I wish to have an evening wedding, but serve a brunch style buffet. How can I do this with class?

Question

I would really like to include things like bacon, pancakes, scrambled eggs, gourmet muffins, etc, but I'm afraid since it's an evening wedding, it would make me look silly. Is there a way to make the wedding fit with this menu evening though it's going to be held in the evening/ night time? Perhaps a change in the menu (not drastic), but without compromising my love of breakfast?

I should set up my wedding a little better. It's going to be in the spring but in the evening. My bridesmaid's will have knee length dresses and the colors of the wedding are green and white. The atmosphere will reflect that of a spring time wedding. I feel that there must be some way to accomodate my wants. It is my wedding afterall. I think the guests should expect nothing except a beautiful ceremony full of love and laughter. That being said, there must be SOME way to make breakfast for dinner classy and not remind my guests of an iHop.

The groom IS up for the breakfast menu.

Answer 1

I think it's a good thing my husband didn't meet you first! LOL! He's nuts about breakfast foods.

I also think there's a reason so many restaurants advertise that they serve breakfast all day. Most people love breakfast and will happily eat it any time of day.

Think about breakfast dishes that are sometimes served for dinner. Quiche or fritatta might be nice since these are 'crossover' dishes and also allow for a wide variety of vegetables, which are all too often neglected at breakfast. Fried or roasted potatoes can be morning or evening dishes easily, as well, and it's hard to find people who won't eat them. Ham and steak are perfect for either meal and popular with most crowds.

Of course, as one person already said, it might well be fun to just go all out with omelettes made to order and stacks of fresh pancakes.

Oh! Instead of a standard cake, you could do stacked cinnamon buns or a variety of different-flavored muffins. Or granola/yoghurt parfaits with fresh berries.

I think that this is an unusual idea, but that's no reason not to do it. It reflects you as a couple, is directed at making sure your guests are well fed, and will guarantee that your wedding is one that will not be quickly forgotten by anyone who attends. When you can get that much out of one detail, then why not go ahead and do it?

My only wish is that I knew you well enough to angle for an invitation.

Answer 2

One option is to make it less formal with a theme that would normally make sense with something breakfasty like a pajama party. (Don't worrry, guests can change into PJs after the formal shots and the ceremony)

Can you have the reception start later than usual? And have food served after 10 or 11 when breakfast food would make more sense. example sunset wedding with the reception to follow.

You will risk people not coming becuase it is so late but those are the only who ways I can think to tie these together.

I'm not saying you can't serve breakfast at 6pm..I love breakfast and we eat breakfast for dinner on occasions. It just might be strange to walk into a formal evening wedding and find it there. It would probably need to be fairly casual to not look out of place, even if it was gourmet breakfast,

Answer 3

I think this is great! I am also a big fan of breakfast. The main concern is that you would want to let your guests know in advance that they'll be eating breakfast at the reception. You can either do it through word of mouth or you can put a line at the bottom of your invitation (or on the RSVP card) that says something like, "Reception and breakfast-style dinner to follow."

As far as making your menu classier, relax, it's breakfast! Choose the things you like and talk to your caterer. They'll have ideas to help you out. Maybe they can do an omlet station where they'll custom-make your guests' omlets. You can also check on brunch menus that may be a little more all-day friendly or may include things like ham (for people who think dinner requires a slab of meat). Personally, I think belgian waffles would be a wonderful wedding dinner!!!

Answer 4

This is a very cute idea.... and it's all in the presentation. Is the reception in a banquet hall? If so, perhaps pay a little extra to use their better china. Make sure the buffet serving area is decorated and done up with your colors/flowers.
In the evening many people are expecting a fairly heavier fare than waffles and such, perhaps add a ham/steak carving station and some potato item like hash browns. You're gonna want heavier foods to absorb the alcohol. A signature drink like mimosos set out in nice glasses would be colorful and classy.

Perhaps incorporate breakfast fruits like oranges and apples into the decorations or centerpieces.
I think it will be fun and different.

Answer 5

I LOVE breakfast for dinner.... when I was in college. Or when i go to Denny's late at night. But I wouldn't want it as a guest at an evening wedding. Why not have the wedding earlier in the day? That would make more sense. Then your knee length dresses would make more sense too. An evening wedding implies a more formal occasion and the guests that know that will show up expecting a more formal affair than the one you are suggesting. My wedding is early and the reception is at 1:00 - so for me it will make sense to have a lunch buffet and be a little less formal. My cousin's evening wedding will be more formal of an occasion.

Answer 6

OK, think of all the breakfast foods you want and talk to the cook about how to dress them up a bit. I agree with a carving station. You could put "Brunch in the Evening Buffet, with Carving Station" on the invites. Trust me, not everyone wants a formal sit-down served dinner. I'd love breakfast for dinner myself! What fun! It'll be a wedding to remember, and no, they won't laugh at you unless all the friends and family are horribly uptight.

Answer 7

OK OK. Don't stress so much.

Instead of old fashioned flapjack type pancakes, serve elegant French crepes stuffed with luscious things like creamed shellfish and such.

Rather than bacon and eggs, serve bacon quiches.

Smoked salmon fillets, piled high on good pumpernickel bread and doused with sour cream laced with dill is a great dish

Gourmet muffins, iced with cream cheese frosting and decorated with candied flowers would make a great substitute for traditional wedding cake.

Or just serve platters of muffins and different fruit swirled butters and keep the traditional cake too.

And cut veggies and cut fruit are yummy any time of the day.

And toast the bride and groom with Mimosas (OJ & Champaigne) and Bloody Marys (both virgin and "real")

Answer 8

each and every each and every now and then. in case you like the real kind than a Buffet is a solid theory. although, cost sensible, a three course plated dinner is obtainable in at a pair of dollars extra low value than a buffet for the main section. Caterers comprehend that the nutrition value is way less attainable on a buffet so that they cost merely a sprint extra for it. although, in case you at the instant are not hiring a caterer to grant the nutrition, it may are available somewhat extra extra low value, rather once you're merely ordering platters of nutrition from the community food market. depending on what time of day your ceremony and your reception are style of dictates what forms of nutrition and quantities you may serve. whether this is a dinner reception, have a pair of warm dishes, possibly a roast being carved, salads, veggie platters, cheese platters and then possibly cakes. in case you have anybody on your loved ones who's rather proficient in the kitchen, or in baking, then possibly ask them to assist out with offering some nutrition. in case you have a experienced baker, you would be waiting to do a dessert buffet at a smart cost.

Answer 9

It sounds absolutely yummy to me, but I don't know of a way you can combine a formal occasion such as an evening wedding with a breakfast buffet. Your guests will be in their best attire and will probably expect dinner service.

You could maybe use the breakfast theme for your shower or as a separate party related to the wedding.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Classier breakfast: Instead of scrambed eggs, do a bacon/egg quiche. Instead of bacon, do ham. Instead of pancakes, do crepes filled with fruit. Another alternative would be to have your guests come earlier in the day: 1:00, have the brunch, then do the ceremony at dusk and have champagne and appetisers after.