We are getting married in March and because of financial reasons we can't have a traditional reception.....but we want to serve a little something after the ceremony.....the ceremony is at 1:00pm....any ideas?
2007-12-14 11:04:53 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
And how would I word it on the invitation that there will not be the traditional reception but a small gathering afterwards with appitizers and drinks?
2007-12-14 12:01:05 · update #1
One of the MOST elegant, simple, and affordable receptions is always the cake and punch reception. You can do beautiful things with it. Splurge a little bit on a gorgeous cake, rent a punch fountain (I am and it's only $40!), decorate simple and elegant, etc.!
Sometimes simple is the most beautiful. =)
And the easiest on the wallet. You could get away with a reception that cost no more than 500 dollars (not including the renting of a hall or anything of course . . . that would be extra. A park or a friend's home is always a cheap choice as well!) for a nice size cake, punch and decorations! Be creative and search around for the best prices!
Much congrats and good luck!!
2007-12-14 14:02:29 · answer #1 · answered by Julie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
You have a couple of options given your time of day. Obviously, the ceremony will go until about 1:30, which is after lunch and before dinner.
You could go with a "light fare"
Finger sandwiches, assorted cheeses and crackers, fruit tray, vegetable tray, nuts, cake, punch, coffee and tea.
OR...you can simply do a "dessert reception". Have a variety of desserts (cake, of course)...but also some brownies, lemon bars, raspberry bars, cheesecake bars, cookies, pie? punch, coffee and tea.
Either of these would be fine given the time of day. So, whichever you choose, simply state:
Light fare to follow the ceremony OR
Dessert reception to follow the ceremony
Whatever you choose, make sure the "buffet" table in set up beautifully with an elegant tablecloth and maybe a vase of flowers. You can buy a dozen roses at Walmart for $10! Go to a thrift store or dollar store for a vase!
Good luck! It sounds nice. I am always trying to encourage "brides on a budget" to go this way. It can certainly be elegant and affordable!
2007-12-14 14:43:32 · answer #2 · answered by iloveweddings 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could just do a cake and punch reception. O add light appetizers like a veggie and cheese tray, maybe finger sandwiches.
And at this time of day, most people don't expect a full meal. But if you want to say so on the invite, put "cake and punch" reception, or "hours devours" reception to follow ceremony.
2007-12-14 14:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by Jordan D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds just like our wedding :)
For our wedding we had a light lunch just after the ceremony. We served meat and cheese platters, punch, and a beautifully decorated sheet cake. By purchasing a couple extra boxes of various crackers and some dips we were able to put out a variety of food.
The key to making this seem more elegant is the dishes. Place the food attractively on pretty dishes (they don’t have to be expensive to be cute). Use clear cups for the punch and, if possible, make the punch to match your wedding color. Ours was a burgundy/pink so we a used frozen strawberry/tropical juice mix and added a little 7up.
Since it was the middle of the day the guests appreciated having something to snack on between their lunch and their dinner. They also enjoyed being able to eat what they wanted in a casual setting and spend more of their time talking with others, taking pictures, and moving around freely.
Have a great day! Sarah Perryman
Visit my Wedding and Celebration Blog at:
http://sarahs-knowledge.blogspot.com
2007-12-15 13:30:11 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What about a dessert reception? That is probably the least expensive you can find. And people won't eat as much as they would if you serve finger foods.
You could always add a note on your invitation that invites the guests to a "dessert reception following the ceremony."
2007-12-14 15:54:23 · answer #5 · answered by Woods 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can write "Tea shall follow after the ceremony" which would send a clear message that you're not serving lunch. If you do want to add something slightly heavier in the menu a pasta dish with an olive-oil based sauce would be a good inexpensive filler.
2007-12-14 14:23:28 · answer #6 · answered by Liza 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about finger sandwiches, canapes, fresh fruit and cheeses buffet style with champagne punch? Then serve your wedding cake and coffee or tea. This is what many older people had for their receptions and it was usually lovely.
Best Wishes to you!
2007-12-14 11:14:29 · answer #7 · answered by Butterfly Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drinks: pick a few wines beers and a signature drink - what about memmosa? - its champagne with orange juice...very light and yummy
food: cooking it yourself?
finger foods - veggie/meat ka-bobs - cheese with crackers - a bunch of fruit (cheese, grapes go well with wine) - veggies and dip -
you want to make the "finger foods" heavy and not so light simply because it is lunch time and people will be hungry
Dessert: cake, pies, coffee and espresso with 3 liquors (kahlua, irish cream and something else that's like a good signature dessert drink)
good luck
2007-12-14 11:21:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chicken wings, fruit, finger sandwiches, salad things of that nature. People should realize that they shouldn't come to a wedding to pig out. You don't have to put it on the invitation.
2007-12-14 15:28:13 · answer #9 · answered by strawberry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
finger foods, little sandwiches, appies, very simple fare with a light wine and some sort of sweets along with tea and coffee would be grand!
happy wedding sweetie!
2007-12-14 11:13:30 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋