Should I or shouldnt I?

Question

Ok so I'm thinking of having a dessert only reception, like really thinking about it. Theres only one problem, my finance's side of the family might have to drive about an hour or so to the ceremony/reception and I'm sure they will be wanting more than dessert and coffee and stuff.. .So what should I do. And if I decide not to have the desert only reception, whats a simple easy yet not trashing looking meal that doesn't cost a lot to have a a reception?

Answer 1

i think a desert reception sounds like a great idea!!!! who doesnt like desert???

just make sure you indicate on the reception card "desert reception following ceremony"

that way people know not to expect a meal.

Answer 2

It might be nice to have some heavy appetizers as well.  Think simple but elegant, like bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms.  Sometimes, you can buy things like this frozen at a mass merchandiser like Sams for pretty cheap.

Answer 3

If there is time to take them out to dinner after the wedding but before the reception you could all go to dinner.

If not just let them know of the dessert idea so they can eat on the way to the reception. I dont see anything wrong with that.

I think carmel dipped apples are a great idea,

any type of cookies would do well.

a few different kinds of candy, like gummi bears and reeses pieces.

Answer 4

One of the best receptions I was ever at was pot luck. A couple of the older sisters made arrangements with guests on what to bring. It was a good for conversation also. Seriously this was a tremendous idea more people should do this.

Answer 5

A cousin of mine had little buffets set up & she said it didn't cost much.She had...

1. Salad bar

2.Fruit bar

3.Pasta bar ( it sounds expensive but this one was the cheapest one, pasta cost like a dollar a box so she did a lot of different ones with different sauces)

I don't think you should have a dessert bar because then no one will eat the cake. Good luck I hope this helps you!!

Answer 6

Italian can often be very chic and cheap.  A nice pasta buffet would be a way to save money - you could even do it yourself it you had to.

And it's filling so you don't need as much.

Answer 7

Could you get married in the morning and have a brunch instead? That would be cheaper than dinner and would be an actual "meal" for your inlaws.

Answer 8

How many guests are you talking about?

And....what time of day will this be?

Answer 9

do appatizers and then dessert and have it at a non meal time like 2pm or 7pm

also, do mention it on the invite so people eat lunch or dinner before attending

another suggestion-brunch!  Have a morning ceremony and a brunch receptio,, cheaper then most meals and still feeding everyone!

Answer 10

What about simply doing heavy hor'duerves?  You can have great looking hor'duerves for your guests, and allow enough that they can make a meal out of them.  

As far as having a dessert only reception, that's fine, but don't do it at mealtime.  If your wedding starts at 7, with reception immediately following, then people will have a chance to get an early dinner.  But don't have the ceremony at 4, cocktail hour at 5, reception at 6 and not have some kind of meal for your guests.  It's not a question of being ok or not, it's a question of timing.

Answer 11

Good..some cream biscuits and Ice cream can be topped....

Answer 12

You can do the dessert reception, but it should be mid-afternoon in that case. That would actually be very nice, you could have a few sweets like mini fruit tarts or cute petit fours, plus the wedding cake of course, and a glass of champagne. It would be lovely!

Then later, you could have dinner (not part of the reception) with just family, if you feel you want to spend more time with those who traveled or want to treat them to a meal.

If you have dinner at the reception, talk to a caterer or a local restaurant that does catering. See whats on their menu, and you can decide what to do from there.

Answer 13

you could have it catered and served buffet or family style.  this is more affordable then plated catering.