Have you ever attended an event and after a few hours, thought to yourself, “I might leave this event a little early to go grab some tacos because I am so hungry?!” We have all been there! But, have you ever thought that to yourself while attending a friend or family member’s wedding & a wedding reception? When you think of a classic, traditional wedding, creating a great experience for your wedding guests is the main concern. However, does that mean that you must have a sit-down dinner, and a four-course meal in order for it to be a great guest experience? If you are thinking about forgoing a formal wedding dinner, there are many other options to consider. Let’s dive in, and hope your guests don’t get too hangry!
Is Forgoing a Formal Wedding Dinner Okay?
Yes, of course, it is okay to not feed your guests a formal wedding dinner. However, it is important that the bride and groom have some kind of alternative to a formal, seated dinner. While not having a formal wedding reception dinner is the non-traditional route, you should not feel obligated to feed your guests a meal.
There are a wide variety of different options you can choose to spend your money on rather than having a traditional wedding dinner. For example, choose a co*cktail reception menu, that allows your guests to have something small during your big day. This could mean appetizers, handheld foods, or anything else that fits your style of wedding.
The time of day is also something to consider when thinking about a meal for your wedding party and guests. If you are spending the morning or afternoon together, it is a safe bet that you can serve them something small. This will help keep your guests from getting too hangry. This also gives you an opportunity to be creative and do something not as traditional.
Some options to consider include a brunch bar, donut bar, food trucks, etc. Get as creative as you want, and make your day memorable for your guest list. Food trucks are the hot, new trend, so check out food trucks in your area for a unique experience.
Give Your Guests an Experience
If you choose to not provide your guests with a meal, we recommend giving them an experience that they will remember your special day by. This does not have to be food related at all, but it should be something that is an amazing experience. For some couples, this might be choosing to showcase their relationship in a new way.
Just last month, the internet went into a tailspin over a couple who decided to forgo a rehearsal dinner for their guests. Instead, the couple spent their catering budget on Minnie & Mickey Mouse making an appearance. I don’t know about you, but anyone making a special guest appearance would make a lasting impression on me!
The internet had a lot to say about this topic, and asked the question, do you have to feed your guests? The couple that shared the Minnie & Mickey Mouse experience with their guests, stated that they had their dream wedding, and would not have wanted it any other way. She did not blindside her guests, she made sure to put on the wedding invitations that there would not be a meal provided.
It is important to keep those details in mind when choosing to go this route. When the wedding day arrives, you want to feel stress-free and have the day be everything you have ever dreamed of. Creating your dream wedding is exactly what you need to think about when weighing your options. After all, it is your day, and you should do whatever you want with it.
Let Andre’s Help in your Decision Making
At Andre’s, we are a one-stop shop facility with coordinators to help make event and wedding planning a breeze. We take care of the space and the catering, and also connect you with other high-quality vendors. While we are affordable, our quality never lacks. Andre’s is sure to leave you and your guests extremely happy. If you choose Andre’s to cater your wedding or event, your guests will leave with a full stomach and a big smile. No hangry guests are present when Andre’s is catering the event!
Additional Reading: Are Formal Sit-Down Dinners a Thing of the Past? – Brides
Andre’s Banquet & Catering | St. Louis, MO
At Andre’s, we are a full-service catering company. We provide the meal, 4-hour open bar, china dinnerware, linen tablecloths, chair covers, the personnel, as well as an onsite coordinator. We are a one-stop-shop facility that can offer guidance in planning and organizing your day. Andre’s coordinates with several different vendors to make your planning process painless! Contact us today for any questions or reservations.
