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Wedding Etiquette Forum
Reception food?
Hi all, I mostly lurk rather than post... but I want to get your thoughts on this.
I'm getting married in January (so excited!!
). Our budget is a little bit tight, at least relative to the averages proclaimed by the wedding industry, so to save money we're having an afternoon wedding (1pm) and the reception in another room in the church. Based on the church's rules, the reception can't last more than 3 hours, which means that we'll have made the exit to our limo by 5pm at the absolute latest (but probably between 4:30 and 4:45). With this time frame, I would like to just have a cake and punch reception--the guests will have already had lunch before getting to the church, and dinner hour doesn't start until afterwards. Having any additional food will cost a lot of money, as the church doesn't let you bring in any food (you have to work with one of their three approved caterers, and while they're not egregious, they're not the cheapest in the area either). Ditching the caterer also means that we don't have to make agonizing cuts on our guest list because of a per-plate cost--we can celebrate with all the people we love.
So far, so good. However, my mother is concerned that everyone will get hungry and leave. She's not forcing the issue at all--and having read parent horror stories on here, I want to emphasize that this isn't a situation like that! She's just concerned enough that it's making me second-guess my decision a little (even though I don't think she's right). So I guess two questions: 1) there's nothing wrong with just a cake and punch reception manners-wise right? (we will of course mention it on the invitation so that our guests aren't expecting a full dinner!), and 2) my mother's concern is as unfounded as I think it is?
I'm getting married in January (so excited!!
). Our budget is a little bit tight, at least relative to the averages proclaimed by the wedding industry, so to save money we're having an afternoon wedding (1pm) and the reception in another room in the church. Based on the church's rules, the reception can't last more than 3 hours, which means that we'll have made the exit to our limo by 5pm at the absolute latest (but probably between 4:30 and 4:45). With this time frame, I would like to just have a cake and punch reception--the guests will have already had lunch before getting to the church, and dinner hour doesn't start until afterwards. Having any additional food will cost a lot of money, as the church doesn't let you bring in any food (you have to work with one of their three approved caterers, and while they're not egregious, they're not the cheapest in the area either). Ditching the caterer also means that we don't have to make agonizing cuts on our guest list because of a per-plate cost--we can celebrate with all the people we love.So far, so good. However, my mother is concerned that everyone will get hungry and leave. She's not forcing the issue at all--and having read parent horror stories on here, I want to emphasize that this isn't a situation like that! She's just concerned enough that it's making me second-guess my decision a little (even though I don't think she's right). So I guess two questions: 1) there's nothing wrong with just a cake and punch reception manners-wise right? (we will of course mention it on the invitation so that our guests aren't expecting a full dinner!), and 2) my mother's concern is as unfounded as I think it is?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Reception food?
IMO, cake and punch is fine! Is there dancing? If it's just socializing, I don't think people will be too hungry, but if there is dancing (or if it's at all possible) I'd also consider coffee and pastries. Nothing elaborate.
Congrats!
You might want to throw some food in for those who don't want so much sweetness. A cheese and cracker tray might be nice, but no need to serve a full meal at that time of day.
Btw, from reading your post/username too quickly I definitely thought the post name was "Reception cat food?" and thought "what kind of crazy pet wedding is this?!" . I was happy to see this was not the case!
I think a cake and punch reception is acceptable. However, I don't think I would stay more than an hour or so. I just don't see it lasting until 5pm. More like 3-4 depending on how long the ceremony is.
Oh and 1 pm is lunch time for me. Depending on how far I am from the church I might not eat before hand.
[QUOTE]That sounds about right to me! I would not see anything wrong with it at all. Btw, from reading your post/username too quickly I definitely thought the post name was "Reception cat food?" and thought "what kind of crazy pet wedding is this?!" . I was happy to see this was not the case!
Posted by Wheels987[/QUOTE]
I can't tell you how much this made me laugh. And no, I'm not at all making fun of the name, I just see where Wheels got the idea and think it's funny.
Overall, I think it sounds like a good plan! Kudos to you to be willing to go outside of the PPD-box!
And as regards the getaway car, the limo will cost us about $100, whereas catering would cost us at least $2000. (Also, in a strange twist of events, renting a limo for one hour is less expensive than driving our own car because of the egregious cost of parking in downtown Seattle... We could save $30 if we had a smaller car pick us up, but we're not quite to the point of pinching EVERY penny.)
[QUOTE] Btw, from reading your post/username too quickly I definitely thought the post name was "Reception cat food?" and thought "what kind of crazy pet wedding is this?!" . I was happy to see this was not the case!
Posted by Wheels987[/QUOTE]
Hahaha! If my 11-year old self had her way, the post might have read "Reception horse food?" but thankfully I've long since grown out of the pet-wedding thing. ;)
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Reception food? : Hahaha! If my 11-year old self had her way, the post might have read "Reception horse food?" but thankfully I've long since grown out of the pet-wedding thing. ;)
Posted by catj131[/QUOTE]
I dressed my cat in a white baby dress so he (yes, he) could marry my Ken doll. My parents were not amused when they caughted me annoucing Ken could kiss the "bride". No sense of humor!
Have fun planning!
[QUOTE]I'd be fine with a cake and punch reception at that time as long as it said it on the invite. I'd know to eat ahead of time and maybe stash a granola bar in my purse in case I needed something more substantial. I'd say go for it!
Posted by vonclancy[/QUOTE]
<div>This! As long as they know not to expect a meal you will be fine. </div>
June 2012 Bride!
I understand that you are on a strict budget, but people will arrive between 12:15-12:45, and they likely would have left their homes/hotels between 11:00-12:00, depending on traffic and location, and your send-off isn't until 4:30. 4-5hours of no food is a little long, and I would guess most guests would start leaving around 3pm.
Websites/blogs where our wedding has been featured:
http://www.dapperq.com/2013/11/a-very-dapper-wedding/
http://www.onabicyclebuiltfortwo.com/2013/10/wedding-christina-g.html
http://4realequalityweddings.com/2014/05/16/g-christina/