I am 40 and my fiance is 39. I have a mortgage, bills, etc. He has 2 children with child support, etc. I am finding it very hard to justify paying $7000.00 and up for food at a reception when we cannot afford it. My parents are retired and cannot help us out. This is my first (and only) wedding and we want to have a nice reception but not go into debt for the next 5 years for one day.
I am expected to make an open invitation to my church family to attend the wedding and reception. The wedding will be at my church, the reception at his church which is 45 minutes away due to space limitations at my church. We anticipate anywhere from 150-250 people depending on how many people will be upset that we aren't having a meal.
We have been thinking about having only a dessert reception with hors douvres or relish trays (veggies and dips), cake and ice cream. We are not drinkers so it would be non alcoholic and we are not able to pay for a DJ and dancing. We will have a sound system with music in the background.
I am seeking advice for what is appropriate as far as time. We originally planned to be married December 3 at 2PM with the reception at 5PM. But that would be rude to not serve a meal at that time of day. What would be appropriate? I am also wanting to know of suggestions of things to do so that we will still have a memorable reception without having to remember the bill for 5 years. We don't want people to remember how boring it was either. I am very simple and not at all into big scenes and not really a party type person.
I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks so much, this has been the hardest thing to plan!
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jun 18, 2005, 6:15 PM
Post #2 of 3
(2167 views)
Re: [joylinn] Advice for light reception and times
[In reply to]
Dear Reception,
You could have the wedding a bit earlier with the reception directly following. This would be early afternoon, so you could have just the light fare you wish. End the reception no later than 5 and you will be fine.
Please remember that everyone who is invited to your wedding has to be invited to the reception.
Re: [joylinn] Advice for light reception and times
[In reply to]
We recently did a wedding reception where most of the people brought something, similar to a family reunion buffet style. Be careful about relying on people to help. Because if they don't bring and you're short on food... uh oh.
Regarding the DJ, most can be had for under $750, and can make a huge difference to your evening, by providing great sound, interactivity, and help get people moving.
The idea is to CELEBRATE your wedding with your friends and family. People have to have the energy and calories needed to help celebrate with you. You can still provide this opportunity without expending a lot of money. Go easy on the cake, as people won't even remember what it looked like. Have a good variety of inexpensive but quality items to munch. Keep an eye out for special sales at the grocery store, and buy when the ingredients are cost effective to make at home, and freeze. If needed, ask you friends to donate some freezer space.
Depending on when the wedding is, you could start making things now that freeze well, and that way not be overworked just before. Veggie, cheese, and cracker platters are okay but not always filling. Consider adding summer sausage, anti pasta, ham and/or chicken salads. By the time everyone is done munching they will be stuffed, and will have enjoyed a large variety of food rather than limited choices buffet choices.
You might consider making a variety of individual quiches and freeze them before hand. Or make hot and cold pasties, pasties being a pastry pocket (half moon) filled with whatever you choose. They're easy to make, freeze wonderfully and are very filling. You could use round steak tips with chopped onion, celery, potatoes and carrots. Or do something with chicken, shrimp, etc.
They are perfect for making vegetarian style, just by swapping out the meat with crumbled Boca Veggie Burgers, etc. Depending on the size of your pastry press (they make from bite size to something that takes two hands to hold), you can use canned fruit filling (blueberry, apple, pineapple, etc.) and mix with cream cheese for a yummy fruit filled pie. These pasties are always baked (not fried), so are not that high in calories.
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Advice for light reception and times
