What to do...Early Wedding?

Jessied1982 · January 2010

We are thinking of a 2:00 wedding. This would put our reception at about 3-3:30. What are some good ideas. Its in between meals so I was thinking a champaign and dessert type reception. Something intimate&romantic, not stressful and big. Anyone have any experiance with this or have any ideas.

Lasairiona · January 2010

That's a perfect time for a dessert reception. Be aware though that many people actually don't like champagne and it should not be consumed with just sweets as the sugar will make the alcohol enter the bloodstream faster than usual, making guests drunk quickly. Also, many people don't like the taste combination of sweets and alcohol either. Coffee and lemonade are commonly served with desserts and most people love those.

gottahavashorti · January 2010

Indicate on the invitation that it is a dessert reception, and include some options for those who are diabetic or aren't big on sweeter desserts.

danieliza1127 · January 2010

I've been to several weddings and receptions at that time of day. It's perfect for a dessert reception with wedding cake and other desserts, or even just the wedding cake and punch. You could also do some light finger foods like veggies and dips or veggie and cheese displays.

You don't need alcohol or a DJ for an afternoon reception, although you certainly can have them if you want to create a more party-type atmosphere. Most afternoon receptions only last about 2-2.5 hours though, as people will leave to go get dinner later.

BJ43062 · January 2010

I am having a 1:00 wedding, with a church reception following - cake, cookies, mints and nuts, with a lemonade punch, coffee and tea. With a simply romantic theme for the reception... tulle and tulips... since we are getting married 4/10/2010

Pirata13 · January 2010

My wedding is also at 2 and we are doing a full meal reception with drinks and dancing. Our reception will either start at 3:30 or 4pm and go until 8:30 or 9pm.

One thing to consider is how much are people travelling? I am taking into account the times people may be able to have lunch or something to eat before the ceremony. Local people could eat lunch at noon and therefore be ok with a dessert reception or apps and dessert at 3pm,. However, much of Fi's family is going to have to leave their town by 11am to ensure they are in our city in time, which means by 3pm they are going to be 5 hours out of their last meal and would probably be miffed they just drove 2-2.5 hours for snacks.

But we are having a full length reception, with several OOT guests. If you have mostly local guests, and having a reception of only 2 hours, apps & dessert would be fine. But if you are doing drinks & dancing and a full length reception, you need to provide more of a meal.

lbcristiano · January 2010

I've had a similar concern. To save money we want to have an afternoon wedding (12-4) but am concerned that people won't want to drink and dance. Has anyone gone to weddings at this time of day and found that people are less willing to drink, dance, and party?

Pirata13 · January 2010

I would drink and dance from 12n-4pm, if that helps.

chosen175 · January 2010

I think a dessert reception is a great idea, but not so much in the middle of the day. I wouldn't eat much because I wouldn't want to fill up on sweets right before dinner. And with not eating, I wouldn't drink much either. So with no food, nothing to drink, etc I doubt I'd stick around long.

What about something more along the lines of a garden party or formal tea? Things like finger sandwiches, fruit plate, some desserts, crackers/cheese, tea, lemonade, etc would probably go over well and it would make sure there was something for everyone, including the diabetics and those who are watching their figure.

danieliza1127 · January 2010

I would drink and dance if you had a bar, yes. In my experience, daytime receptions don't have alcohol, but if I went to one that did, yeah I'd definitely do some day drinking!

lyndausvi · January 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_doearly-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:5972b3b5-8257-4ff3-b1c8-36980333505fPost:20bb11b9-e0a5-479e-90bc-a8d4127cf10b">Re: What to do...Early Wedding?</a>:
[QUOTE]I've had a similar concern. To save money we want to have an afternoon wedding (12-4) but am concerned that people won't want to drink and dance. Has anyone gone to weddings at this time of day and found that people are less willing to drink, dance, and party?
Posted by lbcristiano[/QUOTE]

Not in my circle. We do not look at to clock to determine when it's time to drink and dance.

My sister's wedding was from 12-5. 15 years later it's still one of my favorite weddings.

aerinpegadrak · January 2010

For me, it's all about the lighting. If it's lit like a club, I'll dance, whether it's 10am or 10pm. If it's light and airy, I'd feel weird about dancing.

Try to include some protein if you're doing a dessert reception; I know I personally start feeling sick if I eat nothing but sugar. A spread of cheeses, crackers, and maybe some nut butters would be a great addition.

Jessied1982 · January 2010

Thanks everyone...

I was thinking more lounge type. I'm thinking light finger foods, desert, beer and wine and non-alcohole bevs. The thing I am concerned about is I know we will want to do a first dance but probably wont do the whole DJ thing, so I have to figure out how you include that.

We are doing this time and type of reception bc the venue I want is only available in the afternoon.

flutgrl1 · January 2010

I've never known any afternoon wedding that was any different from an evening wedding. All full bars, full dancing, etc. They are usually following by an after party that is more casual and lowkey.

waterfly · January 2010

We're going with a teaparty-luncheon sort of dealie(finger sandwiches, little sausages and meatballs, cheese and veggie platters, chicken nuggets with dipping sauces) for the reception, since the wedding is at 12:30. If it was later in the day, with people having time for lunch beforehand, we'd probably do more sweet stuff, but since it's right around lunch time, we're focusing more on savory party food and letting the cake be our big sweet thing. We're also skipping the alcohol, but that's more because of personal reasons than the time of day.

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