Reception costs

We were looking at having a morning wedding initially and serve mimosas and coffee and then having pastrys and eggs.

theeeeen i realized then i would have to get up absurdly early to get ready. hahaha hard pass!

I think if your very clear that it is not a full reception on your invites, and just beverages and cake.

A cake & punch reception is totally fine as long as it's during a nonmeal time (10-11 AM, 2-5 PM, 8-10 PM).

What about just appetizers? That could save you some big coin. Or something inexpensive like pasta / taco bar

I don't think its a problem as long as you have it earlier in the day where people don't expect to be fed or put on invites that it is just cake so they eat prior.

and I did a pasta bar it was still expensive with caterer. I bit the bullet and just booked it. Everyone has dietary restrictions and it is just easier.

I didn't want to ask my family to do anything.

My best friend got married in October and only did popcorn, doughnuts, homemade buttermints, and cake. No one had a problem. Ceremony was at 1:30, and led straight into the reception which lasted until about 5:30

Cake and punch receptions are pretty common. If it’s not during mealtime, don’t sweat it. If it is, can you change the time? Have you already sent out invitations or save the dates or can you cut the guest list? Have you looked at pizza, Italian, BBQ?

You can also specify on invitations "light refreshments" so that guests don't come expecting a meal. You can also just communicate this through word of mouth as people rsvp or you tell them about the event since it sounds like you're having a small event.

Thank you for all the great ideas!!!

View Quoted Comment Ok everyone, I’ve made a decision. I’m gonna do a nacho bar! I love nachos and most of it will be just putting things in nice containers. Just gotta cook the meat which I’m gonna do chicken and steak fajitas meat and rent a nacho machine! Thanks for all the input! And good luck to you all on your special day!

View Quoted Comment

I have had Golden Corral cater a few of our work fundraisers here in Florida. The food was amazing!

You could just do a sandwich bar!

I would do lite fare, Cake, Punch, Cheese & Crackers, Hoagie tray, finger sandwiches, salads

Costco sells prosecco for $6.99 and it’s GOOD! Grab a few cases for the “champagne toast” and they let you return whatever you don’t use. They also sell sheet cakes. Nothing wrong with a cake and champagne reception in my opinion.

I totally feel you. Our catering is huge but my dad is helping. And our wedding is for family and friends , since we went to the courthouse. To do this it would have to be at a time people wouldn't expect a meal (if that makes sense). Like if Im at a wedding at 6pm i expect to be fed unless you stated on the invite its just appetizers.

You could definitely do cake and punch at 1:15, just make sure it’s clear on your invitation. If you do end up doing lunch, you might want to start a little earlier. Personally i don’t think I’d serve lunch later than 12:30 and if you have the ceremony first 12 would be a great start time.

I would do heavy Hors d'oeuvres at the least and minimize the number of people invited

We cancelled today. We don’t have any help. I’m heartbroken but I am legally married and I’m doing this for family and friends. But too many things have gone wrong financially and th is would be for my side not his. So my childhood fantasy has to just go away. Haven’t decided what I’m gonna do with my dress yet. But thanks.

How do you feel about tapas, small plated foods or light cocktails?