Starting Dinner w/o Newlyweds

@Olivia - same.

Seriously, though. A reception is for you to receive the guests that attended your ceremony. If you don't want to interact with guests and want privacy, don't hosts guests.

DH and I had a sweetheart table and we got plenty of quality time, while still being able to interact with guests.

@LillyBean17, most people here prefer plated to buffet (see ANY thread on this topic). I don't like the idea of waiting to be called up for your meal or waiting in line. Sorry. That's totally off topic to this crappy idea of the OP eating in seclusion.

It’s extremely rude. This is your party you’re hosting. Normally, people don’t eat before the hosts do, at least not in civilised society.

A.L., a preference doesn't make something "problematic". You're shitting on brides and grooms that choose buffet-style. See ANY thread on this topic.

OK, well, I agree to disagree with you.

I'd find it odd but usually by that point I'm focused on the food and just be glad I'm eating.

Cocktail hour is typically when you would take those pictures. I think it would be weird to start dinner with out you there.

Several venues in my area have started suggesting a "private dining room dinner" for the couple which I found to be odd.

I think it would make more sense to take pictures during cocktail hour. DH and I took pictures during cocktail hour and then had some time alone before we started the reception. We were served first, then our guests, and we had time to do table visits while everyone else ate. I think it would be weird to dinner in a separate room, but by doing pictures first you should still be able to budget for that private time you're looking for.

I think this would be odd. Cocktail hour is usually when couples leave and get pictures (I believe that is the whole reason of cocktail hour or at least how it started) of you aren't doing a first look and do pictures before the ceremony. Would find it weird if the couple didn't eat didn't eat dinner with guests and ate somewhere else? Like are we the guests not special enough to eat with?? Just have a sweetheart table to eat alone at and spend alone time together after the reception

I went to several weddings where they started dinner (buffet) and music while the couple took pictures and spent probably 30 minutes of quiet time praying, eating a small meal, and soaking in what just happened. Wasn't weird at all for us guests. Gave everyone a chance to get through the buffet line, mingle with out of town family, and take a seat to enjoy their grand entrance.

I always hear brides say they never got a chance to eat or even really spend a moment alone with their new husband so I'm all for that. Just don't disappear for two hours!

If a couple disappeared for 30 minutes, praying wouldn't be my first guess

I have been to one wedding where the buffet was already out during cocktail hour and people were told to go ahead and get food as well as drinks. It wasn't a big deal. When the bride and groom came in, they made their plates and ate dinner with everyone. It worked without anyone thinking it weird they weren't there, because guests weren't expected to wait until everyone except the bride and groom were there, then have a formal prayer, then go eat. It was more efficient because guests could just got their plate whenever they wanted as they arrived, so there was no dismissing tables one at a time and the line was never long.

Please do not make guests have cocktail hour and then a prayer and then start dinnwr without you. While I don't think it's a terrible thing to do, it will be much more awkward that way and less efficient if everyone is already there and then starts dinner without you. It'll call more attention to your absence.

If I were a guest I think it would be odd. Is it a plated meal? You don't want to miss out on the good food on your day! I know a couple who were so caught up in everything that the groom missed out on the prime rib - one of the things he looked most forward to!

I can't believe people are being so rude!! I don't know why people are so negative.. haha I am considering eating alone with my fiance as well. The reason being for me is that I have really bad anxiety and when I get anxious, I lose my appetite, and when I can't eat, I feel light headed. My counselor actually suggested eating privately. I feel like it would be a good time to just relax, eat some food, and then we would do our grand entrance. We would eat during cocktail hour.

I'm considering eating privately because I feel like it will allow me to enjoy the rest of the wedding since I'll have a full tummy of food.

Look at all these judgmental comments! It's her wedding! If you, as a guest, think the bride and groom need to spend every moment of their 6+ hour event with everyone else without being allowed a short amount of time to soak in the gravity of the day with the person they love, then you are the selfish one. Eat your dinner that the couple paid for and chat with the other people at your table. Likely the bride and groom have been apart all day so give them a moment to soak it all in without guests and cameras interrupting them - whether that's a meal or a private slow dance or whatever.

Surround yourself with people you love on your wedding day. If your guests are going to act that entitled, fill their seats with people who are happy to be included in what should be the happiest day of your life instead of those who judge how you spend the first day married to the love of your life.