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DEB2019
Savvy November 2019

Meal choice for a Friday evening wedding & reception

DEB2019, on June 25, 2018 at 8:11 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 37
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My fiancé and I decided on a buffet style meal of salad, baked chicken, green beans, and loaded mashed potatoes. I met with my potential wedding coordinator for the first time and she advised that based off of my 5pm start time, I should consider stations or heavy hors d’oeuvres. She said that by the time the reception starts it will be kind of late to serve a heavy meal. I’m confused because dinner time for my family is anywhere between 6-7:30pm. Why wouldn’t it be ok for my wedding guests? I’m still set on serving a meal. I’d just like to know what other brides or experts think. Thanks in advance for any advice!

37 Comments

Latest activity by Daria, on June 27, 2018 at 2:21 PM
  • Shannon
    Expert October 2017
    Shannon ·
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    That's right at dinner time for most people how is that too late for a heavy meal?
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  • Jessica
    VIP October 2018
    Jessica ·
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    Uhh... My meal time is the same as your family's. Id be expecting a meal (Unless you promise me I can eat 20 chicken wings by myself!)
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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    That’s what I’m thinking. I will also have alcohol so I know I want my guests to eat enough. Food is definitely not one of the areas that I want to cut corners on. I’m hoping by getting some advice from the members here I can determine if what she said is some uncommon belief. My biggest concern is hiring a professional that doesn’t really know wedding etiquette 😬
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  • C
    Beginner August 2018
    Crystal ·
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    I'd do what you want and you know your guests better than someone you just met. While she may understand etiquette or how a typical reception is done, only you and your groom know your guests. It's your party and I say do what YOU want. Smiley smile
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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    Omg, I know that’s Right!!!
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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    If dinner is at 6 pm, cool. Dinner at 6:30? I can make it. Past 6:30...I'm gonna get cranky cuz I'm hungry. Smiley atonished

    How do you feel about the wedding at 4 pm? If you want to do any photos outside that may be better for lighting too.

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  • MrsPreach2018
    Master August 2018
    MrsPreach2018 ·
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    You're fine with serving dinner. I'm also having a Friday wedding with a 6pm start time, buffet line will be available after our entrance between 7:15p-7:30p.
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  • Janel
    Super September 2018
    Janel ·
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    I think 6-730 is normal for dinner. My ceremony is at 6pm, cocktail hour will immediately follow at 6:30, followed by dinner.
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  • Going to the chapel
    Master July 2017
    Going to the chapel ·
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    I think you're fine. Your coordinator is wrong. I hope she gives better advise on other topics.

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  • Erika
    Expert April 2019
    Erika ·
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    My start time is 5:30 and our coordinator said that's fine. We were just getting together a rough time line and dinner would be about 7:30. I don't see anything wrong with it.

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  • Happy Hedgie
    VIP September 2018
    Happy Hedgie ·
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    I would expect a full meal at that time so I wouldn't listen to her.

    we are having a Friday wedding. Cocktail hour with passed apps from 6-7. Dinner after and ours will be heavier: salad course, pasta course, duo plate of filet mignon and chicken parm, potatoes, veggies and cheesecake. I'm not concerned about it being too late for real food.
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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    Our wedding is going to be on a Friday. I know some local guests will work that day. 4 might be too early. I’m hoping that the appetizers during the cocktail time will hold the guests over 😬
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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    She is really nice and has good reviews but this definitely has me concerned!
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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    Sounds just like what I was thinking!
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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    Thank you all! I will proceed with my plans for the full meal. Might have to reconsider hiring this specific day of coordinator though.
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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Oh! Appetizers will be fine! At least some cheese & meats to hold people over. Smiley tongue

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  • T
    Devoted September 2019
    Time2Shine ·
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    Your plan sounds fine. She might be speaking from experience with previous weddings. The planners is there to help with your vision, and you make the final decisions.
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  • M
    Devoted May 2019
    Meg ·
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    I went to a wedding with a 6 o clock start time and we didn’t start the reception until after 7. I don’t think I ate until around 8. Everyone was talking about how they didn’t eat before the wedding and no one seemed to mind it being late at all. I normally eat around 6:30 but weddings I don’t usually care since the food is usually worth the wait! If you’re set on having food, have food! Your guests will be way more happy if you don’t skimp on food
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  • The Nuptials
    VIP July 2018
    The Nuptials ·
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    Nope, thats dinner time for me too. Was she a little older? Whats the demographic of your guests?

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  • DEB2019
    Savvy November 2019
    DEB2019 ·
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    Wow, that was really late! I can’t imagine having my guests waiting too long to eat. If all goes as planned we will start the buffet line around 6:30!
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