Is my wedding rubbish?

[ATrainSeat]

Sorry, I know there’s been a couple of these but I’m interested if there’s anything I can improve so people will enjoy our wedding, or whether you’d enjoy it as it is?

3pm - get married. the whole day is all in one location and we’re wanting it to be quite relaxed.
3.30/3.45 - After the wedding there’s some small canapés and a welcome drink for everyone, not sure which drink to go for so ideas would be great for this! I’ll make sure there’s flat drinks though. I’m also considering putting a basket out with various packets of crisps in incase anyone gets hungry?
5pm - afternoon tea, including some savoury bits eg cheeseboard, small pies. Two glasses of wine or beer provided plus a toasting drink.
7.30 - evening guests arrive, possible welcome drink for them?
8pm - cut cake, first dance
8.30 - hog roast, halloumi burgers for veggies l, some sort of vegan option that I haven’t sorted yet. Large salad bits buffet to go with eg pastas, coleslaws, etc. Dessert buffet including the wedding cake but also cheesecakes, brownies etc.

Evening is a DJ, there’s two rooms so one will have the dj in, the other will have sofas for people who prefer chatting:

We’re not having any ‘entertainment’ which worries me a bit. We’re having a DIY photo/video wall but nothing else other than the DJ. The venue is about 30 mins from home, so we’ve offered to organise minibuses for people from the local town, although can’t really afford to offer free transport so would be looking at about £10 per person. What’s the verdict? Haha! I just want people to enjoy themselves and have a good time.

Oh and importantly, we haven’t asked for money (or anything) in the invitation

I think it sounds lovely!
We had elderflower and vodka, elderflower on its own or Prosecco as a welcome drink...and catered one drink each.
I wouldn't bother with putting on a coach...if people want to be there they will and it's one less hassle for you!
Make sure you leave time for photos, I still look back now wishing we had certain photos taken...as you don't get that time back.
Afternoon tea sounds fab! I love a good nibble me...and i wouldn't worry too much about it being a big filling meal as you are doing a hog roast later with other options...people will use their own initiative and eat prior to leaving, then what with canapés, nibbles and afternoon tea should be plenty full!
DJ will be fine and honestly all the other entertainment you get now is just gimmicky and over expensive...I had just a DJ and people were dancing all the time!
We also had two rooms which connected with double doors...so we had the main room where we had meal etc and that had a dance floor that then went through to a lounge with sofas...it wasn't a problem at all. A few people who wanted to chit chat sat here whilst plenty of others occupied the other room...so don't let that worry you.

Most importantly make sure the day is about you both and what you want...people will be happy to be apart of it and enjoy it no matter what...it's you who will remember this day for years to come so it must be what makes you happy ❤️

Oh and I wouldn't bother with drink for evening guests..it's an added expense you don't need and I've never had one when just an evening guest and it's never crossed my mind

Agree to dispense with the evening drink. Last wedding I went to was last summer, the function room had dance floor and the same table layout as for afternoon meal. There was also outdoor courtyard seating and sofas in a veranda. Guests did split between all 3 but so did the couple themselves. Still lots of dancing and a v relaxed vibe.

Thanks for all the input guys! Hopefully it’ll all work out well. Happy to get rid of the evening drink as it saves us some money 😂

Not even a welcome drink for your evening guests? Have a look at the worst weddings thread ... that's a common theme, tbh.

Evening guests all arrive at different times so I wouldn't expect a welcome drink.

I think it's lovely when evening guests are given at least one drink, make them feel valued! But won't be expected.

Good old walkers crisps! Your day sounds great op (apart from the hog roast, because I’m veggie...so halloumi burger for me please 😊.) Hope you have a wonderful day.

I’ve been to tons of weddings and not once have I ever been offered a drink as an evening guest. This is defo a Mumsnet exclusive

Lol evening guest drinks and carrots & kale for the MN wedding!

I was an evening guest at a wedding just before mine. The bride ignored us, we got nothing to drink and the evening was a meat bbq with the veggie option as chips. Left a very bad taste.

As a result, I made sure I greeted every evening guest with a glass of fizz and ensured the food met all dietary requirements. I definitely would not ditch the evening drink.

I think your day sounds fine. I am not a massive fan of afternoon tea or pork baps but as you have made the plan clear to guests, people can make sure they eat a lunch to their taste if they are not keen.

Hope you have a great day. In my book, weddings are never rubbish if there are drinks, a dance floor and most importantly a happy bride and groom.