Expert: Brenda Cascio - 10/23/2009

Question
Hi,

I'm having an evening wedding with hor d'oeuvre reception, but I'm having trouble figuring out the sequence of events. Guests will arrive around 7 pm. Should we get married at 7:30, have speeches to follow and then serve hor d'oeuvres? Or, should we mingle with guests and serve hor d'oeuvre while everyone arrives and have the ceremony around 8 or 8:30, followed by speeches and then dancing? Do we want everyone eating hor d'oeuvres during the ceremony? Do we serve hor d'oeuvres before and after the ceremony?

Basically here are the things we need to accomplish:
Serve hor d'oeuvres (caterer will serve for a total of 3 hours)
Get married
Speeches
Dancing

Thanks! I'm so confused.


Answer
Hi Kathleen,
Weddings can make even the simplest things confusing, so just stop and take a deep breath.  Aaahh.  I recommend that you go with the tried and true.  Have the ceremony first, and then on to the food and dancing.  It is the usual sequence of events, so guests will be prepared.  Of course, the invitation should indicate hor d'ourves and dancing to follow, which tells the guests that it is not a full meal.  This will alert them to have dinner prior to the event.  If it is a meal, you would indicate dinner and dancing to follow.  It isn't necessary to offer food before, however, it is a gracious gesture to offer a beverage prior to the ceremony if it is possible, perhaps bellini's or if it is cold, hot mulled cider.  It sounds like a wonderful event and I wish you the very best.
Regards,
Brenda Cascio,
www.GraciousBridal.com,
Where Personalization is ALWAYS Free!