January 20, 2011

A Bride and Groom would like to know "do we have to serve a full meal at our reception?"

The cost of a "nice wedding supper/dinner" usually ranges from $40 to $200 per person.  The average being about $100 per person (which includes appetizers, an entree, beverages, and dessert).  If you cannot afford to serve your wedding guests "a nice dinner" then consider serving them breakfast or brunch or lunch (by moving up your ceremony time).  When you go to your favorite hometown restaurant isn't breakfast the least expensive meal on the menu?  Breakfast items can be served from 6AM to 11AM . . brunch items should be served at 11AM . . and lunch items should be served at Noon.  And not only will serving a meal earlier in the day be less expensive,  in many cases, the only alcoholic beverage you have to include at that hour is a champagne toast to the Bride and Groom.  I know of one Bride and Groom who served their guests breakfast first, then changed their clothes to wedding attire, then exchanged their vows at 11AM.  When the ceremony was over a dessert of sparkling cider, champagne, and wedding cake was served.