Late night snacks???

While I think late night snacks are a nice touch, they're definitely not required. Since your dinner isn't starting until 8, it probably won't be over until like 9/9:30. If you're doing cake or dessert afterwards, guests will probably be fed until like 10/10:30ish. I don't think a late night snack is necessary here, especially if it's not in the budget.

My parents insisted on these because they were afraid people would be disappointed if there weren’t. I tried to tell them it’s just an added expense and no one expects them. More guests ended up leaving early than my parents anticipated, so there were way too many leftover. I’d say if you do want to do them, don’t over order. Only order half of the final guest count and that should cover the ones willing to stay to the end.

Our timing is about the same as you and we are over-ordering on our desserts vs doing a late-night snack. I bought to-go boxes for the desserts to so anyone who is left at the end of the night can take treats home with them. I felt this was a better use of my $$ than more “regular food”.

Since your reception is so short, you don’t need to serve any late snacks. Many guests will still be digesting dinner. Those who are still hungry can snack from the buffet (if you are having one) or get an inexpensive charcuterie spread. Late night snacks are not necessary unless the reception goes to 2am or later. An after party elsewhere is irrelevant. Save your money and put it towards dinner, open bar, and/or dj that guests will remember and appreciate.

I have similar timing but am going until 1am. My late night snacks will be chips and salsa, so under $50.

Idk I like the idea of continuous food in rotation but that could be a cultural thing. We had a hefty appetizer selection with open bar for cocktail hour which was two hours 3:30-5:30ish. Followed by dinner at 5:45 ish. Followed by nacho bar at 10. But honestly our reception lasted till 2:30-3 nearly.

I don't think you need a late snack but if you are having an after party of sorts I d definitely need more food/a snack at some point even if it was just a slice of pizza, pretzels. pita and hummus, or a diner egg sandwich. Happy planning!

I agree with the other comments. It's really just an added expense, but if you really want to do it, then I don't see why not 😊

What happens if pizza delivery people arrive at the reception?

No. Unless you want to pay for a vegetable tray, cheese & crackers or some sweet & sour meatballs. What happens is that when you provide heavy snacks, your guests will not eat the dinner food that you had to pay good money for.

When I attended my cousins wedding in NY, it was customary to have sliced round of beef, fruit station, vegetable tray, cheese & crackers at the "Happy Hour"

After Happy Hour, they announced dinner is ready, I was like "what, I thought that this was dinner". I was so stuffed, I literally picked over the salmon. Good Luck!

Hi yes that may sound nice but I think that from your cocktail our and then dinner following and as the other ladies replied. That you will have cake and other desserts they will be pretty much full. Plus dont fork over anymore does it it's not part of your menu im sure you spent a pretty penny of food dessert and alcohol no need for it

I wish that were an option. It’s a very formal hotel and they will charge an arm and a leg for bringing in outside food to the point where I might as well have gotten food from them!

View Quoted Comment I wish that were an option. It’s a very formal hotel and they will charge an arm and a leg for bringing in outside food to the point where I might as well have gotten food from them!

No that doesn't seem like a necessary expense considering the later hour of your reception and meal.

While it’s a cute idea, I think it’ll be a waste of money/budget especially if dinner isn’t starting until 8pm. If it’s a plated service, you’re looking at dinner ending around 9:30pm and that’s just so close to 11pm end time