Post # 17
Member
1856 posts
Buzzing bee
@geekgoddess: If we were having more people and didn’t choose a restaurant for our reception, we’d definitely have gone the BBQ route as it was so cost effective compared to anything else. I was thinking more you could have your ceremony and have BBQ in the same way you were planning to do the apps, available for people to eat while mingling and talking. It might not work though since it can be a bit messy
Just wanted to give you another option if you were having trouble figuring out how to make the appetizer situation work.
If you’ve already spread the word it’s apps only and people know that your reception runs 3-7ish, I wouldn’t worry too much – if I was a guest, I’d do what you figured I would and go grab a bite after or eat at home after. You’re not forcing people to sit around with no food whatsoever, so planning to do a few different apps, some trays, and some cake is totally fine 🙂
Post # 18
Member
285 posts
Helper bee
Honestly, as a guest, if I got to the reception around 3:30 and there was clearly not going to be enough food there to count as a whole dinner, I’d probably leave by around 6:30 at the latest. Having said that, I see no reason why you can’t serve enough appetizers by that point for me to feel full and therefore continue celebrating with you all the way till the end. 5:00, while earlier than most receptions go, is a perfectly acceptable time to start dinner in my opinion, whether it be all passed heavy appetizers or a sit down meal, leaving you with plenty of time to clean up either way.
Post # 19
Member
31 posts
Newbee
@andielovesj We have to clean up ourselves. The bar staff will help us bus the glassware and things, but the table breakdown, decoration takedown and food pack up is all us. 🙁
@CassandraC I checked out some local bbq places and you were right – one place is 12.95/pp and the other is only 11.95/pp – AND the 2nd place supplies the buffet tables, linens, servers, and plasticware! If I go that route, that’s less than $1k for the food!
Now I’m all conflicted LOL. Is it bad form to change this this close to the wedding date…?
Post # 20
Member
1856 posts
Buzzing bee
@geekgoddess: Those are great prices! The second one especially with all that included.
I don’t think it’s really an issue to change the menu for a reception where you didn’t ask everyone to RSVP a meal selection, but someone better versed on that front might want to step in. If you do change your mind, you could spread the word through your family and friends if you’re worried about it.
Post # 21
Member
31 posts
Newbee
@kittyface: So if I decide to go this route, would I still need to have some snacks out before dinner? If the reception starts at about 3 30, and dinner is served at 5 30, does there need to be veggie trays or something between then?
Or could I put out colorful bowls filled with nuts, pretzels, etc for people to snack on until 5 30?
Thoughts?
Post # 22
Member
2776 posts
Sugar bee
If you go this route then I would still put out snacks like veggie trays and cheese. I’ve seen this done at other weddings as well. Is 530 to 7 enough time though? I thought you stated they would open to the public at 8? Could you serve the food a little earlier?
Post # 23
Member
31 posts
Newbee
@Mrs Christopher: Well I spoke with the lady who owns the place last night, and I got my dad’s opinion on it too. (my dad is a pretty logical person).
The owner said if we’re not out and done by 8 she’s not gonna kick us out – it’s perfectly fine. I just needed to know that strangers may be wandering around my wedding 🙂
My dad was more concerned with my friends drinking a lot and not eating anything until 5 30 or so. He suggested I get the BBQ guys to start setting up at like 4 45 or 4 30 or so – so everyone can eat at 5 if they want. I think I may end up doing that..Let people graze on bbq for an hour, then do the cake at like 6 30..
Post # 24
Member
172 posts
Blushing bee
I would still do a few trays of veggies and cheese to be put out at 3:30 so people have something to snack on while drinking and also to offer a vegitarian freindly option as BBQ is meat heavy – unless this is a non-issue.
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