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Amy
Beginner June 2021

Reception on a Budget!

Amy, on January 9, 2021 at 6:26 PM

Posted in Wedding Reception 35

I am so shocked by some of the prices per person for a reception! We are having a sunset wedding so I don't think a full on meal is necessary. I am thinking of pick-ups and dessert. Is that an acceptable option?? I would love to have money for a nice honeymoon and care more about spending money on...

I am so shocked by some of the prices per person for a reception! We are having a sunset wedding so I don't think a full on meal is necessary. I am thinking of pick-ups and dessert. Is that an acceptable option?? I would love to have money for a nice honeymoon and care more about spending money on that than a fancy sit down dinner that is only going to last a couple hours...

35 Comments

  • Amy
    Beginner June 2021
    Amy ·
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    Thank you this is an amazing suggestion. Everyone will be traveling and a few will be there a couple days early like we will. We could maybe even order pizza to deliver to the hotel and anyone who wants Can come grab some before full on wedding prep begins. Thank you for being helpful Smiley smile
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  • A
    Expert September 2020
    Amanda ·
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    Why come on here and ask opinions if you don’t actually want them? Sounds like your decision is made.
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  • A
    Expert September 2020
    Amanda ·
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    If you’re serving alcohol, either do very very heavy apps (sliders, lots of protein and carbs) but I’d still recommend a full meal.
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  • A
    Super September 2020
    Alli ·
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    I think you will shock everyone if you don’t serve a meal during an evening wedding unless it’s a super late ceremony with a very short cocktail hour after... which is awkward. But if that’s what you guys want, then go for it!! I would recommend downsizing if you actually want a true reception in order to afford a meal.
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  • Jessica
    Devoted February 2021
    Jessica ·
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    As a planner and as a bride - your guests will 100% expect a full dinner unless your hosting your nuptials early in the day. Then you could probably get away with brunch. As for costs butlered appetizers and appetizer stations will end up costing you the same in the long run. $100 a head for a reception is average. We’re hosting a wine dinner with 6 courses. Priced at $250 a head. You can cut expenses by not inviting children and keeping your list small. We’re having 50 ppl
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  • Brittany
    Just Said Yes January 2022
    Brittany ·
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    If it’s at 7:30 then I would expect to have at least small bites. But I do think food is necessary
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  • Tiarra
    Just Said Yes May 2021
    Tiarra ·
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    Hey there,


    I feel like it’s 2020; do what fits your situation the best!!!!
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  • Diana
    Just Said Yes June 2022
    Diana ·
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    Yesss feeding your guests can be the most or one of the most expensive items on your budget. My fiancé and I were looking at the dinner packages for our 2 potential venues and we might be considering heavy hors d’oeuvres due to the cost. I hope you find a workaround and that your day is all you hope it to be.
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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Unless you diy all the appetizers from Costco which many venues do not allow, you may be surprised to find that heavy appetizers are more expensive than a full dinner due to the labor involved and the amount you need to serve.
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  • JM Sunshine
    August 2020
    JM Sunshine ·
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    I think as long as guests know up front what is provided then they can plan accordingly. I usually stop at Jack in the Box before or after many weddings even if full meals are served because mass produced food is usually undercooked or not to my liking anyway. 😉
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  • Suzanne
    Dedicated July 2021
    Suzanne ·
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    I would recommend providing a meal because if people get hungry, they will leave. A friend of mine had heavy appetizers for her wedding, but most people left after an hour or two because they needed real food. It was a bit disappointing that people didn't stay for the bouquet toss, send-off, etc. Several of my friends have benefitted from budget-friendly ethnic food. One friend had a Greek restuarant cater for cheaper than your traditional meal. Two others had fajitas/Tex-Mex dinner and that was very affordable for them.

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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    If it was catered properly the heavy appetizers would have actually been more food than a plated meal. Hence the higher cost of labor for appetizers. If someone goes home hungry from that, it is not often the caterer's fault unless they don't know what they're doing.


    Restaurant corporate catering is a great budget item. You get a ton of food..typically better tasting/quality than a regular caterer for a fraction of the price. They don't care what type of event it is so they don't charge extra because it's a wedding.
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  • Florida Marlins
    Expert October 2017
    Florida Marlins ·
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    Please serve your guests dinner.

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  • S
    Expert November 2021
    Sara ·
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    Your plan reminds me of that episode on Four Weddings where there was only dessert and pick me ups, and the girls left the reception to order a pizza. Any evening wedding needs to have an actual meal IMO. If you want dessert only then hold your wedding in the afternoon

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  • Mrs.g
    Beginner October 2022
    Mrs.g ·
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    We are having our 10 year anniversary celebration/ vow renewal next year. Because we, and everyone in our circle have small children, we are having it at an early hour. We haven't gotten into the details of the reception, but our crowd is so low key, that we are thinking of having various appetizer stations or some good ol' Texas BBQ, along with some dessert options like cake, brownies, and fruit cups. At our wedding, we had it catered from a local Mexican restaurant, and it was much more affordable than the caterer list that the venue suggested. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

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