Elopement and Food

I don't think it would necessarily be rude to not serve alcohol - especially with no guests and just vendors.

If it were me, I may would gift them each a bottle of wine for working with you - thats way they have a drink if they want it, if you don't plan to have any more!

View Quoted Comment That’s a great idea! I was more focusing on, will it be weird serving dessert with no food at 5:30 p.m.?

Nope. Not rude at all. I'm eloping and not serving my photographer food at all.

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If your elopement will be super short and sweet, I say it's okay! I wouldn't keep them long if you don't plan on serving dinner. But if it's that few people, I would look into spending a couple of extra dollars on a simple dinner that fits the theme you're going for! It can't be too expensive since there isn't many of you!

But it isn't the end of the world if you don't serve dinner and just cake with an elopement!

View Quoted Comment Thank you. Just want to keep things simple.

If you aren’t having a receptions, you don’t need to feed your vendors. Pay them, tip them if you want and they get to go home.

View Quoted Comment Yeah, the main issue was we didn’t really have any helpers to keep the food hot/light chafing dishes, etc. It would be doable but a little stressful to pick up a catering order beforehand and everything. Thanks so much

View Quoted Comment Yeah, I suggested just giving them a little thank you basket to my fiancé, but he thought this was a little impersonal since we know the pastor and musician.

Not rude at all. Cake/champagne ceremonies are pretty common.

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I actually like the basket idea! Food isn't necessary at elopements, but a small gift is always appreciated by your vendors that will be in attendance!

Unless these vendors are friends who would otherwise be invited to a reception, it is acceptable to just go out to dinner with your new spouse only. Cake and coffee (many skip the champagne and it will make you drunk quickly with just sugar in your belly) is very common as a reception offering regardless of guest count. Who will you be serving it to? At a 5pm ceremony, you probably will only be there 15 minutes plus 30-60 mins for pictures, you are going to be hungry for dinner.

View Quoted Comment Thank you. I thought it was a good idea too

View Quoted Comment You’re right. Yes, coffee is a good idea. Thank you

View Quoted Comment Thank you. Just overanalyzing I guess.