It’s been a while since I posted in the “Breaking the Rules” series, so it’s time for another!

I’m in the thick of wedding season right now so my brain is definitely in wedding mode with weddings constantly running through my head! Bright flowers, sparkly shoes, ruffly dresses, tiered cakes, emotional toasts, beautiful couples…it’s all the rage at JFP right now! Photographing wedding after wedding results in me seeing a ton of pretty details and really cool ideas. Some of the details and ideas are super unique and they totally break the rules of typical weddings…and I like that.

I first wrote about floral centerpieces and then the groomsmen attire in my “Breaking the Rules” series, but now it’s time for the reception! How many times have you been to a wedding where they served you dinner? Chances are your answer is at least one wedding, probably even two or three. Serving dinner or another large meal at a wedding reception seems to be pretty typical, and almost expected. But why not break the rules? Why not make it a dessert or hors d’oeuvres reception?

A handful of my weddings this year have included receptions where only desserts or hors d’oeuvres are served. The food has been delicious at every one and guests always seem to enjoy the overload of sweets and fun finger foods. When else can they indulge in bacon-wrapped scallops, chocolate fountains and marshmallows on a stick?

Take Chris and Kelly’s wedding for example. They had a 6:30pm ceremony and served desserts at their 8pm reception.

They started things off with a HUGE candy buffet! Chris and Kelly both love candy, so it was totally appropriate. The guests, especially the youngsters, enjoyed packing their favorites into small bags and snacking throughout the evening.

They also served drinks, but kept it simple. Iced tea, lemonade and bottled water. Easy peesy and it pleases just about every taste bud!

Chris and Kelly’s food menu included a chocolate fountain, rice krispie treats, brownies, fruits and dip, and gourmet cheeses.

And they topped things off with an ice cream sundae bar at the end of the evening! Who doesn’t love ice cream at a wedding!?!

Next is Elizabeth and Chad’s wedding. They had a 7pm ceremony and opted for an hors d’oeuvres reception.

Aside from a selection of finger foods including yummy meatballs and mini sandwiches, they served Smiley’s Ice Cream! This stuff was handmade and served fresh off the truck! I tried two different flavors.

If you’re looking for a way to make your special day unique and different from the typical weddings, a dessert and/or hors d’oeuvres reception is definitely something to consider! It’s also easy on the wallet. I’ve heard of some places charging $100+ per person for dinner meals at a wedding and to me, that’s just outrageous! If you’re looking to cut costs and stick to a budget, consider doing away with serving a meal. Have an evening ceremony after dinner time, inform your guests that it’s a dessert or hors d’oeuvres reception on the invitation (so they know to eat dinner before coming) and serve a simpler menu. Candy buffets, chocolate fountains, mini sandwiches, fruits and veggies, homemade cookies, ice cream sundae bar, s’mores bar, popcorn, cupcakes, meatballs, chips and salsa…how fun does that menu sound!?! It’s easy to incorporate a large variety and chances are you’ll satisfy just about everyone on your guest list! And it probably won’t cost you $100+ per person! So go ahead, break the rules a little.