Guests and reception dinner

Depends on what time in the evening your reception will be. Most people when they go to an "evening" wedding expect to have an entree, meaning a meat of some sort and then sides. What types of sandwiches are you considering? My friend got married a t 2:00 p.m. and did a buffet with what you are talking about: 2 sandwich types and all the extras. I would say it really depends on what time you get married.

The venue has a choice of deli meats or hot meat sandwiches, like pulled pork, roast beef aujus, bbq chicken with a bunch of sides to choose from like fruit, pasta salad, green bean casserole, potato salad, chips and dip, vegetable tray and such. Our reception starts at 5pm. we only have a 8,000 budget, and paying for entree dinner is over half. Looking at it, it just is not possible, unless we take out a loan, and we already have enough bills!

I would think that at that time of the evening people would be wanting dinner, not really sandwiches.

I agree with Future Mrs. B. I think 5pm is dinner time, and really, people will expect to have dinner. Sandwiches sound good, but maybe if you switch to an earlier reception, like 2 or 3pm?

I would think that if you go with the hot meat sandwiches, you should be ok. People may be expecting a bit more at that time, but as long as there is enough food for them to not be starving, I think it's better than going into even more debt just to have an extravagant meal. I definitely wouldn't do the deli sandwiches though - that's definitely more of a lunch time meal.

Is there enough for each person to have 2 pulled pork sandwhiches? That would be my concern. Sure, some people might only eat one, but if I'm starving, know I'm going to be drinking, I need food in my belly to get me through the night.

How much was the chicken dinner with out the carved meat? I haven't seen carved meat in a few years. Usually a chicken, pasta, veggies, salad.

I agree with the other ladies - do the hot sandwiches, but make sure you have enough so that people can have seconds. They'll be hungry at the end of the day, and mixing drinks into the party they'll definitely need/want food.

What about moving your time up? I agree, I would expect dinner, not sandwiches at an evening/dinner time wedding.

I know exactly what this feels like! We are trying to stay under $10,000 with our budget and looking at a 5k catering bill just makes you lose your breath! Make sure you are looking into cutting out the linens , silverware ect. That can get costly and you can get presentable dishware at cosco , Sams club ect. I think it really depends on the atmosphere of your family as well! My family is very close and very laid back so sandwiches and sides would be fine.

Have you considered serving one or two kinds of meet, but not 5 sides? 5 sides sounds like quite a feast. I'm doing chicken and roasted sirloin with 1 starch, 1 vegetable and a salad before.

I don't think it's appropriate unless you're in the most casual of locations.

Maybe this isn't the last place to cut the budget......STD's....oversized invites.....CUT THE GUEST LIST....cut the bridal party....

Then look at life....you have about a year; cut the cable; use Skype instead of having two phones with unlimited minutes. Stop buying fast food/starbucks/bridal mags (lol) stop recreationally shopping.....you know the drill, lol

But no sandwiches for a wedding dinner unless you're in a park or at the beach.

Cutting the number of sides won't really make a dif; most places figure a certain amount of total ounces per person.

How about serving baked chicken or fish those are always cheap choice. Are you cooking or is it catered?

I think it depends on the type of wedding you're having. If it's a laid back atmosphere casual attire just come celebrate the sandwhiches are fine. But if people will be in dressy attire suits dresses IMO pulled pork isn't the way to go. I completely understand budget. Maybe like the ladies said one meat and only 2 sides with salad.

Wow... that is kind of tough... to be honest, an evening wedding and reception is typically a more formal affair with heavier dinner (which doesnt mean it HAS to be)... what kind of canapes / appetizers are you doing for your cocktail hour? if it is a super casual wedding, i guess it... well, i don't know... in my very honest opinion, i think you need to reassess your overall budget. Food / Alcohol is the last thing you should cut. you have almost a year - i would take all of celia's advice. you have plenty of time to buckle down on some of your every day expenses... i know it is hard.. but we are all doing it!

I also think it depends on where you are having the wedding and what the style is. Normally, at 5:00 p.m., guests would be expecting dinner, which is not usually sandwiches. I agree with Celia, cut from other areas if you can. If you can't than don't do deli meats, do pulled pork and roast beef. Try making one of those sides a hot pasta dish. Eliminate the potato salad and substitute a hot potato dish. Keep the green bean casserole and serve a tossed salad. I would stay away from deli type stuff: cold salads and deli meats. That is lunch.

Thanks ladies for the input! I have a lot to consider, luckily I have some time on my side