I would really like to have a dessert reception, but when I mentioned it to my dad, he hated the idea (let me just say, the guy is big on food). My fiancee and I are paying for the wedding, so I don't want his approval due to money issues. I just want to make sure that none of my guests will have the same reaction. Has anyone ever had a dessert reception? What did you serve? Did the guests like it? What time did you hold the reception?
2006-12-13 06:24:55 · 10 answers · asked by Galoshes 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
It is perfectly legit to have a non-meal reception IF you have it a non-meal time of day.
A dessert reception should be in midafternoon (say, ceremony at 2 and reception at 3) or long after the dinner hour (perhaps ceremony at 8:30 and reception at 9:30). You have to figure the ceremony time in there, too-- imagine your guests being able to eat their own lunch or dinner at home, then travel time to your ceremony, and then the reception.
If you want to make your dad happier regarding the food, maybe you could afford a bunch reception, perhaps a diner-style breakfast, with fruit-topped waffles and eggs and such? (Maybe ceremony at 10:30 and brunch at 11:30?) Would he go for that? Kind of "fancied-up comfort-food?"
And it should state at the bottom of your invitations something like:
"Dessert reception at nine o'clock in the evening"
or
"Cookies-and-punch reception at two o'clock"
or
"Please join us for hot cocoa and cookies following the ceremony"
or something simillar, so everyone knows what to expect. (NEVER say what's NOT being served-- say what IS being served.)
Whatever you choose, as long as you get the etiquette right and are a considerate hostess (yes, it's even possible on a tight budget), that's what's most important.
2006-12-13 17:27:36 · answer #1 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am not having a dessert reception, but I have been to one. Honestly, it was nice, but a bit of a let down. The timing was a little off (6PM) the time when most dinners/cocktail hours start. We were all left a little....well...hungry. I think if it had been at a more appropriate time (after 8) it would have been a little better. Why not have a cocktail style reception? It's not going to cost you much more than a dessert style reception, guests will get a little more food (which it sounds like your Dad would appreciate!) and it's actually quite stylish. If the cost of an open bar is a factor, serve champagne and soda's/waters or a champagne punch. I think either way you do it, the key is to make it not look like you didn't spend a lot. You can have a budget concious, yet lovely reception without a full 7 course meal. I would make sure to state on your invites exactly what kind of reception your guests should expect though(so they can have a light meal before they come, or plan on having one after). i.e. "Please join us for cocktails/dessert" or at the bottom of the invite, it will usually say "A dinner (or coctail/dessert) reception immediatly following the ceremony." You might have to make your reception a little shorter than a traditional 6 hour one too...you can't expect guests to "hang out" with little food or drink for 5 or 6 hours. I think 3 hours is the most you can expect for a dessert or cocktail reception. Best of luck to you both!
2006-12-13 06:49:47 · answer #2 · answered by MelB 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A desser reception is only acceptable if the wedding/reception are not over a meal time. For example, if you have a 5 pm wedding with a 7 pm reception, you are not leaving enough time for your guests to eat a meal inbetween and a dessert reception would be rude.
A dessert reception works beautifully if you have an early afternoon wedding (1pm) or a late evening wedding (7pm) with a reception immediatly to follow.
2006-12-13 07:09:35 · answer #3 · answered by Chrys 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For money reasons, I am planning on doing the exact same thing. Your wedding day shouldnt be about the food. Just make sure you don't have the reception at a time of day when your guests may expect a meal, try to have it at on odd time. I'm planning on having the classic wedding cake (or a simple home made version), cheesecake with strawberry and blueberry toppings, a selection of fruit, and ice cream.
2006-12-13 06:49:52 · answer #4 · answered by orangeflameninja 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are you having a dessert reception because of cost, or do you really just want to serve desserts?
If you want just desserts, keep it fun with different displays. Chocolate or champagne fountains are fun, serve fresh fruit at the chocolate fountain. Leave jars of candy on the tables in your wedding colors. Decorate your cake to look like it is covered in candy.
Another cost-effective idea is to have an hors d' oeuvres only reception. Serve tasty little bites of food passed on trays, set on displays, or in shot glasses, spoons, or mint julep cups. Instead of having an open bar, serve champagne only with another signature drink (one in your wedding color, perhaps?).
Most importantly, do what you want to do, regardless of your family or friends' opinions. It is your day.
It is helpful, though, to advise in your invitations something like "champagne and hors d'oeuvres/ dessert to follow" so they can prepare and not expect a full sit down meal.
Good luck to you, and congratulations! :)
2006-12-13 07:13:57 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's an awesome idea. Maybe have the wedding at 7 pm and the reception after. Offer gourmet coffee, champagne, and bite-sized fancy desserts liek creme puffs and cheesecakes and tiramisu . . .fabulous!
2006-12-13 07:57:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I went to one.. I personally thought it was tacky.... I was in the wedding party so we got there early and we didn't get to eat anything all day and then got dessert. It was terrible and I was straving and so was the wedding party... and some people didn't know so they didn't eat anything either. We all ran out of that recpetion the second she cut the cake so we could get some REAL food. It's sad when all your friends and family run to the nearest bar to get dinner after your wedding. You have to keep in mind all your bridemaids and groommen will be starving after getting ready, the church and pictures.
2006-12-13 07:54:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i just got married less than two weeks ago. at our reception we had cake, alot of other sweets and desserts, baby pickles, cheese and crackers, etc. I love sweets and thats why we chose to have mostly desserts! everyone loved it and seemed to enjoy themselves! i didnt do it to impress anyone - it was my day and i had what i liked! Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life - have what you want to! Good luck!
2006-12-13 07:51:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have been to a reception like that.. it was very nice.. small and cozy... they desserts were delicious...
good luck with it..
and i have come to learn that you can never please everyone... if it is what YOU AND YOUR FIANCEE WANT... then by all means do it... :-) it is YOUR day.. not any ones else's!!!!!!!
2006-12-13 07:03:35 · answer #9 · answered by laceylu555 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
we did, had the cake and finger foods, i didnt give a you know what about what others thought, it was our day and we did it like we wanted.
2006-12-13 06:39:59 · answer #10 · answered by nanabooboo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋