Reception costs

Sure, as long as your reception is at a non-meal time like 2-5 pm.

Depends.. what time is your vow renewal scheduled for? If the party/reception is scheduled during a meal time, you will need to provide a meal. But you could do it during an non-meal time and save the money. Otherwise, look into BBQ or Mexican which appear to be the cheapest food options.

Yes. You’re hosting people and they are expecting to be fed. I would just opt for a buffet style reception with Mexican or Italian as it is the least expensive food. You can do cupcakes instead of a cake. And do wine and beer bar. Did you try to get a venue where all of this is included? It’s works out to be much more cost effective. You can also just do cheese crackers meat fruit and some veggies for your cocktail hour.

View Quoted Comment It’s a 1:15 and so I’m gonna say the reception would be about 30 mins later.

Hmmmmm. That’s a tricky time. That’s when most people will be expecting lunch. Did you secure a venue already?

View Quoted Comment Yes. It’s outdoors. Pretty but kinda casual too. Olive Garden doesn’t have bad pricing I just wanted to get cheaper. I think I’m gonna do Mexican instead.

If it's lunch time maybe doing some platters of sandwiches/subs and veggie trays etc.

I’d just call as many places as possible and try to get the best deal as possible. You can try total wine for alcohol If it’s not provided.

A cake and punch after in lieu of a reception is fine

View Quoted Comment That’s a good idea! I’m gonna do some pricing. Thank you!

I think your timeline would be perfect for cake and punch.

Do you have a Costco near you? They have excellent and really affordable party platters!

View Quoted Comment We do. But I live in Texas and we have H-E-B. I just looked and the platters are reasonable.

View Quoted Comment If that’s not in your budget, who cares what people are expecting. Tell them that this is a dessert reception, and have the reception around non meal time. Offer tea and coffee as well.

I never heard of this...however don't call it a reception call it "Cake and Punch" Hrs something in that ordeal. If you going to go that route bc me honeslty I would i had still been expecting food lol
Im renewing my vows as well and congrats

I think at 115 people will be expecting food although it is slightly later than most lunch times. After 2pm I would feel better about cake and punch and would make it clear on the invitation that is what the plan will be. Otherwise I like your idea of doing Mexican - that sounds super fun for an afternoon wedding!

Congratulations on the renewal of your vows. I think if it is just an intimate setting cake and beverages are great. You could do a 1 tier cake for you and your spouse and some cupcakes for everyone else.

I think if you do a cake and punch reception, just say so, and maybe do some hearty apps served.

Just be clear what you're planning on doing. It's only a recent thing that wedding's were anything more than cake and punch and maybe light sandwiches. When my grandparents got married, they had light refreshments, cake, punch, and nobody thought twice. Just make sure people know so they eat ahead of time!

Wow... Catering is just so expensive we went with Golden Corral we was able to create our menus for $412.00 compared the unreasonable Catering business.