To be upset about my wedding venue?

[IfIDontKnowAndYouDontKnow]

Name changed
Basically have a tiny budget. We were going to cut our guest list but we don't want to. We love everyone on it.
Have been offered The British Legion as a venue for free. Best man works evenings there.
We have decided to take it so we can afford to give everyone a nice time. Its bloody ugly inside. Has lovely big field though/n pretty outside etc.
I know I chose this, and I am not wanting to save up for few years as I just want to marry dp and have all our friends and family there. And would be stupid to not accept such a generous offer.
Just venting I guess... and wondering what to do about the fading carpet, chipped paint, arcade machine...

Yes if you got something like that you could just not bother with wedding cake. Just 'cut' one of those and serve it as afternoon tea. I think they also do much plainer large sponge cakes for much less money.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/a1832229-Do-COSTCO-sell-large-nice-birthday-cakes

Here, mixed opinions but worth trying one in advance for that price

See what you mean Charlesroi I've been trying to find 'guidelines' on google. Seems the average reception is 6hrs. 1 'cocktail hour' 2 hours for wedding breakfast. 3 hours for dancing. Does this seem right?

Obviously, it wont be that format as we are not having a formal meal.

That would mean reception starts at 4pm and finish at 10pm.

PrimalLass Read the linked thread No middle ground there

I'd be incined to say sod the guidelines but I prefer informal..
Tea takes 1 hr (milling around, taking a photo, smokers go for a fag etc.)
British Legion for 5-5:30pm. More milling around, smokers go for a fag, wine is poured.
6pm-7pm semi-formal bits - speech, toast, cut cake, clear tables off dance floor, smokers go for a fag
7:30 start dancing and everybody grabs fish and chips when they can

Maybe provide a small party bag for the little kids with a carton of juice, cereal bar, piece of fruit and a cheap colouring book with crayons, just to keep them going till the chip van turns up?

I think as long as you tell people what the plans are they can make alowances to fit in. I think it's going to be brilliant

Most weddings I have been to carry on, albeit informally, to midnight or beyond. But that's been up to maybe 11pm with actual entertainment (so DJ or band knock off by 11 and bar closes at midnight) and following a 9pm-ish evening buffet/bacon sandwich/cheese table.

OMG I can't believe I haven't suggested cheese table for your evening do! A few whole cheeses, grapes, apples, chutney, butter, crackers. Friend of mine had one. Absolutely stunning to look at, very low prep/setup, good picky food to soak up the booze etc.

Am liking the cheese table ...

That sounds spot on I think Charlesroi

I love cheese Horry Thats also a good idea

I have also been looking around and got quoted this:

Hot Dog Tricycle
£495 for Full Package
?? Imported American Tricycle
?? 12” Hot Dogs & Buns
?? All sauces & hot dog coffins
?? Operator in Themed Costume
?? Chrome LED Par Can Uplighters
?? Optional Giant Hot Dog Mascot
?? Grated Cheese, Onions, Chilli Con Carne,
Oniions, Full American Style!

That is for 150 people (basic quotes) we have around 80guests so should be even cheaper. Not sure though

Hot dog man - it can't hurt to get a quote and it's another option in the catering arsenal

Hot dogs sound great fun - but is it a bit too "themed" compared to your wedding?

One reason I think cheese would be great (quite apart from the fact that it could be really economical) is that it completes the sort of quirky country old fashioned foodie thing.

I reckon talk to House of Cheese who will do a big selection including chutneys etc for a fixed price depending on what's nice at the time - then you just add in a few punnets of fruit/celery on the day. They reckon on allowing 100g of cheese per guest so that's 8-10kg for your wedding.

I reckon that's about four or five whole cheeses, which should come in between £100 and £150 wherever you go. Another £50-£100 for crackers/fruit/chutney and you'll have spent half the fish&chips budget on much more interesting food.

::hyperventilates::

[http://www.finecheese.co.uk/index.php/our-cheeses/cheese-wedding-cakes-1.html Cheese wedding cake]] to have a formal cutting scene, then guests demolish through the evening. And with any luck, leftovers for you and new-DH for a week or so!

Arse.

Link that works.

I think actually it is a bit themed. A giant hotdog ?! Probably best not. And I quite like the British stamp we have so far. Legion, afternoon tea in church hall, fish & chips/ cheese boards.
Blame DP [grin

Horry

Fab ideas. DP doesn't like cheese, maybe add a few bits to make a ploughmans spread?

Meant to say so that DP can eat too!

A naice ham? in honour of your MN Hive Mind Wedding Coordinator?

So a selection of cheeses, pickles, chutneys, fruit, breads & naice ham?

You're all so fab! Wish you could come too

HorryIsUpduffed Man, you REALLY like cheese And so do I. Need gherkins though

Agree a naice ham would be a good addition. (but keep getting quotes now there are a couple of plans)

You're all so fab! Wish you could come too

We're all turning up anyway. I've even bought a hat. joke

We had two cakes from Costco both ordered in advance, so we're personalised, not many people can say their wedding cake cost twenty quid :)

Charlesroi

StickySausage Did you like it?

The only problem with this thread, is that the wedding isn't for ages and I'm excited and want to know how it all goes.

Hell yes! Love their cakes anyway, so having two was a bonus! No complaints from guests either, yummy sponge cake with fluffy frosting