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Original poster

Feed me!

82 replies

MorelloKisses · 07/08/2017 16:14

Hi, I'm looking for thoughts and advice.

We are planning the ceremony and the party at the same venue, basically one running into the other. No sit down meal (but there will be seats). There will be snacks available for the duration (so cheese, crackers, crisps and nuts as soon as the ceremony concludes) and a long, informal Street food service through the evening.

If the ceremony is at 3pm and there is a children's tea party at 5.30pm with the main catering opening at 6.30pm, would anyone think that was unreasonable?

Btw to clarify, the children's tea party will be in the adjacent room to the main event, it will be the start of a full nanny/crèche room that all the children will be registered for, but no one is obliged to use, children are welcome at all parts of the event.

OP posts:
BackforGood · 08/08/2017 00:28

So ceremony at 3 (presumably until about 3.30?) and standing around without food until about 6.30 ?
Will there be drinks served / a bar open ?
I personally don't tend to think a lot of drink before food is served is a good plan.
Up to you, but I think the crucial thing is to let people know a rough outline plan of the day. Lots of people need to eat at regular intervals, and, with things starting at 3, I presume local people will have had lunch and it won't be an issue at all, as 6.30 is normalish time for an evening meal, but it's always helpful to know, so those who need to eat, can make their plans accordingly.

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 09:41

Yes, drinks (alcoholic and a coffee stand), cheese, crackers, fruit, crisps, nuts and a band.

OP posts:
bettybyebye · 08/08/2017 09:49

I think that sounds fine OP - I would be very interested to hear more about the street food service - sounds amazing!

emmaluvseeyore · 08/08/2017 15:22

Will you have other non-alcoholic drinks available for those that don't drink coffee? As a non-drinker I always feel forgotten at weddings, and as I don't drink hot drinks either, I'd be a bit stuffed at your wedding!

user1493413286 · 08/08/2017 15:29

I think that's fair, for a 3pm ceremony people will have had lunch and you're providing snacks. You could put that food will be served at 6.30 on the invites so people aren't in any doubt but doesn't matter if not

Twistmeandturnme · 08/08/2017 15:31

Sounds great: I'd add in more soft drinks.
At my wedding we had lots of biscuits and traybakes for this period and people fell on them like locusts: enough provided for everyone to have 2 or 3 each, literally empty table within 5 minutes. Odd: but be aware that because some weddings don't do much food there can be a bit of a 'war rations' mentality.
What street foods are you having later? We 4 options in the afternoon and then a cake of cheese cut into ploughmans with ham, bread and salads later...again we over-catered but everyone just ate and ate; definitely something to be aware of if it's a freeflowing street food thing rather than a sit down apportioned meal. Your wedding sounds fab: do share more details! Grin

2014newme · 08/08/2017 15:33

Tell people what time food is served so that those travelling know to stop somewhere for lunch.
No idea what street food is.

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 15:35

emmaluvseeyore yes, soft drinks as well as alcoholic ones! I'm also looking into milkshakes (additional not instead).

We are still shortlisting catering options. Gourmet hot dogs, mac n cheese, black bean chilli nachos, crumble and custard

Etc

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 08/08/2017 15:35

I'd bring the kids tea forward to 5pm.

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 15:39

Sorry, street food is where there are 'stalls' of food to go and get something from over a long service and 'on demons' rather than a set buffet being put out. Like this:

Feed me!
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Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 15:39

Damn it

On demand!!

Bloody deamons

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meatup · 08/08/2017 15:50

I think it sounds fun and different but tbh I would want the food earlier. If the ceremony is at 3, even if local people will have left a good hour in advance and may be expecting a late lunch as opposed to tea. I know 6.30 is a normal tea time but it just seems late. What are they meant to do for 3 hours?

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 15:55

I'm a bit confused by having food earlier than 6.30 as that in itself seem very early for an evening meal.

We are having the ceremony and evening do in an bold Victorian music hall. The ceremony will be quite short and a band will start as soon as it is finished. Cabaret style tables, and the balcony part of the music hall all available, with snacks and refreshments.

DP is a musician so the vibe will be more gig than wedding. With lots of different bands on through the evening, and him on stage with them at various points.

Specific (big) room next door with tea party and crèche, toys/sleeping/DVDs chill out for kids but no obligation for them to be in that room.

What would you like to do in the time?

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Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 16:04

I think I'll revise ceremony to 3.30 and main food service starting at 6

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meatup · 08/08/2017 16:13

Well every wedding I've ever been to has had food pretty much directly after the ceremony.

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 16:22

There will be food, just not a meal as it isn't a meal time... am I being a bit dense?

The onesI have been to have been ceremony, then photos, then travel to reception venue, then arrival drinks/canapes and then breakfast...

But those tend to start at lunchtime so you are starving all day.

Surely people would eat lunch before any 3.30pm event?

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2014newme · 08/08/2017 16:22

No most weddings have photos and mingling and champagne or pimms or whatever after the service. I seem to remember we had someone playing the harp, champagne, photos, people played croquet etc

Usually that all takes about 1.5 hours

You need to scrap the nuts re allergies

2014newme · 08/08/2017 16:23

Yes I'd have lunch before I came to a 3.30 wedding

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 16:24

Would nuts in packets not be ok - like you an buy behind a bar? (But not for sale)

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meatup · 08/08/2017 16:24

Well yes there are photos etc but that doesn't take 3 hours! The standard eating time is around 4pm - I also worked many weddings when I was younger and it was the same then. Some people will want to leave after they've eaten.

2014newme · 08/08/2017 16:26

Who is liable if someone has a bad reaction to nuts at your wedding? Wouldn't it be better not to have them

fluffiphlox · 08/08/2017 16:27

Crisps and nuts don't say 'festive' to me. Greasy to eat in your finery too and everyone diving into the bowls... Would rather bite-size canapés handed round with the fizz or whatever.

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 16:28

Ok, no nuts

(I don't think at a private event anyone is 'liable' though Confused and surely I'll know if this is an issue on the dietary requirements return?)

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plantsitter · 08/08/2017 16:29

Sounds lovely! Yes to food at 6. Also make sure seats are available during music and nibbles otherwise everyone has to stand around in high heels for ages.

Original poster
MorelloKisses · 08/08/2017 16:29

Well the hot dogs will blow that!

This is more gig than wedding g - full of blues and roots musicians

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