Evening Wedding Etiquette

Planning a wedding can be a tricky business, and there are many rules of etiquette to consider. One such rule is the time of the ceremony. A 7 pm wedding ceremony is considered an evening wedding, and it is perfectly acceptable to invite guests to the reception only. This is a great option for those on a budget, as it is the most expensive part of the day. Evening wedding guests usually arrive at 6-7 pm, after the wedding breakfast, and just before the first dance. This allows them to celebrate with the happy couple without the hosts having to provide a full meal.

Evening-only guests: It's acceptable to invite some guests to the reception only, but not the other way around

Evening-only wedding guests are common, and it's perfectly acceptable to invite some guests to the wedding reception only. Anyone who has been to a wedding will be familiar with this concept. However, it's considered rude to invite guests to the ceremony or wedding breakfast and not to the evening reception. Anyone who attends the ceremony will expect to be fed a proper meal and to join in the evening festivities.

Evening-only guests usually arrive around 6-7 pm, after the wedding breakfast is over and just before the newlyweds' first dance. This way, they still get to celebrate with you, even if they couldn't attend the ceremony and meal.

Budget and space constraints

There are several reasons why you might choose to have evening-only guests. One of the main reasons is budget constraints. With the average cost of a wedding breakfast being £35-£50 per head, inviting some guests to the evening reception only can help keep costs down.

Another reason is space restrictions. Your chosen ceremony or wedding breakfast venue may not have the capacity for everyone you want to invite. However, you could hire a larger venue for the evening reception, accommodating more guests.

Privacy and personal reasons

Some couples may prefer a more intimate ceremony, reciting personal vows and exchanging kisses in front of only their closest friends and family. Inviting additional guests for the evening reception can be a good compromise.

Personal reasons may also come into play. For example, you may have some work colleagues or family members you don't want around all day but feel obliged to invite to at least part of your wedding.

Scheduling problems

Evening-only guests can also help with scheduling problems. Some guests may be unavailable during the day due to work or childcare commitments but may be free in the evening.

Etiquette for inviting evening-only guests

When inviting evening-only guests, it's essential to be clear with your invitations. Use a separate invitation card headed with 'evening reception' or 'evening celebration' to set the right expectations. Always include dress code information so your evening guests know what to wear and don't feel out of place.

It's also important to state whether single guests can bring a date. Inform your evening guests of a definite starting time, ensuring you've finished dinner and are ready to welcome them. Keep the wording informal, mentioning that you'll be getting married on a certain date and would love for them to join the after-party celebrations.

Making evening guests feel welcome

There are several ways to make your evening guests feel welcomed and included:

• Supply plenty of drinks and a buffet dinner when they arrive.
• Defer your receiving line until the evening so they can be a part of it.
• Ensure there are wedding favours and cake for them.
• Display photos taken during the day using digital frames at the reception venue.
• Avoid changing out of your wedding outfits or leaving the party too early.
• Save a wedding ritual, such as the first dance or cake cutting, for the evening.

Food and gifts for evening guests

Evening guests aren't invited to the sit-down wedding breakfast, which usually finishes before they arrive. However, it's considerate to provide some food option for them, such as canapes, a food van, or a hog roast.

Some evening guests may bring gifts, while others may not. If they do, it's likely to be a less valuable or smaller gift, considering you're not spending as much on their meal. You can still share your gift list, but ensure there's a range of price points.

Timing for evening guests

Evening guests typically arrive before the first dance, sometimes before the cake-cutting ritual. This is usually around 6-7 pm, but you can work out a rough timeline with your wedding planner and venue to decide the best time to invite them.

Attire for evening guests

The evening reception is usually less formal than the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Guests are expected to dress smart-casual, such as smart trousers and a shirt for men and a mid-length, comfortable dress for women.

Wedding favours and photos for evening guests

Evening guests usually don't receive wedding favours, as these are typically given during the wedding breakfast. However, you could place the favours on a table at the evening venue for them.

Evening guests often miss out on professional photos, so it's a good idea to grab some special photos with them if your photographer is still around. Alternatively, encourage selfies or set up a photo booth for fun, memorable pictures.

Dress code: For a 7 pm wedding, guests should wear something that transitions from day to night

When it comes to a 7 pm wedding, the dress code for guests can be tricky to navigate. The key is to opt for outfits that transition from day to night, as the celebration will likely continue into the evening hours. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect attire for such an occasion:

For female guests, a knee-length cocktail dress in a structured fabric is a safe choice. This option provides a balance between elegance and comfort, making it suitable for both the daytime ceremony and the evening festivities. If you want to add a personal touch, consider pairing your dress with a statement necklace or eye-catching earrings. This way, you can easily transition your look from day to night by simply changing your accessories.

The time of year and location of the wedding should also be considered when choosing your outfit. For a 7 pm wedding in the fall or winter, opt for a dress with more coverage, such as a tea-length or long-sleeved style. On the other hand, if the wedding takes place in the summer, you can choose lighter fabrics and brighter colours. If the wedding is held outdoors or in a more casual setting, feel free to experiment with less formal attire.

Male guests should opt for a dark suit, such as charcoal, navy, or black. A conservative shirt and a tie are also recommended. While a tuxedo is not necessary unless specifically requested by the couple, male guests can always bring one along and change into it for the evening celebrations if desired.

It is important to remember that weddings are a time to dress up and look your best. However, it is crucial to respect the cultural and religious beliefs of the bridal couple. Avoid wearing anything that might be considered offensive, such as bare shoulders, arms, or open-toed shoes, if the wedding is taking place in a conservative setting or house of worship.

Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to the couple or other guests if you are unsure about the dress code. It is always better to ask and clarify than to show up underdressed or overdressed for the occasion.

Arrival time: Guests should arrive before the first dance, usually around 6-7 pm

When it comes to wedding guest arrival time, it's considered polite to arrive before the first dance, usually around 6-7 pm. This allows guests to settle in and enjoy the cocktail hour before the main event begins. Here are some tips and considerations for guests arriving at a 7 pm wedding:

Arrival Time

• As a guest, it is generally recommended to arrive at the wedding venue around 6-7 pm. This gives you enough time to find your seat and get settled before the ceremony begins. It is considered rude to arrive late and interrupt the proceedings, so plan your travel accordingly.
• If the wedding invitation states a specific arrival time, such as 7 pm, it is important to respect this timing. The couple has carefully planned their special day, and your punctuality is a way to honour their wishes.
• In some cases, the couple may choose to have a cocktail hour or reception before the ceremony. In such instances, the invitation will specify an earlier arrival time, and guests should adhere to this timing as well.

Other Considerations

• If the wedding venue is difficult to locate or has limited parking, you may want to allow extra time for navigation and transportation. Arriving a bit early ensures you don't miss any important moments due to unforeseen delays.
• It is generally recommended to avoid arriving more than 30 minutes early, as the couple and wedding party may still be finalising their preparations. Respect their privacy and give them ample time to get ready without feeling rushed.
• In the case of outdoor weddings, especially during the summer months, it is advisable to consider the sun's position. Arriving too early could result in uncomfortable heat or glare, so plan your travel with the sunset time in mind.
• If you are part of the wedding party or have a specific role in the ceremony, such as giving a reading or signing the marriage certificate, you will need to arrive earlier than other guests. Communicate with the couple or the wedding organiser to clarify your arrival time and any responsibilities you may have.

In summary, for a 7 pm wedding, guests should generally aim to arrive between 6 and 7 pm. This ensures a smooth and timely start to the ceremony and shows respect for the couple's carefully planned schedule. By being punctual and considerate, you can contribute to a memorable and enjoyable wedding celebration.

Food options: A cocktail-style reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres is a good option for an evening wedding

A 7 pm wedding ceremony is a great time for a cocktail-style reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres. This is a good option if you want an evening reception but don't have the budget for a full dinner. A cocktail reception usually lasts 3 to 4 hours and is a good opportunity for mingling and dancing.

If you're planning a cocktail-style reception, it's important to offer a variety of appetizers or hors d'oeuvres that can be eaten in one or two bites. Aim for 8 different types of appetizers if your guest list is more than 50 people, and 6 types if your guest list is less than 50. You'll need to plan for 12 to 15 pieces per person if you're serving appetizers as a dinner replacement.

• Sliders: Cheeseburger sliders, beef biscuit sliders, or miniature burgers are always a hit.
• Flatbread: Flatbread is versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings to please a crowd.
• Fried Mac 'n' Cheese Lollipops: A fun and tasty twist on a classic comfort food.
• Pollo Asado Tacos: Blend street food with elegant cuisine by serving these tasty tacos in miniature size.
• Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese: Mini grilled cheese sandwiches can be dipped into small containers of tomato soup.
• Charcuterie: A charcuterie spread with cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crackers is a classic option that guests can graze on. You can also serve individual charcuterie boards or charcuterie cones for easy carrying during cocktail hour.
• Sushi: Sushi is a perfect bite-sized appetizer and can be set up as a pretty spread with fish and vegetarian options.
• Dumpling Take-Out Boxes: Serve dumplings or other savory treats in fun takeout boxes, with bonus points for adding your monogram to the design.
• Bacon-Wrapped Anything: Wrap veggies, shrimp, or dates in bacon for a sweet and smoky treat.
• Mini Sandwiches: Try tiny chicken sandwiches, lobster rolls, or biscuit sandwiches.
• Fruit: Offer fruit and cheese skewers, watermelon and feta cubes, or tropical fruit salad bowls.
• Veggies: Asparagus spears, cucumber and salmon slices, or avocado toast on bruschetta are tasty and healthy options.
• Pizza: Miniature pizza slices are not only delicious but can also double as super-cute edible wedding favors.
• Seafood: Set up a seafood bar with shrimp, marinated shrimp, or lobster rolls.
• Sweet Treats: Don't forget to include some sweet options like doughnut holes or apple slices and brie.

Remember to consider your guests' dietary restrictions and offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

Alcohol: It's proper to offer free beer and wine, and perhaps liquor depending on your budget

When it comes to alcohol at weddings, it is proper to offer free beer and wine to your guests, and perhaps liquor depending on your budget. This is especially true if you are hosting a cocktail-style or evening wedding reception.

If you are serving alcohol, it is important to ensure that there is enough to last the entire event. It is also a good idea to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes and preferences. For example, you could offer a selection of red and white wines, beer, and spirits.

The amount of alcohol you will need depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the drinking habits of your guests. It is generally recommended to plan on two drinks per guest during the first hour and one drink per guest for each additional hour. This means that for a wedding of 100 guests, you could provide around 300 drinks.

If you are offering a full bar, you will need to purchase a variety of liquors, mixers, wines, and beers. However, if you are only serving wine and beer, you will need less variety but may need to purchase larger quantities.

It is also important to consider the drinking habits of your guests. If you are expecting a lot of heavy drinkers, you may want to purchase more alcohol. On the other hand, if most of your guests are light drinkers, you may not need as much.

To save money, you could consider serving only beer and wine, which are typically cheaper per drink than hard liquor or mixed drinks. This option can still provide a variety of choices for your guests and ensure that everyone can find something they enjoy.

Additionally, you could offer a limited selection of spirits to provide a full bar experience without breaking your budget. Vodka, tequila, and whiskey are commonly used in popular cocktails and could be a good starting point for your liquor options.

Overall, the key is to ensure that your guests have enough to drink and that there is a variety of options available. By planning ahead and considering the preferences and drinking habits of your guests, you can create a fun and memorable wedding reception that fits within your budget.

Frequently asked questions