Midnight snack instead of a dinner?

I have been to a wedding in which they did apps/snacks instead of a full dinner (they had a 7pm ceremony, then went to reception). and she clearly stated on the invite that appies/light food would happen. so you knew to eat dinner.

its always just about communicating because everyone has an opinion on how a wedding should go. hahah

I think the others have made some wonderful suggestions, my only piece of advice would be, whatever you decide, be VERY clear to your guests "dinner to follow" "appies, drinks and dancing".... etc....

There's nothing worse than being hungry at a wedding.

View quoted message I think maybe I might ask for the guests opinions about it before I put it into stone

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In this case - I would say it's more acceptable. Just make sure to note that you are inviting people to the ceremony with apps and drinks after. Maybe even put in some restaurants that are close by that you recommend that they try out so they won't have a chance to misunderstand.

Keep in mind that this may/will affect the presentation that the guests give. (I know a wedding isn't all about the money but people do tend to rely on the presentation due to how much a wedding costs - which is so expensive!! So not cool... prices be crazy!)

Thanks everyone for your tips!

My plan was to have finger food and appetizers after all the speeches when the dance starts. Not right at midnight lol that’s just what people I know call it.

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I agree with this; guests will likely expect to have a dinner of some sort, especially if you intend to serve alcohol at your venue during this time.

Well what I was thinking was having a bunch of finger food and appetizers served after the speeches when the dance starts.

I think Michelle has the right idea. Liqour licenses and some venues might have rules that requires food to be served along side with alcohol. I would do the later ceremony (after dinner) so guests don't think that dinner will be served at all.

I think that Michelle has the right idea - but I've also heard of what you are asking for. Although uncommon, it has been done. With that being said, I wouldn't send my guests off to go find their own food and have them pay for it. Kind of seems like a faux pas.

Yes, as michelle said I think if youd like to skip dinner then you should have a later ceremony! Many liquor licenses have certain rules when it comes to food/water as well that you need to consider for certain numbers of hours so definitely look in to that too before making any final decisions!

All weddings that I have been to have had both. A midnight snack is usually required if you're serving alcohol. If you were thinking of not including a dinner, I would just have the ceremony after dinner and have a first look to have most of your photos finished. So your timeline would be like:

First Look with formal photos

Bridal Party photos

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour for your guests, while you do Family Photos

Speeches

Dance

Midnight Snack.