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Original poster

Wedding reception- takeaway at home?

261 replies

DorisandDeidre · 28/04/2019 13:00

Would we BU to do this? Considering having the church ceremony and then going back to ours for a takeaway. Would you be okay with this as a guest? We have a small guest list (less than 15) and most have complex dietary requirements so we were thinking takeaway gives them the option of where we get the food from.

OP posts:
Aridane · 29/04/2019 20:03

Just don't get people saying how stressful and horrible it would be. After all, what's more relaxing that having a takeaway with family and friend?

Aridane · 29/04/2019 20:03

I'd hate it! Sorry! I would want to dress appropriately for a church ceremony and then not want to be sitting in my nice dress pigging in a take away! I like to do that in my jammie bottoms! But if it's your thing then go for it!

Ignore, ignore, ignore

cushioncovers · 29/04/2019 20:08

Sounds unusual but a nice idea as long as there's plenty of food and everyone's dietary requirements are catered for.

fillmyglassplease · 29/04/2019 20:09

I wouldn't want the mess personally. You should be enjoying on your day, not running around after others.

I would prefer going to the local Indian but speak to them ahead of time re dietary requirements. My local Indian has a small a English food section in its men.

Have a fantastic day Thanks

Jamhandprints · 29/04/2019 20:10

It sounds amazing. But I'd distribute menus and take orders before, like at least a week before. Then you don't have to worry on the day. Someone can just phone it in for you and Bob's your uncle.

icedgem85 · 29/04/2019 20:10

That sounds like my idea of hell. But it’s not my wedding, so go for it! Do what you want to do. The idea of organising takeaways from multiple places then hosting 15 people in my house and washing up all the dishes afterwards just sounds so stressful. After getting married I want to relax, get drunk, have a dance and eat cake! I’d use deliveroo straight to the church hall and have someone else organise it all!

ThanksItHasPockets · 29/04/2019 20:11

Have you priced up caterers? I’m currently planning an event and have been pleasantly surprised at how reasonably priced many caterers are. It’s comparable per head to a good takeaway around here.

Snuffalo · 29/04/2019 20:13

Yesterday afternoon I was laying on one sofa while partner, kids, and (adult) friends were similarly draped over other furniture, having just come in from a long walk and contemplating pizza or fish/chips from the local takeaway options. We went for pizza in the end and it was mediocre. That was relaxing but not remotely special or memorable and the idea of doing similar to celebrate a wedding, while wearing a dress and eating on my knee, sounds like a weird nightmare. ‘Relaxing’ isn’t the most important concept to consider for every life event and just because something is relaxing after an afternoon walk, wearing leggings and a hoodie, doesn’t mean it will be relaxing after you get married.

I am, however, clearly in the minority here- do what you want, i would hate it but would of course be too much of a two-faced cow to say so and would instead lie about how lovely it all was. Some of your guests will be like me, guaranteed.

Keepaddingpets · 29/04/2019 20:13

We did this. Best thing ever!

stickerqueen · 29/04/2019 20:20

Having food at the church hall sounds good. Saves moving guest around too your home.

We have ordered take away to the church hall many times over the years but not for our wedding.

for our wedding we had someone come and cook at the church hall

DontDribbleOnTheCarpet · 29/04/2019 20:39

It sounds lovely- I love small church weddings and I like it when the main part is the ceremony, with the entertaining afterwards being fairly informal. This is almost exactly what I'd do if I was to get married again.
If you are only having 15 guests, they are likely to be close enough to you to know that this kind of wedding is perfect for you, and they will either love it or make their excuses and not attend.

Chanandlersbong · 29/04/2019 20:42

I love this idea. I'd definitely do it!

Purplegecko · 29/04/2019 21:05

Oh lord that sounds like heaven!

Yb23487643 · 29/04/2019 21:26

Sounds great & properly about marriage & spending time with loved ones rather than hordes away on “top table” etc

ThisIsNotMyRealName1 · 29/04/2019 21:49

It sounds lovely OP.

Dollywilde · 29/04/2019 21:59

My only reservation would be the stress of having everyone at ours. I know a few pubs that wouldn’t mind you bringing external food into their private room if everyone bought a couple of drinks each - would look into that to save the stress - but whatever you want is absolutely valid!

lablablab · 29/04/2019 22:05

I'd definitely investigate prices of takeaway versus a caterer/chef. You might be surprised.

The only thing I'd worry about with a home takeaway is the stress of ordering lots of different things from different places when you get home on a wedding high. The food being correct, hot enough, all arriving on time, etc. Sorting out plates, cutlery, washing up. And also worrying about making sure the place is clean and tidy on the morning of your wedding.

But if you're happy with those things, then go for what you want!

Anewchapter · 29/04/2019 22:05

For a friends birthday gathering (which would work equally well for an informal wedding reception) we had fish/pie/chicken and chips out of the paper (pre-ordered from a tick box list on the back of the rsvp cards) and a local ice cream van booked to arrive ‘bells and all’ around 10pm. All the adults turned into big kids, collected a token from the host and rushed to queue up on the drive for their 99’s with flake, sauce and sprinkles! Great fun and absolutely no washing up!

user1511042793 · 29/04/2019 22:35

We went to one like this. All from chip shop. Asked to tick what we wanted first so no faffing around.

Cookingclass · 29/04/2019 22:45

Sorry going against the grain here but it’s so basic. It’s supposed to be the most special day of your life not an average Friday. Couldn’t you go to a nice restaurant or even a country pub? People should have a decent choice of food and at least you’re being catered for. Failing that a nice buffet at home or get a caterer to do a fancy bbq. Make it nice and special somehow.

mummmy2017 · 29/04/2019 22:49

Cooking class, not your circus, not your monkeys....

TessieVanKendre · 29/04/2019 22:50

My ideal wedding. Can I come??

Catchingbentcoppers · 29/04/2019 22:52

Make it nice and special somehow.

They're getting married, it IS special anyway. They'll have their loved ones around them. Perhaps that's all they need or want.

Some people need lots of money spent and fancy food to make a wedding special. Some don't.

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 29/04/2019 23:05

For a 'big' birthday I had a fish and chip van on the drive. People loved it! Everything in trays which were all chucked in a bin so no clearing up. Go for it!

Titsywoo · 29/04/2019 23:18

I'd probably offer say 4 curries for people to choose from then you can order the correct amount and decent into large serving bowls. Add rice, naan and some sides all plated up like a big Indian buffet and bobs your uncle. If you offer everyone the choice of the whole menu it will get stressful and disorganised. I'd also check if the people with crohns etc can eat from the Indian menu as it would be a lot easier to get everything in one place.