3 O’Clock Wedding

Below are four types of wedding reception that can be organized on a small budget.

Cake and Punch Reception

The most common time of day that this type of reception is held is early afternoon (approximately 2pm) but it can also occur mid-morning (approximately 10am). A cake and punch reception generally consists of the wedding cake and refreshments. Refreshments can include punch, coffee, tea, champagne, etc. You can also supplement the wedding cake with other types of cake in different flavors and textures.

Dessert Reception

This type of reception is one in which desserts are served. Desserts can include pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies, pastries, brownies, etc. Another option, which can be combined with a normal dessert reception if you’d like, is a sundae bar.

In this type of reception, you serve bowls of ice cream (usually vanilla) and let your guests choose their topping. Toppings can include chocolate or fudge sauce, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, crushed walnuts, whipped cream, fruit toppings, etc. Basically, the same things you’d find in any sundae bar. Summer is the most common time of year for a sundae bar. A normal dessert bar can be used all year round though as there are desserts specific to season. For example, pumpkin pie and apple pie would be a great choice for fall weddings. This type of reception is likely to be an inexpensive choice if you purchase the items yourself.

Hors D’ouevres Reception

There are actually two distinct types of hors d’ouevres receptions. The first is light hors d’ouerves and consists of a lighter fare than the second which is a heavy hors d’ouerves menu.

A light menu often includes items such as crackers, vegetable platters with dip, fruit, cheese, etc. A heavy hors d’ouerves menu often includes these items as well as other items such as meat and cheese trays, chicken fingers, egg rolls, etc.

These types of receptions are also (casually) called ‘finger-food receptions’ in some areas. In order to save money on this type of reception, check your local grocery store deli for prices on ‘meat and cheese’ trays as well as ‘vegetable’ and ‘cracker and cheese’ platters. Their prices are often very reasonable. Another option is to buy the ingredients yourself.

Tea (or Coffee) Reception

This type of reception is a relic from a bygone era. Originally, tea receptions were meant to reflect the mood of an ‘afternoon tea’. An authentic tea reception will include items such as petit fours, watercress sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, scones, biscuits, etc. Be sure to cut the crusts off the sandwiches and cut in a diagonal cross (X shape) for an authentic look. If you’re looking for a more modern approach, you can serve coffee with (or in place of) the tea. You can also serve bite-size pieces of cake (such as carrot), any manner of sandwich which is easy to cut, cinnamon rolls, etc. This type of reception is relatively inexpensive (depending on the items you decide to serve) and can be relaxing for both the couple and the guests.

We hope that you have found these suggestions helpful.

This is an extract from our eBook ‘Planning The Perfect Wedding On a Shoestring Budget’, it’s packed with ideas to help you plan your perfect wedding without having to remortgage your house! If you would like to download our eBook, please click here.