I was thinking of having a dessert reception instead of a full meal after my wedding. What time should I have it? I was thinking around 8 or 9pm after everyone has had dinner but will that keep the guests' kids up too late (the kids are all invited to the wedding and reception)? I also thought about 3pm after lunch but we have rented the reception site for all day and I don't want people to have their desserts and then get hungry for real food and leave around 6 or so. I hoped the dancing and fun would go on until late into the night. What should I do?
2007-02-28 06:26:59 · 11 answers · asked by Erica 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
You're right about the time table.
If you have your wedding about 2:00, people will enjoy dessert but they will start leaving around 5:30-6pm for dinner. Nice way to get them to leave.
If you have the wedding at 7/7:30pm then they should have had dinner already & then your dessert reception would be fine. It's a wedding, they won't mind the kids being up. And the littler ones will fall asleep on Mom's lap anyway.
2007-02-28 06:39:54 · answer #1 · answered by weddrev 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you in this case you can't have your cake and eat it too, you'll have to choose. 1. you are right that you can't keep children hungry all day and then give them sugar at 8 or 9 pm. 2. you could have it at 3 pm (after lunch and before dinner) and call it a Cake & Champagne Reception (not dessert) but you will have to forego the dancing and late-night wishes - people will eventually want dinner and will leave at dinner-time if no food is provided. What you have to decide is what's more important to you - feeding your guests or partying until late? Why not think about this...go middle of the road - have a luncheon instead (with cake) over say....12-2 and then tell the adult guests that you will be hosting an after party that evening, same location, from 7 until... They will understand two things, one that there will not be dinner and two that they should come without children. You of course run the risk of losing some people because they won't want to go home and come back or they will not have sitter for later. Either way, there is just no way to please everyone and stay within your budget (I'm assuming that's the driving force behind the "no dinner"). Good luck.
2007-02-28 06:42:11 · answer #2 · answered by Brandy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The best time for a dessert reception is typically between 9:00 pm and 10:30 pm. So the only other option to host a dessert reception that wouldn't be too late is in the afternoon between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. If you really want to have an evening dance, you may want to consider having an hors d'oeuvres reception (passed or stationary) incorporation with desserts around 8 p.m. This way not only is your reception a little earlier, but you also have time to allow for guests to eat dinner before your ceremony but also provide enough food for them to enjoy while dancing. And you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your reception with guests who may leave a little early to take their children home. Just be sure to list on your reception card that you will be having a dessert or hors d'oeuvres reception so guests can plan accordingly.
2007-02-28 08:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by Veronica W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a dessert reception, start it at 7 or 8. Keep in mind, though, that dancing and fun will NOT go on until late into the night. People do not stay at dessert receptions longer than two hours. If you want a long reception, you're going to have to provide a full meal.
2007-02-28 07:19:43 · answer #4 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I'd go with 7:00 pm. Just make sure you have it written as a "dessert" reception on the invites. This gives people plenty of time to eat dinner beforehand and it's a good time to start a party. Most kids will find the energy to stay up late. Have a great wedding.
2007-02-28 09:30:31 · answer #5 · answered by ireallydoknowitall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is a very pratical idea...............I'd say have the reception about 1 or 2 and not last more than 3 hours.......but be sure to put on the invitation that it's a dessert reception, so guest will know before hand you aren't providing a full meal.
2007-02-28 06:58:37 · answer #6 · answered by Laughing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have reception after the dinner hour and state on the invitation that it will be a dessert/coffee bar.
2007-03-02 10:35:07 · answer #7 · answered by mimegamy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever thought of having a midnight buffet? That way you could do the dessert a 7 or 8 and then feed everyone again at midnight, but it won't cost a lot of money. You could just do veggie and fruit trays, and some cold cuts.
2007-02-28 09:23:46 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mid afternoon or mid morning.
If you scheduleyour reception ate 8 p.m. yoru guest would expect dinner.
Good luck
2007-02-28 07:07:26 · answer #9 · answered by Blunt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmmm tough decision. I would do it earlier in the day. I know you want dancing all night, but anything after 5:00pm is considered a formal event and guests would probably expect food. Just my opinion.
2007-02-28 06:37:55 · answer #10 · answered by Evie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋