We already have the actual wedding figured out, but the reception is a whole other expense, and we know there's going to be atleast 250 people, but we just cant afford to feed that many people 5- coarse meals, but we cant expect them to come to the wedding and then not invite them to the reception, but we really want it to be a nice enjoyable experience for everyone.
2006-10-02 09:53:27 · 19 answers · asked by J.A.G. 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Our wedding reception was held at the local country club. We had spent so much money on everything else, we really had to scrimp on the reception, so we decided to do finger sandwiches, a variety of veggies & dips, cheese trays, deli meat trays, and lots of different crackers, spreads and breads to put them on, and several different desserts to accompany the wedding cake. It was lovely and we saved a bundle! It was still semi-formal, and everyone enjoyed going to the buffet tables whenever they pleased throughout the evening. I know your reception will be lovely! God bless!
2006-10-02 10:05:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why the common menu is wedding cake, mints, nuts, and punch or coffee. That is the general basics, but if you schedule the wedding so that it ends around dinner time, then folks will be wanting more, or a shorter reception, so bear that in mind.
When you go figuring real food, remember that folks will often be in their finest. I remember one where they had chili and other stuff like that (smokies in BBQ sauce), still another with little sandwiches with mustard (afraid mayonaise would spoil if left out too long), still another with red wine instead of champaign--the kids and more than a few adults got some really difficult stains to clean. If you must feed folks (too close to dinner and too far to restaurants), then make it a sandwich bar. You can get dinner rolls and loaves of bread (white and wheat, always give them choice). Separate the meats if you can (ham not on the same tray as the turkey or beef, the observing Jews will appreciate it). A couple types of cheeses, sliced and fanned out on the tray. Basic condiments (mayonaise, mustard, ketchup) with basic veggies (lettuce leaf and shredded iceberg, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions--sweet preferrably). Add some broccoli and cauliflower heads, carrot sticks or slices and celery chunks. Maybe some fruit (cut up and put out last) like apples, pears, pineapple chunks or melon. With a sitdown thing automatically cost goes up with table, table coverings, table decorations, and you haven't got to the food yet. You will want some sturdy and stable plastic or sturdy and stable paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups (not big cups). Sturdy costs more than cheapest flimsy, but it reduces spills and is lots more convenient (throw away, no washing, no extra cost with breakage, no one stealing the stuff) than real dishes. It isn't cheap, but it isn't all that expensive either.
2006-10-02 10:18:28 · answer #2 · answered by Rabbit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly legit to have a non-meal reception if your ceremony and reception are planned for a non-meal time of day.
It can be just cookies and punch, or just a cheese and fruit tray, or for brunch it can be bagels and mufins with tea and coffee, or just cookies and cocoa, or just cake and champagne, or just a fruit salad and tea sandwiches, or just hors d'oevures, or whatever. You indicate the type of reception on the invitation so people know a full meal will not be served.
One of these simpler arrangements with light refreshments, you're looking at at about $6 per person for food and drink, if you go by the prices I've researched so far. (Complicated assembled hors d'oevures don't save you much over serving an inexpensive lunch because they are time-consuming for your caterer to make.)
2006-10-02 11:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest embracing your budget and don't try to make things seem fancy cuz they will just look cheap. It is totally ok to serve pasta and meatballs, you can even have your family make them! Don't get a crazy expensive cake. Get a small fancy one if you want and then hit Sam's Club. You could totally serve your guests nothing but frozen appetizers from a warehouse club.
One of the most fun wedding receptions I ever went to was in a high school cafeteria with a buffet and cans of beer. Lots of churches/temples have party rooms that are much cheaper than a hotel or restaurant.
2006-10-02 10:00:51 · answer #4 · answered by Katherine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are getting married in June and we have decided to just do a buffet type of food theme for our reception. We're just having sandwiches with ham and turkey and cheese with condiments on the side. Also our families are making differents types of salads (potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw) and then fruit kabobs or a fruit salad. Then we are having coffee and punch as well as the bar that our hall is providing. Figure that you can get about 12 sandwiches out of a loaf of bread if you cut them in half. We are buying bread from the bread store so that's cheaper right there. I don't think it is necessary to have a big 5 course spread honestly. Also if you decide to go with a buffet style, really try to stay away from "messy" foods that are most definitely going to stain your clothes....Good luck! :)
2006-10-03 15:36:40 · answer #5 · answered by shortydolphin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this will work for you, but, I just went through this in July. We had our closest family and friends to a small dinner at an upscale buffet style restaurant, then went back to My dads house for a huge party after. It was great. We even had everyone bring their own booze. I think in total we spent $600 on it. And people these days will understand, things are expensive and newly weds need to be on a budget!!! Maybe this helped, it really worked for us. Good luck with everything!!!
2006-10-02 10:09:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the wedding earlier in the day, preferably right after lunch. Have a snack reception- where you have finger sandwiches and hor dourves. That way, most guests would have already eaten by the time they got to your wedding and wont be hungry enough to eat dinner- so snacks would be perefect especially for mingling!
2006-10-02 09:58:18 · answer #7 · answered by glorymomof3 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did a buffet style heavy hor dourves... (sorry i cant spell)
we feed about 100 people for about... a little less than 1000.00
i work for place that holds wedding all the time.. and i can help you out a bit more.. if need be.. but try checking with your reception site.. and see if they offer heavy hor dorves...
i had swedish meatballs, a smoked salmone, hot wings , fruit trays, ect ect, meat trays , cheese trays, punch, mini quicehs... and stuff... i could probably down load you a menu.. when i go to work. and email it to you to show you what we offer and then you can take it to your reception site and show them... let me know if you would liek the info...
i was a bride on a major tight budget.. i did all my decorations myself too.. (my center pieces)
2006-10-02 11:13:27 · answer #8 · answered by Cyndi s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a cake and champagne reception, and serve appetizers. Make sure the guests know not to expect a meal, and make sure the reception is short (about 2 hours).
2006-10-02 10:16:45 · answer #9 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just went to a wedding last night and they had a BBQ buffet. Everyone raved about it because it wasnt the same old beef, chicken, or fish. Try going to local restuarants and see if they can do something like that
2006-10-02 10:10:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋