Wedding party

[Sandpiper680]

So, quick question, if you were invited to an evening 'do' would you expect a buffet.
We are having around 30 family at about 5 pm for a buffet but then inviting a further 40/50 friends for drinks later, in think we should do another buffet as I think it's expected. But....second time round and small wedding trying to keep the cost down.

No. Evening guests come for the party, day guests come for the reception and meal.

Yes would expect a buffet of some sort as an evening guest.

If you aren’t having food make it clear on invite as yes I would be expecting food

Thanks this is helpful

I think you need to offer some food later. Maybe something different from the main buffet. What are you planning for that?

Yes, I'd expect some kind of food, even if it's just pizza and chips.

Yes, I’d expect a buffet of some sort.

Hmmm, buffets are kind of same choice but the more you pay the more options are offered. I'm thinking do away with the earlier family buffet option and then just done buffet later for everyone.
On a limited Budget though, buffett 15,20,25 per head options.

Are the first 30 going to the actual wedding? What time is the wedding? It might be better to do drinks after the wedding then invite the evening people early, 6.30ish maybe and have one big buffet for all?

The wedding is a small one with maybe 10 of us at a register office easier in the week. The party on to the weekend is for everyone else. Only 10 are allowed in the room at the register office, I wanted it to be personal and small.

id expect food, unless it was explicitly stated

and dont underestimate how much people who have eaten at 5pm would eat again later on

Good point 👍

If they’re arriving at 5, they probably have left the house at 4. They can’t go through til midnight with nothing. So, either feed them or expect all your guests to leave at 8-9 when they can’t stand the hunger any longer.

It doesn’t need to be fancy - rolls with different fillings, and party food.

I’d do away with the family buffet and just have one for everyone later.

Yes ive never been to an evening party without a buffet

I would expect something, and if you have alcohol, it’s probably wise to have something to soak up the booze, or you’ve got people drinking on empty stomachs and that doesn’t end well…

pizzas or sandwiches wouldn’t be expensive but would do the job

If you are having a wedding cake and it isn't dessert, then you can have it with evening food, with maybe cheese board, sausage rolls/pizza, or sandwiches?

Do a light buffet later. Snacks, finger food, sandwiches, cakes etc.

Bacon rolls?

Maybe stick to the family buffet only, and do an evening in the pub with finger food and wedding cake at a later date.

I went to an evening reception last night. They had a burger van show up @ 9pm. It was Ace. You got 1item free & anything extra paid yourself.

Yes I'd expect food. If you don't want to do food put join us for celebratory drinks on the invite.

Yes an evening buffet would be expected.

I've never been to any type of evening party that doesn't include some food.

I'd be expecting some food unless I'd been told there wouldn't be any. I wouldn't mind at all as I'd just eat before the party but I'd be miserable if I arrived expecting food to find out there wasn't any. Communication is key here.