The advantages of afternoon wedding receptions

Does the idea of dancing till the wee hours of the morning on your wedding night sound daunting? Have friends told you that they won't be able to make your wedding because the long drive will make it too late for them to get home? For many people, the traditional evening wedding reception does not fit with their lifestyle or budget. There are many alternatives for those looking to break from the norm.

Brunch or lunchtime wedding receptions are increasing in popularity. The big advantage of these earlier weddings is that they are generally less expensive than their evening counterparts.

Brunch or lunchtime receptions may also be preferable if many children or elderly guests will be present. Also, for guests who have a long drive ahead of them, an early end gives them more time to get home safely. This will give you more guests to grace the pages of your wedding photo album.

For those set with a particular venue in mind for their wedding, oftentimes there will be more availability earlier in the day and thus a better chance that you can have your reception on the day that you want.

Brunch receptions usually follow morning wedding ceremonies. Some possible food suggestions include fresh fruit platters, croissants and other baked goods, cold cuts, cheeses, and depending on the couple's budget, a food station where guests can create their own crepe or waffles for a chef to prepare. As these receptions are early in the day, guests usually drink less alcohol – champagne, mimosa and wine are appropriate beverages, but it is also acceptable to just have coffee, tea and a selection of juices.

Lunchtime receptions are generally around 12-2, and can be seated or buffet style affairs. Salads, sandwiches, cheeses, cold cuts and pastas can be nice lunchtime foods. Like brunch receptions, guests usually consume less alcohol than later at night. The couple may choose to just have beer and wine or a full bar.

Many receptions earlier in the day are shorter than evening ones so couples may opt to forgo dancing. It may be nice to have a singer or piano player to enhance the festiveness of the occasion and bring smiles to the faces of guests that will be preserved in your wedding album.

After an early reception, the couple may opt to have a quiet, romantic evening together or spend time with a more intimate group of friends and family.

Send To A Friend