to do or not to do? - the saga of an evening buffet

I think if the evening guests are aware that you aren't having food in the evening then they will eat before they come.

I went to a wedding last year where they served cheese and biscuits in the evening and I thought that was a really good idea if you wanted to serve something but keep the costs down and also if you're having a wedding cake, could you serve that in the evening so that people have something to nibble on?

We're having a sweet cart and I went to a wedding this year where they had one and everyone was more excited about that than the food so maybe that's another option for you!

See below double posted by accident

I think the evening buffet is a great idea if you have lot of evening guests (50+) and you can party until 5am, but as you said you will only have 20-30 extra people - I personally would want to spend that money somewhere else. You can always inform the evening people politely to have a bite prior to their arrival.

Most venues venues will also shut their doors at 11pm-ish anyway and in my opinion, it may not worth to blow your budget for this. Obviously, everything is down to your personal preferences, but if they are starving, you can still share your cake with them ?

To be honest, if you’re inviting evening guests then I do think it’s only fair to have some sort of food for them. They may have travelled a long way, and would really appreciate something good wise, plus I think it’s a nice way to make them feel like part of the day - rather than them turning up and realising nothings been arranged for them. Could you have something small and light like sandwiches or cheeses etc?

I think cheese and biscuits and wedding cake sounds like a great compromise. I wouldn't think a whole evening buffet is necessary.

We’re having bar snacks / canapés for the evening but not a full buffet. We’ll just make it clear on the invitations that food isn’t included for the evening.

Hi,

I wouldn't advise a full on buffet like others have said.

This is a great place for pate, cheese, bread & cake!

Your evening guests will appreciate some food.

James