Dessert/Appetizers Only Reception

No one I know has ever done this so I have never been to one of these types of receptions before. If you choose to do this my advice is .. 1. Go super heavy on the apps 2.Do NOT do this during a time of day that people would normally eat a meal. Opt for a Sunday lunch instead. I would not attend a wedding on a Friday or Saturday night that only had apps or desserts.

Is the reception at the church or a separate location?

Agree with @FutureMrsG

I know my parents attended a dessert only wedding once and they really did not like it. They were searching for real food and sugar on sugar just didn't cut it. I don't think it's a bad idea, i just think you need to make people aware and not having it during a meal time.

It would have to be during a non meal time hour. Or else you will have a lot of hungry guests. Provide lots of apps.

ETA: clarity

Let your guests know that there will be light refreshments served. People will understand not to expect a full meal.

I've seen this done before and it's fine (please not at meal time though! Try a mid morning or early afternoon). I understand that church thing because I'm from a strong faith community. Many people I know have done potluck style receptions but that's NOT my thing!!! I think you'll be good to have appetizers, desserts and something to drink.

Yes, I would make sure it's not "dinner" time. I personally would prefer to do the apps over dessert or maybe have apps and then a cookie table like us Pittsburgh folk do .

Just make sure it's not at mealtime and you're golden. If having these people at your wedding and reception is important you should do what is on your heart.

If you do this, you view it as an embellished coffee hour, and it should happen between 2-3.

My former co-worker did this. Same thing as you;re talking about: open church ceremony and then a buffet of apps and desserts in the church basement. My best suggestion would be to have chairs. They didn't, and we left after 45 minutes at which point a lot of other people were already gone. That might have been their intention though.

These are fairly common where I'm from for your exact reasons. Like PP said, everything should begin and end in between meals, like 2-4. You can serve desserts and apps, just make sure your guests know you aren't serving a meal with something like "light refreshments to follow" on the invitation

@O&S not sure why the snarky comment? OP is asking a legit question and seems open to advice and feedback. As long as her guests are aware of the intent and this isn't done over a meal time, I see no issue with it.

I'd expect a full meal at a wedding but if you must have this and there's no other way make sure you don't do it at meal time. I'd be extremely hangry if I were a guest.

@Alayna... I think it is wonderful that you are inviting your church family to celebrate with your families and friends. This was a very common thing decades ago and has lost favor over the years. Done well it can be awesome! Just let your guests know it will be "Light Refreshments", which can be savory and sweet...and of course needs to be in the middle of the afternoon.

As long as your guests are aware, this sounds great! If I knew I had to eat lunch beforehand, I would happily attend after lunch and then enjoy time with everyone eating desserts and apps. Everyone loves apps lol.... at least everyone I know haha

Yes, it's totally fine! Just tell everyone it is "light refreshments" beforehand so no one starves. If I'm hangry I'm usually leaving lol

This is a thing it's called a cake and punch reception. If you do this make it short and NOT during a typical meal time. (Like, ceremony at 2, reception from 2:30-4 for example) and provide some heavier apps for people that are hungry.

Everything @Kate said

I'm assuming your church family is familiar with this type of reception, especially if your church members generally open their ceremonies to the entire congregation. Have you attended a reception like this at your church? If so, what did you like and what might you want to incorporate in your reception?

You've been given some great advice (especially about the timing -- don't deviate from that and you'll have guests who are comfortable staying at the reception for a while). Remember to take into account your wedding photos. Because cake and punch receptions are typically two hours, leaving after the ceremony to get your photos done (a pretty typical practice) would really complicate your ability to socialize with your guests, and their ability to socialize with you. You can probably have your photos done after your reception.

I would speak to a few caterers about what to serve in terms of apps and desserts. They know which items are the most popular with guests, and a pro could certainly put together an interesting mix.

And I second the poster who suggested that your immediate family/close friends enjoy a more intimate champagne dinner at a restaurant. You can rent a private room if you need that much space.

We're kind of doing this for our church family, but also having a sit down dinner with close friends and family- we're going heavy on the apps (several varieties) and offering cupcakes, mousse shooters, and a cookie/brownie assortment