Tiny Winter Wedding Recption Menu?

Question

I'll be inviting about 20 people (maybe 25, but only 15-20 will probably show up) to my wedding a couple years from now. I was wondering what I could do with the reception to make it less expensive. I know that movin git to a time of day like 10 am or 2 pm or much later, after dinner and maybe having a desert bar would be a good cost cutter, becuase people don't expect a meal. The other thing is, my fiance has a culinary arts degree, and although he is really good in the kitchen, i don't want him to stress so much for the wedding. So, it would have to be pretty simple to do so he doesn't spend all his time on it. It also would have to be able to please his palate. So, like, no subway 6 foot sandwiches or a crockpot full of campells soup or anything like that. thanks for all your ideas!

Answer 1

How about making lasagna before and freezing it?  He could make meat and veggie. Then have a large salad and bread.  You could have cupcakes instead of cake.

Answer 2

If you're only expecting 15-20 people, and you're not getting married for a couple of years, you have PLENTY of time to save up money for your wedding.

Just commit to setting aside $50-$100 per month for your wedding (get a babysitting gig, sell things on ebay, etc, and this won't even have to come out of your paycheck), and by the time your wedding rolls around, you'll have $1,200-$2,400. That's MORE than enough for a very nice wedding with 20 people.

If you still need to cut costs, consider having a cake and punch reception (just make sure to specify that on the invitations). Just have punch, coffee, several nice desserts, and wedding cake. You'll save a bundle.

Answer 3

If your wedding is a few years from now save the money and spend it on something catered to save you stress and to remember. Your wedding is a big deal. Dont forget that.

If you insist on no food or minimum... . You can have a cocktail party reception, as long as you don't schedule it during prime dinner time, when guests (or at least guests' stomachs) will expect to be fed. Your options are early afternoon, for a light lunch or hors d'oeuvres reception -- say a 2:30 or 3 o'clock ceremony, with the reception to follow and end before the dinner hour (say 6, 6:30), or late evening, with a cocktail or dessert menu (we're talking 8:30, even 9 p.m. for the ceremony).

Though the times on your invitations should clue (most) people in that they are not getting dinner, don't just leave it at that. Include wording in your invites to make the situation absolutely clear: "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing at the ......." Don't worry that some may consider it "rude" not to serve a full meal. As long as you've given them fair warning, it's your prerogative to do the reception your way, and if cocktails are better for your budget than chicken cordon bleu -- go for it.

A reception brunch is a good idea also. Try and get some help from someone no matter what though so you and your fiance dont have to do all the work on your special day. Think family members or housekeepers looking to make extra cash.

Answer 4

well i say make the most of your fiances skills and have him make nibbles etc for after the ceremony that can freeze well, and maybe arrange for someone to be in the kitchen (if there is one) to heat things if needed.

Answer 5

is your question about the menu???

i think making simple canapes / tapas / finger food like small simple sandwich or chips and dips ,etc something simple look good not expensive and easy to do so your fiance no need to worried about it  

or chocolate fondue with a lot of fruits ( like fruits kebabs ), cookies to dip in, cheese fondue also will be nice and fun.

lot of cocktail or drinks.  

something new like candy buffet or chocolate buffet also will be nice, a table full of any kind of chocolate, choco cake, choco chip cookies, cup cakes,truffels , etc

Answer 6

You could maybe have your Husband to be make things up that keep well the day before? A variety of snitches is nice, as well as crackers with brie and grapes. you can have trays of small snack size entrees. Wouldn't your fiance be able to come up with a menu he could create the night before then chill?

Answer 7

The best idea I've ever seen for a wedding reception food is a set of appetizer bars.

My fave was the popcorn bar ... they had a popcorn maker (which are pretty cheap to rent from a party supply place, or maybe your man can find some other culinary guy to borrow one from), which made plain popcorn, and the guests could add a variety of tasty toppings to it. Very unusual and very cool.

They also did a veggie table with dips and a hot food appetizer table with chicken wings and meatballs and whatnot. You could really get creative with finger food, and lots of it you can make way ahead of time and freeze or whatever. You've got plenty of time, so look into the finger foods and appetizers you like!

Answer 8

get normal soup orders veg is always a favorite

main course give option ya know meats and veg gravy with salads   desert wedding cake

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Selection of Individual Fresh Cream Pastries(you can buy them cheap in a bakery)

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Exotic Fresh Fruit Salad (simple not too much work)

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Cheese & Biscuits

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A Selection of Fresh Cream Gateaux or Cheesecakes

Answer 9

If he has a culinary arts degree, he probably has a friend or 2 who also have the same degree.  Is it possible to trust a friend to make the food so your fiancee doesn't stress out?  You could also see how much it would cost to hold the reception at a small local restaurant.

Answer 10

Do a late event with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and make it clear on the invitation what is to be expected.  If it's that small you could even get away with an open bar or doing the "special drink" that is made just for your wedding.