Can't afford food, need to figure out reception time

Move the reception date back so you have time to save a little more?

Everyone has already covered everything else, but....

I mean this from the bottom of my heart as someone who's dad was diagnosed with cancer 3 months before my own wedding. If their health is already failing, there is NO way you can possibly know if they will be around or even healthy enough to make it to your wedding. I'm saying this to be realistic, but either you need to move the wedding to now (not even gonna touch on your budget, sorry) or you will just have to take the chance that even though you chose that date with them in mind, life doesn't always work that way, and there is a likely chance they may not be in any condition to go to your wedding 4 months from now. A LOT can happen in 4 months.

I think doing an early day wedding would be great. 11am or 12pm, so it's not too early to be eating cake! I think you'd be perfect with just the cake and punch. Its a small casual event. Sounds like you can't cut the list down, so I would suggest trying and doing a cheese/fruit spread to have with the cake if your budget allows!

Sorry Sarah, I didn't jump down your throat, I simply had no idea what post you were referring to.

There is simply no time that makes 600.00 for 80 guests doable as an actual celebration. People coming to a 1:00 wedding with a 2:00 reception probably skipped lunch so they could get dressed and be at the ceremony on time.

She got lots of realistic advice, most of which was to cut the number of guests, which we both agree on. But like it or not, the purpose of a wedding is getting married. The purpose of a reception is to host guests.

If I was going to do this, I would be very explicit on the invitations; "Ceremony at 1:00, punch and cake to follow at 1:30 PM" so everyone knows exactly the extent of the invite.

I agree with a later date. Or do this get married at the JP office for less. Then save for the wedding you want. And renew your vows with the wedding you really want.

Sarah, the reception is actually to thank the guests for attending the wedding.

@Larisa if she did 11am or 12pm I would be expecting lunch. Which she cannot afford.

I think you either-

A. Elope.

B. Have a 2pm wedding and put on the invites "cake and punch to follow" or something like that so guests know to eat first. But then expect your reception to only last about an hour.

C. Push your date back and save more money.

D. Cut your guest list. And I mean DRASTICALLY cut your guest list. You could probably afford you, your FH, and both your parents for 600 and go out to eat after your ceremony.

People are being awfully harsh here.

She's already made it clear that changing the date, cutting the list, eloping, etc. are not an option. This 80-person wedding is happening.

Some people have also missed some things,

a) The bride and groom are in their 50s, and the guests are mostly seniors. They aren't in their 20s and 30s. They aren't expecting a huge dance party with tons of booze.

b) The cake, flowers, etc. are already paid for.

c) Soda, etc. is covered for $80, leaving a budget of $520.

I personally think it's doable if the wedding is held at the right time of day. Everyone needs to remember that it's not THEIR wedding that is being talked about here. And, I shall say, some are saying she's making a "bad" financial decision and blah blah...to be frank, some people would think that spending $30,000 on a wedding is a terrible financial decision. I'm not saying it is or isn't, I'm just saying...we all have different goals, different budgets, different ideas about money.

Anyway...the OP has a few options. I would definitely have an earlier wedding...2:00, probably, with a reception until 4:00 or 4:30. That might work out for the seniors who are coming and who might want to get home fairly early, too. If the invitations haven't been sent out yet, I'd say something like, "Ceremony at 2, please join us for light hors d'oeuvres and cake afterward." Then, everyone knows to eat lunch and not to expect dinner.

Since they're both mature adults and probably don't have a wedding registry or anything like that, they could also include something like "No gifts, please, other than the gift of your presence." Maybe that would make up for the spoiled brats who seem to expect unlimited alcohol and a gourmet dinner.

Then, the OP can spend her $500+ budget on simple sandwiches and snack trays.

I think it should be a lovely day. Congrats, OP, on your wedding. I hope it's a wonderful day and that you enjoy your time with your new husband and your family.

2:00pm. OP literally just asked what time she should have her reception because she wasn't offering a full meal. Isn't this exactly what everyone on ww tells people to do? "Cake and punch reception at a non meal time" Everyone saw the $600 figure and freaked the fuck out.

Commenting on her financials was so uncalled for. Just because $600 is what she wishes to spend on her wedding doesn't mean that $600 is all she has to her name. The fact that they are in their 50's is even more of a reason not to spend a ridiculous amount of money on this.

Retirement is a real thing people. I work in the mortgage industry. I see financials on a daily basis and it's scary how many people have no savings, no assets, nothing with equity etc. Even the average 401k isn't enough to see a person through retirement. So I'll be the one to say that spending $30,000 on a party is most definitely a poor financial decision. Even if you make good money, even if you've saved for it. $30k can be invested in so many more responsible ways, it really is a shame. But no one here would dare bash someone for having a lavish wedding. (Eyeroll)

^ Agreed. It's ridiculous how people are responding to her.

I am very financially stable in my 20s because I worked hard to build my own business. And I cherish my money. Personally, I could not imagine spending what some people spend on weddings. It's one of many reasons why we chose to elope in Las Vegas.

One of my cousins had a wedding that was easily in the $50k range (I know because we live in the same area, and when I was wedding planning, I checked into similar venues and caterers). Yet, her and her now-husband live in his parents' basement "apartment." Seriously. In this area, a decent "starter" home is $100k. They literally could have put a 50% down payment on a home with what they spent on their wedding, but instead, they live in his parents' basement. At least it was a fun day, though, right?

I'm not saying everyone who spends that much is making a poor decision, but there's nothing wrong with spending much, much, much less, either.