced-b59bd47a25baPost:144453dd-554d-44f1-bcde-fd1c785f9666">Re: budget reception...... i need help!!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]the reason why is because we want to have lights and candles everywhere. well thats why im asking u... what heavy food can i do? i just cant afford to decorate tables. we want the ceremony to be lit up at night. and it's not rude. it's a budget thing. it's not just about the ppl. it's about us too... we also would like the whole day to get ready and not have to wake up early and rush.
Posted by blacktopaz32[/QUOTE]

Yes it is about the two of you but it is ALSO about your guests. You plan according to what you can afford, not what you think you are entitled to.

If you want the evening wedding, push your ceremony to 8pm and put on your invitation, "light refreshments" or "dessert" to follow. Make sure they know you aren't serving dinner. If you choose to have your wedding when a meal is appropriate then you serve a meal. If you can't afford to do that, then you move the time of your ceremony. 8pm would work, 7 pm is rude.

ETA: After reading some of your other posts, it seems you are trying to have a wedding and honeymoon that you can't afford right now. On your honeymoon post you said you want to go to WDW but you don't have enough to go - would it be ok to ask people along with their invitations for contributions.

When that was shot down you asked if it would be ok to put a box out at the reception marked "honeymoon fund" so if guests wanted to contribute they could because you guys just want one nice trip.

You also mentioned that you are hoping and praying that you both get jobs you have applied for that pay 14.00 per hour. This tells me you can't afford a wedding and honeymoon right now. This is why you can't afford a meal for your guests for an evening wedding and are using the excuse that "it's not just about the people, it's about us too."

Plan what you can afford that treats your guests appropriately. If your honeymoon has to wait a year, then wait.

brittandjp · May 2011

I agree with the others, if your reception is during mealtime, I would definitely recommend having an adequate amount of fulfilling food. Perhaps making your own food can help you to stay within a decent budget.

As for the tables and chairs, I definitely think they are necessary. If you plan on dancing, your guests are going to want to rest. Not to mention the food, struggling to hold a punch cup and a plate of food while attempting to eat is a hassle. You may also want to keep in mind that wedding guests are often in heels and/or semi-uncomfortable shoes. You may have older guests that cannot stand for long periods of time, therefore, having a place for them to rest is important. You can decorate a table within a budget. You mentioned wanting candles, throw a few candles and some fake rose petals on a table. Tada! Simple and sweet, yet within a small budget.

Although I think a reception is about celebrating you, it's also a thank you to the guests for being a part of you lives and your big day. Keeping your preference in mind for your reception is okay, but you need to equally take the guests into consideration. Good luck!!

saltlovespepper · May 2011

If you were looking for wording to indicate you won't be serving a full meal, you could put "appetizers/refreshments to follow" on the invitations. If I were to see that, I'd know that it wasn't going to be a whole lot of food. From other boards I've seen, at least 60-70% seating is appropriate. Not necessarily seating for all, but some people have to sit down, especially older people.

shannon&grant · May 2011

Okay I will probably get shot down by a million people for saying this but here goes.

1. People should go to your wedding to SUPPORT YOU! That is the whole idea. They do not need a prize like a full meal or alchol to do that. (especially knowing it cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars) People who go to a wedding and are offended when it is not provided are not there for the right reason. You should not have to put of your wedding or honeymoon because other people expect your union to meet their expectations. Which is more important the wedding or the marriage?

2. People if you are offended that you didn't get alchol or a full meal when you go to a wedding (especially if you know the couple is young or in financial trouble) then you need to get over yourself. Yes I know the reception is for the guests but that is like getting pissed off because you didn't get the right Christmas present. It is a GIFT!!! Accept it graciously or go home and on the drive home you should think about if you really care about the couple or just want to use them.

3. That said I think some sort of seating is important. Especially for those who are in heels or are older that would be really important. If you can't afford fancy centerpieces then don't! Just get disposable white tablecloths and cheap flower petals to scatter on them. Don't feel like you have to conform to their wishes but being able to sit is important.

kmmssg · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_budget-reception-need?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:c944ece8-3f28-40f4-9ced-b59bd47a25baPost:5c9183f4-1e71-4db4-9917-18d4552ceb9b">Re: budget reception...... i need help!!!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay I will probably get shot down by a million people for saying this but here goes. 1. People should go to your wedding to SUPPORT YOU! That is the whole idea. They do not need a prize like a full meal or alchol to do that. (especially knowing it cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars)

Don't plan what you can't afford

People who go to a wedding and are offended when it is not provided are not there for the right reason. "You should not have to put of your wedding or honeymoon because other people expect your union to meet their expectations."

If you can only afford to get married and have a honeymoon, have a private wedding at the JOP with your family and go on your honeymoon. Problem solved.

Which is more important the wedding or the marriage? 2. People if you are offended that you didn't get alchol or a full meal when you go to a wedding (especially if you know the couple is young or in financial trouble)

If they are in financial trouble, they should be working on their savings and emergency fund, not spending everything on a one day party and then wanting their guests to fund the honeymoon. Who needs to get over themselves?

then you need to get over yourself. Yes I know the reception is for the guests but that is like getting pissed off because you didn't get the right Christmas present. It is a GIFT!!! Accept it graciously or go home and on the drive home you should think about if you really care about the couple or just want to use them. 3. That said I think some sort of seating is important. Especially for those who are in heels or are older that would be really important. If you can't afford fancy centerpieces then don't! Just get disposable white tablecloths and cheap flower petals to scatter on them. Don't feel like you have to conform to their wishes but being able to sit is important.
Posted by shannon&grant[/QUOTE]

You do not plan a wedding at a meal time and not feed your guests - period. If you are in financial trouble you worry about the future, not a one day event.. A wedding is not planned around the entitlement of the couple at the expense of proper manners towards their guests. Like I said, if you can't afford a meal you don't have a 7 pm wedding. You wait til at least 8 pm (if it just has to be an evening reception) and your invitations need to state that light refreshments will be served.

brittandjp · May 2011

Well said, kmmssg!

cherylea1 · May 2011

This is exactly what I am doing as well.. I am having a dessert buffet.. as well as a candy buffet. We are setting the expectation to our guests beforehand though. My FH and I both want a late evening event with tons of yummy lucious desserts and candy everywhere! There will be filling desserts as well as some fun apps too. We are having a FUN, desserts, dancing, couple drinks thing.. and soo excited and can't wait!

I am having tables and chairs for every guest though! We are thinking of starting our ceremony around 730-8 with reception to follow. We have alot of younger ppl as guests, and the older one's are immediate family and all agree this is a great idea! This isn't just for budget, this is something that explains my FH and myself perfectly! everyone that knows us.. knows we are HUGE dessert freaks!!

We only have a few out of town guests, and have already discussed everything in detail with them, therefore they already know where they are going for dinner before. And if there is a problem with their budget.. we are offering to help them out!

)

Hope this helps..

blacktopaz32 · May 2011

budget is 300 and we have 85 to 100 ppl

blacktopaz32 · May 2011

THANK YOU!! ive been told i was rude by so many ppl....... lol

kmmssg · May 2011

OK, budget is 300.00 and you are wanting to invite 85-100 people. Tell us about your venue and maybe we can help you from here. The single biggest thing that drives costs up is the size of the guest list. Just to have finger foods and punch can take your entire budget without any consideration for decorations. You will need plates, napkins, cups, will you need any flatware? Just finger foods/punch/disposables can easily surpass 3.00 per person which eats up your budget. These things add up and creep up on you like a monster.

Do you have to rent a venue or is this going to be done at someone's home? Give us more details and someone may come up with just the suggestion you need.

Temmith · May 2011

For $300, I would definitely recommend doing a dessert bar or cook things yourself.

Do you have a bulk food-distributer near your house? They sell cheap food by the bulk. It is often what schools use to feed all their students. Also check out International supermarkets. They sell food cheaper for immigrants with lower budgets. Also I really do recommend checking out goodwill. You can buy some glass or dining ware for $0.47 a piece there. If you go on a day where everything that's a certain color is 1/2 price, you might be able to get everyone a small plate and a glass for $47.

I sometimes work on dining events and I know on a budget of less than $500, we were able to plan and serve a 5 course meal for 50 people with 2 appetizers, 2 choices of handbaked bread, 2 soups, two entrees, four sides, and 3 desserts. At another event, for $200, we fed nearly 200 people a lunch of soup (2 choices), bread (2 choices, and 3 sides. It IS doable. You just have to shop around a lot and plan exactly what you want to do before you do it.

DIY ice cream bars can be really inexpensive if you find the right supplier. At Sam's Club, you can get a gallon tub of ice cream for $6. Then just crush up a bunch of different candies for toppings or buy a couple syrups. Or, if you want a bit more variety, it's really cheap to make chocolate dipped fruits. Cake balls are pretty simple and cheap to make too. You could get a tub of premade cookie dough and make cookies. Again, at Sam's club, you can get an 80oz. tub for $7.

What are your favourite foods/deserts? What is your/your family's cooking skill level? What type of venue is this?

EDIT: http://www.rentalstops.com/party/index.asp This company serves the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has super cheap prices on the daily rentals. It would be close but if you have 80 guests, you could spend 200 on tables and seating, $47 on glassware at Goodwill, and have nearly $50 left for an ice cream bar or some other dessert idea (which is totally doable). You should still have some left over for a drink besides water and coffee. If you plan just right, you may even have a tiny bit left for silk flowers - again, check goodwill. They have some really pretty wicker baskets for sale sometimes you could add dollar store flowers too. Or does someone in your family have a garden?

Eyejewel · May 2011

Just a thought with the seating. Would you be able to just have benches or long booth seating around the outside of the room and sprinkle cocktail tables near them? That would be like more of a late night lounge feel going well with desserts or heavy snack foods. Good punches with frozen berries or sherbert recipes are fancy.

budget reception...... i need help!!!!

Re: budget reception...... i need help!!!!

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