skip to main content

Thinking about not having a dinner

12 years ago

Hi, we are slowly making plans for our upcoming wedding, we were thinking about an evening wedding (8pm) and we are wondering if our guests would be expecting supper at that time of night. We were thinking of having finger foods during the dance. Has anyone tired this before and how has their guests felt about it? Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

rosiew
12 years ago
Chrissielou.

The guests will be there to celebrate with you. Bet they'd love the finger foods plus the cake.

Congrats. Relax, Enjoy.
aegis1000
12 years ago
I agree with Roslew ...
Related Discussions
Having to think about Fall?
Q
Comments (9)
I don't do an extended autumn here - it is all done and dusted by September. We throw a big party at the end of August, cut down everything for camping space (most of the early flowers have seeded out by then) and rip straight into the bulb planting as soon as the last camper straggles off on unsteady legs (it is a 3day party). I don't do winter sowing either - I have already started on next years perennials, sowing mine as soon as the natural cycle dictates...and that is not some time in January but late August, early September. In January, I am not going outside - grey, wet, damp - no crisp snowfall in England, just a series of chilly gloomy short days, best avoided on a large sofa and a huge bag of yarn, books and a PC (surely it must be obvious how posting patterns on forums tail off in summer but reach epic proportions in early February). Oh yeah, I signed on for stained glass classes...which should at least yied something beautiful and useful, unlike the dreary botanical drawing last year. But yep, the bulb catalogues are arriving (more narcissi? lilies - have my eyes on pardalinums, leichtliniis, hansoniis and superbums...and camassias (the surprise stars of the woodland clearing)...and after the nightmare spray disaster with my sprengeri tulip seedlings, I am biting the bullet and ordering a dozen flowering size bulbs at eye-watering prices. The plant societies will be releasing their seed lists (I have been collecting already, with tree flax, aquilegias, erythroniums parceled up ready to go out). Apart from the eastern edge of the woods, where hemp agrimony, fireweed and rudbeckias, purple moor grass, aconitums and asters, the woods are colourful until late June when the campanulas and campions are doing their thing but, like a shady hay meadow, it is over by August - fading cocksfoot grass and berries...just as well because the harvest season starts on the allotment in earnest and the kitchen will be a continual hellish steamy cauldron of preserving pans and jars. A large pan of redcurrants awaits my attention even now.
...See More
What do you think about Cover girl having their first "cover boy"?
Q
Comments (27)
I remember seeing the face for the first time.....beautiful and modern...almost poetic! I enjoyed seeing the whole look. I'd like to see more men care about the way they look....slim down....style their hair and clothing....take pride in themselves. What a world we'd live in "if" every little boy grew up and lived his dream of becoming an astronaut, a fireman or a doctor. Right?!
...See More
Have a few questions about this plant, think it's an aloe
Q
Comments (9)
Aloe x Nobilis (or maybe a mitriformis var). I would dump it, it is too far gone to be saved. Sometimes, if caught early, infected parts should be cut and thrown away, meanwhile the recovering plant would be kept away from other aloes to prevent the spread of the mite. Luckily, nobilis is easily found and grows fast.
...See More
I think I am crazy. All my trees have been outside! How about yours?
Q
Comments (51)
Alanna, I think MOST of us feel the same way! Those of us that have to grow them inside that is..Can you imagine how many people that don't even come here have the same issues? And worst yet, I have been growing them since I was 10 years old!! I have never had a perfect banner year with every tree, but thank God 99 percent of them do ok and the 1 percent that does not do well, goes in the trash! I feel your pain too. There is no perfect environment to grow them perfectly unless you grow them in an area they are accustomed t Oh the joys of this hobby...lol
...See More
hilltop_gw
12 years ago
If we were invited to an 8pm wedding we would not be expecting a meal. If there is a dance following then definitely have finger foods to counter the effects of any potential alcohol.
gellchom
12 years ago
I don't know; I would probably at least a light supper even at an 8 pm wedding if the invitation didn't specify one way or the other, But -- that doesn't mean it would have to be a seated meal; finger foods would be fine, as long as they are substantial enough for people to feel fed. You don't want your guests to leave early because they didn't eat before they came.

Otherwise, I would make it a dessert reception and specify that in the invitation.
nancylouise5me
12 years ago
For an evening wedding guests would not be expecting a meal after the ceremony. The ceremony, pictures afterwards would make the timeline for a dinner impractical IMO. A variety of finger foods is a good idea. Wine and one signature drink offered should cover those that wish to drink. As well as non-alcohol beverages. Your wedding cake and cookies could be the dessert, with coffee and tea to drink. Maybe a champagne toast before you cut the cake. Congratulations and best wishes to you both. NancyLouise
sushipup1
12 years ago
Please do specify in your invitation, like Gellchom mentioned. Because people will be obtuse and not eat dinner first. Don't make any assumptions, because people will always make the wrong choices if it isn't spelled out for them. (And even then, you'll have a few.)

But yes, not having a dinner at that hour is perfectly fine.
jewelisfabulous
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Agree with Sushi and Gellchom. Something like, "Join us after the ceremony at XYZ Lakeside Palace for a light hors d'oerves and champagne reception. " (or for wedding cake and coffee)
Josephine Perry
11 years ago
Agree. Finger food is fine as long as you specify it in the invitation. People could be expecting a dinner and might be surprised not to be served any.
mary_md7
11 years ago
One of the things to consider is that finger foods often cost as much as a meal. The reason is that there is a lot of labor involved in preparing all those individual little things. So you might want to get estimates for each and how they compare.
xarcady
10 years ago
Another thing to consider is how far/long people will be traveling to your wedding. If someone lives an hour away, they will probably leave home by 6:30, in order to get to the wedding site and find a parking space and get into the venue, plus a few minutes extra time in case of getting lost/construction/accident on the road. That means that they might be eating dinner at 5:00 or 5:30, and getting ready at 6 pm at the latest.

So by 9 pm, there's a good chance they might need more than cake, mints, and chips to keep them going. So substantial finger foods are a good idea, unless you want the guests to leave early in search of food.

I agree that for an 8 pm wedding, a meal isn't necessary afterwards. But I do think hosts have to take into consideration travel/prep time for their guests. If everyone's staying at the same resort and is just walking down the beach to the wedding, that's one thing. But if many of the guests are driving from home, they may be eating dinner pretty early in order to make the wedding on time.

Related Stories

Take a Break: Think About Your Dream House

By Becky Harris

PETS So You're Thinking About Getting a Dog

By Alison Hodgson

Prepare yourself for the realities of training, cost and the impact that lovable pooch might have on your house

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: Thinking Differently About Doors

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Go beyond utilitarian openings to use doors as art, space definers and experience enhancers

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

COFFEE WITH AN ARCHITECT What My Kids Have Taught Me About Working From Home

By Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Candy and Legos aren't the only things certain small people have brought to my architecture business

COLOR Have You Heard the Hues? 15 Colors You May Not Know About

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Name-drop these shades at holiday parties — or better, try one on your walls — and expand your palette possibilities

TREE HOUSES Swaying From Sleepovers to Dinner Parties in a Colorado Tree House

By Mitchell Parker

Folks of all ages have it made in the shade in this fun little house, thanks to electricity, a kitchenette and a rooftop deck

LIFE The Beautiful Thing About Dad's Chair

By Mitchell Parker

My father had his own spot in the house. His father had his own spot. Now I have mine

DINING ROOMS Dinner's Ready: Great Tables for a Meal

HOUSEKEEPING Housekeeping 101: How to Clean Silver

By Bonnie McCarthy

Learn from a pro how to properly clean and care for your precious silverware

Sponsored