Wedding reception HELP ME PLEASE LOL!!!!?

Question

As we have a 5 month old baby and plan to get married within the next year money will be tight as far as the reception is concerned.

So we were thinking of getting married late on like 3 or 4pm having the ceremony and photographs taken and then go to the reception venue where our evening guests will join us and just have a buffet?

Has anyone else done this and if so when did you / would you include the speeches? Maybe have an hour at the venue with just your wedding guests to allow time for the speeches and giving of gifts to our mothers etc... But then would it be rude to do this eg speeches without giving them a meal...

Help / suggestions / advice and personal experiences all appreciated thanks in advance.

Answer 1

you dont have to have a meal, some of the best weddings I have been to just have the cake and punch....if you cant afford the buffet or a meal, dont have it....people can still toast with the punch right before you cut the cake...good luck

Answer 2

i got married 3 months ago! we did not conform to the norm, your wedding is YOUR DAY and do NOT FORGET THAT! never mind about making people feel happy or any of that jazz, seriously after its over you will know what i mean, its the most exhausting day of your life and in your situation people will understand! imagine how you would like YOUR DAY to run, what do you want to do and go from there! i had a very emotional day as my mum was not there, she was in a care home and with my dad suffering from cancer it was a hard day for him too, so when i came to the speeches etc, he was shattered, he had to go home! it was crucifying watching him try to stay there! i sent my dad home to rest, so my uncle stepped in and it was very unconventional and very emotional but it worked out in the end as everyone understood but i made sure the rest of the day was as i wanted! it was about me and my new husband, our new life and family! yes you thank those that have helped but if you cant afford to give gifts then dont! also quite frankly most people dont expect too much as far as receptions go these days as long as there is drink and everyone is having a good time!

i wish you all the luck in the world and do what makes you two happy - not everyone else!

x x x x PINKY WITH PERKY (now) XXXX

Answer 3

hope this helps

http://www.freewebs.com/weddingforum/

Answer 4

i am doing this we said do not worry about speeches to people but if they want to do speeches let them and with having a late wedding people wont want a meal i have just laid a buffet on and then another buffet in the night and remember this is your day so do want you want

Answer 5

You don't need to serve your guests a meal if you can't afford it.  Just get some finger food like finger sandwiches and make them up and some salads maybe and along with the punch and cake, that should be more than enough.  Perhaps some cut up fruit too such as cantaloupe and watermelon slices.

Answer 6

An hour will probably not be enough time.  Even if everybody wolfs down all their food as fast as possible it will take at least 45 minutes to eat.  You will have no time for any speeches, a first dance, cake cutting, etc.  Most importantly you will have NO time to properly greet everybody and thank them for coming.  As far as a shoreside wedding with a buffet reception that happens all the time, they don't all have to be formal sit down dinners.

You can always just make it a dessert reception beginning like 7/8 or a light snack right after the wedding.  You will still need at least two hours to properly greet everybody but if you plan it during a non-mealtime then you can just have cake and punch, maybe with a few other appetizers or desserts.  Just make sure that you note on the inviatations a meal won't be coming by saying something like  "cake a punch reception to follow"

There are a ton of resources you can find online with cost cutting tips!

Answer 7

hi, im getting married next saturday and the ceremony isnt until 4.30.   after the ceremony we will be having drinks and canapes with our very select group of guests ( 25 people including the wedding party!) then we will be going into the evening reception with buffet at about 7.30. my H2B is planning on giving his speech during the time of the drinks and canapes so that he doesnt have to talk in front of too many people.

good luck with your wedding and think of us next saturday at 4.30. i hope everyone will raise a glass to us even if its only ribena!! lol

Answer 8

i will be doing this in nov. and money is tight. i plan to have my wedding ceremony outdoors at my aunts house and a reception at the town hall... i know it sounds cheesy but its rather nice and very affordable... weddings are so much work and cost so much money. my mother paid for the hall, aunt paid for all the flower arrangements and my grandmother is catering.(she owns a restaurant) it is going to be a fun party not a formal sit down dinner. i always hated those... they are so boring. i always love going to the wedding that has a buffet and a dance floor. there is no lines, less expensive, spend more money on yourself, hubby and baby and people enjoy the wedding more. speeches can be done when you cut the cake or toast... that way everyone gets the full experience at your dream wedding

Answer 9

You could do a cocktail reception.  Just hors d'oeurves and beverages and then your cake.  If you had a ton of appetizers, people won't miss the meal!  :)