Do you think its ok not to have a buffet/ food at evening reception ?

hunnycat

our evening reception is on from 7.30pm -1am , were providing bacon/sausage rolls and my cake . I am also making some macaroon, scottish tablet and choc dipped marshmallows to be served alongside this in a similar way to a sweetie table with the little bags and stuff!

The venue were saying tea and coffee to be provided with the rolls but we opted for half with tea/coffee and half without!

I would be a bit miffed if i turned up to an evening reception and didnt get a nibble, although if your serving your cake i would be happy with that:p

Torry_Quine

If I'm invited only to the evening reception I would be extremely surprised not to have a buffet. If this is what you intend then you need to make it very clear on your invitations as people will expect it.

shellsuit

If you have just evening guests, then I definitely would have some food laid on for them.

I've never been to an evening function where there has been no food.

If I go to a party/function in the evening, I don't eat before I go out.

undercover_angel

We are having one because most of our guests are evening only, we're only having 16 for our ceremony and meal and then a further 100 for evening so I think it's only right we put on a buffet, just like there would be at any sort of party. It is bloomin expensive though for what we're getting and we could get it at a normal function room MUCH cheaper but I love our venue so I guess its a price we have to to pay- annoyingly.

To be honest, I would be a bit disappointed if I went to a party and there was no buffet because I love a good buffet but that said maybe put something like "Join us for drinks and dancing" in your invites and then people won't be expecting food so may not be put out.

You could maybe have some, crisps, nuts etc in little bowls on the tables for people to munch on if they want too.

geminibabe

We are feeding our guests again in the evening. You are right, it is expensive, but we are only doing it once and we dont want to cut corners! Our wedding breakfast will end about 5.30pm ish and our evening food (bbq) will be served about 9pm ish. I couldnt stand the thought of people 'popping off' to grab a McDonalds because they were starving I would feel really tight!! Also if I went to a reception I would definately want some kind of nibbles! Soaks up the alcohol too! Needn't be expensive food just bacon rolls would be fine, dont cater for the full number either probably just over half would be sufficient.

HTH

Cat72

Thanks for everyone's replys .
After reading through everything ,having a good think we have decided not to have a buffet as the main guests will prob only finish dinner about 7.00 and the evening finishes at 11.30.

We are going to offer cake at the evening reception- chocolate,lemon drizzle or fruit cake.
I am telling all my friends invited that there will be no buffet- so far the response has been they are just coming for the celebration and to see me wearing a dress !

However we wil also put a note on the invitations RSVP's. We are all saying on the invites that we are not having a buffet but understand that some people might want something to eat.
So sandwiches are offered if requested in advance ,and to tick the small box saying they want sandwiches & tea/ coffee. This way its offered for those who want it and it means no food will go to waste .
We will also discuss with the venue about the options of crisps at the bar or on tables.