I am getting married on May 27, 2006. I am trying to cut the cost of the reception. By having an afternoon wedding ceremony, my cost is going to decrease a great deal. If I have a wedding which starts at 4 p.m., and the reception is immediately following, is it bad to not serve a full dinner? Would appetizers and an open bar be appropriate? Or would we be better off getting married at Noon? Noon is not my first choice.....thanks!
A 4:00 p.m. wedding means your reception is going to be around 5:00 p.m. Guests will expect (and you should serve) a full meal or very heavy hors d'ouerves. This time is not going to cut the cost of your reception.
Moving the ceremony time to say 11:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. would greatly decrease your cost, even though this is not your first choice. Venues and vendors make the bulk of their money at bookings of 5:00 p.m. and later on Saturdays. This is considered peak time. Therefore, again, having a 4:00 p.m. wedding with reception to follow isn't going to help you.
I hope this helps. Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
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