How did you do your....

dianadors

Its a personal choice, but speaking as a guest, the best weddings I have been to are not the ones where the meal cost the most. I would prefer the informal buffet in a church hall anytime. I think for all the effort of nice hotels, weddings still turnout like "corporate events". The best wedding I went to (catering wise) was the one where everybody was asked to bring a dish. I felt honoured to do this, and much more part of their day.

full-time-mum

lucy_w86 wrote: »

...wedding reception
Book a hall and have my own caterers.

What did you do?

We booked a hall and employed our own caterers as did my SIL and my Brother for his first wedding. For his 2nd, it was organised by a hotel and whilst the the own caterering route isn't without its pitfalls, they were much better organised than the hotel wedding (reception started at about 5, dessert not served until something like 9:30ish by which time evening guests had got fed up and gone home, children had had enough etc we got missed dispite being close family and had to go and ask for dessert).

If you do your research, have a suitable venue and get recommendations then I think that you have more control over the caterers than over a hotel - they are likely to be a lot more flexible. Things weren't 100% perfect with the 3 own caterer receptions but I don't remember any out and out disasters. Just little things like my OH didn't get any cake even though we had specifically had a sponge made as he doesn't like fruit cake.

Kelinik

We had ours at a suite in a golf course and had a sit down meal, but I think what matters is that the bride and groom have the day that they want so think about what you'd like to do.

Viz_2

We are getting married and having reception all in the same place. Its a big manor style house with lots of different sized rooms. Its exclusive to us for the day so no need to worry about hotel guests overlooking all day.

Allison

We got married as late as we could on the day (3pm) so it was 4.30pm when we got back to the hotel. We had a light buffet for our family (about 40 people total) and then had a hot buffet at night (Served a little earlier than normal in case the day time guests were a little hungry and there were quite a few children)

choccyface2006

I had my wedding reception Here and then hired a hall and had caterers in the evening.

Sarah