Wedding Guest Dining: Before The Couple's Grand Entrance

Wedding reception food is a topic that divides opinion. Some believe that guests should not eat before the couple enters the room, as the bride and groom are usually served first. However, others argue that it is best to let guests eat before the couple arrives to avoid long lines and hungry guests, especially if the couple is running late. A compromise could be to have a cocktail hour with drinks and appetizers to tide guests over until the main meal, which the couple can eat at the same time as their guests.

Guests may feel confused or uncomfortable eating before the couple arrives

Traditionally, the bride and groom are served first or are the first to go through the buffet line. Eating before the couple arrives could make guests feel uncomfortable, as they are effectively the guests of honour and should be served first. It could also detract from the couple's grand entrance and the special moment of their arrival, as guests may be less inclined to photograph them or fully enjoy the moment if they are already eating.

Additionally, some guests may feel it is rude to eat before the couple, particularly if there is a significant delay in their arrival. Guests may also feel that it is important to wait for the couple to be present while dinner is served, especially if they are sitting at a table that the couple should be joining.

To avoid any confusion or discomfort, it is recommended to provide guests with appetizers and drinks during a cocktail hour while the couple is having their photos taken. This way, guests are well-catered for and can enjoy the food and drinks without the couple being present. It is also suggested to keep the gap between the ceremony and reception to a minimum, ensuring that photos are taken either before the ceremony or limited to only those that involve the couple together.

By following these suggestions, the potential for guest confusion or discomfort is reduced, and the couple can still ensure they are served first and enjoy their grand entrance.

A cocktail hour can be a good way to serve food and drinks to guests before the couple enters

A cocktail hour is a great way to serve food and drinks to your wedding guests before the couple enters the reception. It's a perfect way to bridge the gap between the ceremony and the reception, giving your guests something to do and eat and creating a relaxed atmosphere. It's also a chance for the couple to slip away for some photos or to freshen up before the reception.

A cocktail hour is usually held between the ceremony and the reception, but it can also be held before the ceremony, especially if your ceremony and reception are in the same place. This gives guests a chance to arrive early, grab a drink, and find their seats. It's a great way to get the party started and can be a fun, informal way to kick things off.

During the cocktail hour, guests can enjoy light refreshments, drinks, and appetizers. It's a good opportunity to offer a variety of cuisines and be creative with the food and drinks. You can even have signature cocktails or drinks with fun names that reflect your tastes and personalities.

If you're worried about guests getting hungry while waiting for the couple to enter, a cocktail hour can be a great solution. It ensures your guests are taken care of and aren't left waiting too long for food and drinks. It's also a good time for guests to mingle and chat in a more relaxed setting before the reception begins.

To make the most of your cocktail hour, consider the following:

• Provide a mix of drinks, including wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.
• Offer a variety of appetizers or hors d'oeuvres, with at least five different types and two bites per guest.
• Ensure there is enough seating, with a mix of high-top tables and low-seat tables for older guests.
• Create a beautiful bar setup and consider having servers pass out drinks to guests as they arrive.
• Include some entertainment or activities, such as lawn games, a photo booth, or live music.
• Keep the cocktail hour to around 45 minutes to an hour.

A cocktail hour is a fantastic way to keep your guests happy and entertained before the couple enters the reception. It's a chance to set the tone for the celebration and ensure your guests are well-fed and ready to party!

The couple can eat with their guests or before them

There are a few options for when the couple chooses to eat at their wedding. Some couples opt to eat with their guests, while others prefer to eat beforehand. Here are some things to consider for each option:

Eating with the Guests:

This option can be a great way to ensure the couple doesn't miss out on any of the festivities and can enjoy the meal alongside their loved ones. However, it's important to note that the couple may be pulled in multiple directions by guests, leaving little time to eat. To manage this, the couple can consider eating quickly before making their table rounds or skipping certain courses to allow for more time with guests.

Eating Before the Guests:

This option can ensure the couple is well-fed and energised before greeting their guests. They can opt to eat before entering the reception or during the cocktail hour while guests enjoy appetizers and drinks. This choice may also allow the couple to finish eating earlier and make their grand entrance as married couples, with all their guests ready to capture the moment.

Ultimately, the decision of when to eat should be based on the couple's preferences and what they feel will make their wedding day more enjoyable and stress-free.

To ensure a smooth process, it's recommended to communicate with the caterers and venue coordinators to establish a timeline that suits the couple's vision for their special day.

The couple may want to be served their meal first so they can eat before mingling

The couple's wedding day is likely to be a busy and potentially stressful time, so it is understandable that they may want to eat before they start mingling with their guests. This way, they can ensure they have the energy to socialise without worrying about their meal getting cold or having to eat separately from their new spouse.

In some cultures, it is considered rude to eat before the couple, who are the guests of honour, have been served and had the chance to eat first. However, this tradition may not suit every couple or wedding format. For example, if the couple is running late from photos, it might be best to let the guests start eating. This is especially true if there are multiple food stations, as it will prevent long lines from forming all at once.

If the couple wants to eat first, they can ensure this happens by having a cocktail hour with appetisers and drinks while they are finishing up photos. This way, guests won't be hungry, and the couple can still be served first at dinner. Alternatively, they can have only the appetiser station open when guests arrive, and then open the remaining stations when they are ready to eat. This way, guests can enjoy some food, and the couple can still be the first to eat dinner.

Ultimately, the couple should do what feels right for them and their wedding format. If they want to be served first, they can ensure this happens by communicating their wishes to the caterers and venue coordinator and following the suggestions outlined above.

The couple should eat whenever their guests are eating

While there are many traditions and ways to structure a wedding, one thing is clear: the couple should not miss out on eating at their own wedding! It is important for the couple to eat whenever their guests are eating. This will ensure the couple stays energised throughout the day and can be present for their guests.

There are a few ways to ensure the couple eats at the same time as their guests. One suggestion is to have a receiving line following the ceremony, allowing the couple to then sit down and enjoy their dinner with their guests. Another option is to ask the coordinator if the couple can be served their meal first, so they can eat before mingling. This way, the couple can finish their meal a little earlier and be ready to greet their guests.

If the couple is entering the reception a little later, it is a good idea to have some food available for the guests when they arrive. This could be a cocktail hour with drinks and appetisers, or a few food stations open with snacks and drinks. This will ensure the guests are not left hungry and can also help to avoid long lines for food all at once. However, it is still important for the couple to eat with their guests when they enter the reception.

Some couples choose to eat during the speeches or toasts, or even while dancing is taking place. This can be a good time to multitask and ensure the couple is getting some food while other activities are happening. It is also a good idea for the couple to make their plates at the very start of dinner, so they can eat quickly and then greet their guests.

Overall, it is important for the couple to prioritise eating whenever their guests are eating. This will ensure they stay energised and can fully enjoy their special day.

Frequently asked questions