No canapés?

[Sophiaanne]

Hey, this is gonna be a bit waffley...
So our ceremony is at 2pm, and I’m struggling on timings for the wedding breakfast and what to do in between. We’re having the breakfast (2 course, main and dessert) from half 4 ish, but this isn’t set in stone yet. Assuming guests start arriving an hour prior to this (bar will be open), and taking into consideration travelling to the venue we’re making the assumption that guests will have only eaten breakfast before coming to the venue, and we don’t want people getting hungry or grouchy waiting for the breakfast. We can have the breakfast earlier if we like, however we’ve got lots of garden games planned to fill this space whilst photos are being taken and people are mingling, so don’t want to push it forward too early. We’re having a sweet cart, but was wondering what people’s thoughts were on like a savoury cart sort of thing with popcorn and pretzels, just so people can pick at it if they’re feeling peckish? Would this be weird? There is the option to have canapés however we could really do without the extra per person cost. What do you think?

[HappyHarmonica]

I have the same issue so would love others opinions too please

[bitchfromhell]

Definitely feed people, garden games will get boozy and they'll need something to take the edge off. If the weather doesn't allow for that your guests will be occupied better with food in their hand.
Personally I'd prefer canapés to pretzels and popcorn but they'd do if that was all that was on offer.
There's nothing worse than standing about at a wedding for 2 hours without food. Sorry.
If you've budgeted for wedding favours, Ott decorations, etc. could you repurpose that budget for canapés?

[2015newstart]

Honestly? I think you need something fairly substantial. I worked for years as a wedding caterer and too often:

Guests get (unintentionally) hammered because they've had breakfast, no lunch and booze

Wedding photos always overrun. Always.

As a guest I'd much rather have something to eat than play some lawn games if I was hungry.

If you can't afford to feed your guests adequately maybe reconsider the style of wedding or timings?

[Expressedways]

I would definitely offer something other than sweets if people are drinking. Especially if you think there’s a good chance most of them would have skipped lunch. The savoury snack cart idea sounds great! Just make sure there’s enough nibbles for everyone as people will probably be hungry. I went to a wedding with a similar timetable recently and the cocktail reception wasn’t really enjoyable as we were all so hungry.

[Pootles34]

Yes agree with others - substantial canapes are the way to go. Always prioritise food and drink in your budget above anything else.

If people are hungry they will not give a monkeys about anything else, and your speeches won't go as well because everyone will be hungry and grumpy.

Also task a bridesmaid/usher with snaffling some for you both!

[AnotherEmma]

Feed your guests
Sweets don't count

HTH

[Greyhoundsaregreyt]

I’d rather eat than play garden games, to be brutally honest...
And sweets are a ridiculous idea, it’s not a 5 year old’s birthday party.

[HappyHarmonica]

I hope I'm not jumping on OPs post but as I've got the same issue can you all advise if canapés before the wedding would work I.e tell everyone to arrive from 1pm for canapés and wedding starts at 2? Obviously I understand the bridal wedding party probably wouldn't get any but they are all my family and will know to have a large and late breakfast to accommodate

[IHaveBrilloHair]

I can't imagine wanting to fill up on sweets and not long after have a three course meal.
Sound like a recipe for vomiting, especially with alcohol mixed in.
Definitely find a way to do canapes.

[BiscuitDrama]

I went to a wedding once which had cookies being given out after the ceremony which was quite nice. In a basket, by the bridesmaids I think.

Have you sent invitations out? I’d try and mention meal timings so people make sure they eat lunch, even just a packet sandwich in the car.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Sweets and salty stuff make you thirsty but don't fill you up so more drinking. Canapes are the answer, I'm afraid.

[Ohyesiam]

I wouldn’t miss lunch because I know how long getting fed can take at a wedding, and I think lots of people would probably do the same.

[elasticfantastic]

100% you need canapés. That's a long time without eating breakfast until at least 4.30 . Nothing worse as a guest than waiting around , hungry, while the bride and groom have photos, games are a nice idea but from my experience barely anyone (apart from kids) will play them.

If inviting guests.. who will be buying outfits, gifts, giving up their weekend to attend, you should ensure they are fed! As per pp, bin off decorations or something in favour of canapés if it comes to it.

[NaturalBornWoman]

Canapés definitely.

[elasticfantastic]

Even if the ceremony is at 2pm, as a guest, getting ready and then travelling to ceremony most won't have lunch or it'll be a very early lunch.

[ComeBackBarack]

Definitely canapes....otherwise people will get hammered.

[Leggyfrog]

I rarely remember the meal but I remember the canapies. Most people will have skipped lunch and be hungry. Best were mini paper cones with chips and fish goujons!

[Lonecatwithkitten]

We are getting married at 2pm with wedding breakfast at 4pm we have upped the number of canapés per head as quite frankly I want guests to feel like they have plenty of food.

[NiceViper]

As you can see - 2pm is a really awkward time.

If at all possible, push it back an hour or more, so people have more time (and a clearer signal) to have lunch before hand.

You can then have normal canapés (plenty of them) before set meal at a much more normal time of six-ish. (Not many people eat large meals at 4:30, so won't be cued to be hungry then)

[MustardScreams]

Planned a lot of weddings in my time (other people’s not my own!) and the food or lack of is the only thing people really remember/comment on.

Canapés don’t have to be expensive, one of the best weddings had olives, roasted veggies & halloumi and bruschetta laid out on a table next to the drinks which saw people through till the breakfast.

No one enjoys sweet carts except the children attending.

[HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone]

the food or lack of is the only thing people really remember/comment on.

This is so true. People in my family still talk about the weddings they attended through the years with little to no food, eating the salad garnish off the side of the plate etc.

When we got married I was determine I would rather over cater than have anyone left hungry. Unless you want a lot of hungry and drunk guests you need the canapes I'm afraid OP pretzels, popcorn and sweets simply wont fill the hole in anyone's stomach.

[Lenny1980]

Why would people arrive at 1pm for a 2pm wedding? I would definitely be having lunch before a 2pm wedding. Just let people know when to expect to eat and they will plan around it.

[applepieicecream]

I totally agree. Food is the most important thing in a wedding IMO. We recently had a function and had a huge sushi table, mini fish and chips, mini burgers, mini hummus falafel, smoked salmon Belinis, mini beef and yorkshires and about 4 other canapés. Didn’t bother with a starter and then had main course, desserts, coffee and chocolates and then some fruit platters. No evening guests so everyone for everything

[user2085372673]

You need canapés, especially as you aren’t having a starter. Sweets and pretzels aren’t decent food.

[ChikiTIKI]

Think I got married at 3pm and wrote on the invites that the wedding would be followed by an evening meal. We had mince pies at the reception before the meal (was December). Then bacon sandwiches at the end of the night.

You don't have to do 2 meals but need to let people know the plan for the day.

I'm going to a wedding at the weekend and the ceremony is 2:30pm. I have no idea when the wedding breakfast will be. I will just eat a sandwich before going I think :)