In this tricky economic climate, engaged couples are becoming increasingly creative with their money-saving measures. Some are hosting smaller weddings, some have scaled back their dream venues and still others are opting for rented, borrowed or pre-worn wedding attire.
But there’s one cost-cutting measure that seems to leave everyone locked in a heated debate—is it ever okay not to serve a full meal at the reception?
If your ceremony is at 6pm and you plan to serve only cake and champagne, your guests are bound to be disappointed. It’s dinnertime! But what if your ceremony is at 4pm? 9pm?
When does it become appropriate? Does not serving a full meal at a wedding reception make you want to rant or rave?
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September 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I don’t mind when couples don’t serve a full dinner at the reception but timing is key. Receptions serving appetizers, cake and punch or just desserts are great ideas – they just need to be set at the appropriate time. If no meal is being served then I think that it should be stated somewhere in the invite.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I’ve never been to a wedding where a full dinner wasn’t served. I don’t think I would mind so much as long at people were notified before so that they can fill up before the wedding. And s long as there was a celebration after the ceremony. That’s the fun part of the wedding. Getting to celebrate and go crazy with your family and friends. My fiance and I plan on having a live Chicago Wedding Band at the reception, so if we decided not to serve dinner, maybe the live music would make up for it! =)
September 11th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
One of my best friends had a “dessert reception” after her wedding in which I served as a bridesmaid. I agree with Aarika that timing is key and it *must* me stated in the invitation- which it was. It turned out just lovely, each dessert was bite-sized, there was punch and champagne and it was served in a pretty buffet. I believe the wedding started at 7 pm so it was perfect timing and everyone who wasn’t a central figure went home around 10. My friend and her new husband were happy as were the guests, and it didn’t break the bank. A few of the dessert selections were even home-made and given as gifts to the couple!