Anyone having a pub meal instead of reception?

faerie_girl

Hi everyone
I've done a few posts over the last week about different ideas for our low-key, low budget registry office wedding.

Me and DP have been talking tonight. I have finally got him to say what he wants out of our day! I had original just had the idea of registry office wedding with parents, grandparents, siblings, our son and DP's best man. Then hiring a function room and doing our own buffet, decorations etc.

Tonight we have both happily agreed that we want less fuss and stress to do it ourselves. OH suggested a pub lunch which will be for 17 of us in total and one child. Everyone can stay as long or as little as they like. Order from a main or party menu, order a few bottles of wine. The smokers can go outside when they like, disabled access for our aging grandparents. Best of all we can leave all the dirty plates and glasses behind!
Then depending on time get our son bathed and ready for bed. Sit down for a take-away and DVD. Perhaps the movie that we saw on our first date which will be exactally 5 years from the day we get married (although it was a rubbish movie I like the sentiment).

Just an overall nice day, with no stress. We don't have a budget at the moment but we will probably aim for around £600. Each month when we get paid we will be putting a bit aside and buying bits such as new outfits etc.

If we go for the pub lunch plan then we don't have to worry about decorations, entertainment etc. We can go when we (or our son!!) is ready. There are lots of local pubs with gardens so after our meal we can all go outside if we wanted to. It will probably cost about the same as hiring a function room and doing the party ourselves, but with so much less hassle.

I have drawn up a list of places to go test out food and service which will be fun

Is anyone else going to have a pub lunch?

Lexxi

I think it would be a nice relaxed day, make sure you book so they can have a table ready for you, especially with it being August, if it's a nice day then it might be busy.
We are/were going to have a cavery as everyone could help themselves and it would be much more suited to our friends and families.

my_definition

that sounds like a nice calm day ive not got mine arranged yet but if its what you and your oh want then thats all that matters and 2bh a weddings about getting married not having a big expensive stressful day

keep us updated

gorgeouslatinrose

That sounds like such a lovely and family orientated day! Much more relaxing and less stressful than organising a huge reception. Let us know how it goes and how you are going about it

Apricot

My mums friend did this last year. There were 20 of them in total and they had an absolutely fab time. They just wanted a low key wedding and everyone felt completely relaxed on the day, my mum said it was honestly one of the nicest weddings she had been to as nothing was expected of the guests, there was food to serve anyones tastes and the children didn't get bored.

Dizzie77

My sister did this for her wedding 2 years ago too - there were 18 of us for dinner, which was pre booked (rather than ordering from a menu) and it was lovely. The evening do was a self catered (by the wedding party minus the bride & groom) buffet in a social club - which cost about £100!

I would definitely book somewhere though - you wouldn't want to turn up and there be no space for you and your guests!! and they may ask you to pre order food too.

But excellent idea - do it the way YOU want it..!

faerie_girl

Thanks for the replies.

Once we've visited a few different places we will definately book a table! I wouldn't want to be traisping everyone around town trying to fine somewhere to eat! As we are getting married on a Wednesday hopefully places shouldn't be too busy at lunch time. Will also see if we have to book our meals in advance or if people can choose on the day.

I actually feel rather peaceful about our wedding now. I was getting a tad stressy worrying about our tiny budget and what people would think. I am happy that me and DP are going to have a nice special day for us, not doing something just to please everyone else.

hayleythedaisy

Can I just say, that sounds like the most gorgeous day ever! You can do as much or as little as you like for it. I'm sure if you wanted you could give the restaurant/pub some confetti or table crystals and candles etc if you wanted to make it a bit pretty.
The only thing I would say (from working in a few pubs/restaurants/hotels) you'd probably be better if you could pre book (and include names on who's having what) as meals flow much better!
Hope you enjoy the stress free planning! :-)

Naf20

Sounds fab.....no stress......perfect!

Wishfairy2010

Have you sent out invites yet? If not you could put a menu from your chosen pub in with them and ask people to return their choices with their replies. It would just help the kitchen to prepare and run smoothly so you are all eating at the same time.

In my experience (as a wedding planner and landlady) a booking of that size usually merits a free glass of wine per guest or a discount so don't orget to ask when you are booking x

Sazbo

Hi faerie girl - we're doing pretty much the same as you, and for the same reasons. We are having a low-key registry office wedding too as we didn't want a load of fuss or stress.

Initially thought we'd have our small number of guests back to our place, but then found lovely little riverside pub/restaurant place which was perfect for what we wanted. They have a room to one side that can be hired for small functions, with it's own bar. So we've gone for that and like you, I'm feeling much calmer now about the whole thing!

They are going to do a nice selection of warm buffet items for us, people can help themselves, and as you say, stay as long or as little as they want. All nice and relaxed, and informal, just as we want it

Good luck for the big day.

Sazzy xx