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Savvy September 2020

Grazing table for Dinner, what about a cocktail hour?

Bethany, on December 1, 2019 at 8:30 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 6

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So I'm in the process of planning my wedding, and I my goal when building a menu for dinner was about easy, hassle free foods that would only require silverware if it was preferred by the individual. Stuff like meat/cheese blocks, salad, sliders, mini tacos, that sort of thing.

While planning this I didn't have a COCKTAIL hour in mind,.. I actually wanted the grazing tables to BE dinner. Have 2-3 separate ones with different category of foods. Easy, favorite eats that would fit many diet styles. So as far as a cocktail hour, my crowd isn't a big drinking crowd - I'm not really even sure WHAT I would serve at a cocktail hour. If I'm serving things like that for dinner, should I just eliminate cocktail hour and have everyone go to the ceremony hall and settle in, bump jams early for dancing and then intro the bridge/bridal party and grub out after?

I know for a lot who will read this, it's very unconventional for the timeline.

Thoughts?

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6 Comments

Latest activity by Michelle, on February 19, 2022 at 12:28 PM

Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on December 1, 2019 at 8:40 PM
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If you want a cocktail hour, you can possibly keep the cold items for cocktail hour (veggies, fruits, and the meat/cheese platters). Then do your hot food stations for the reception (sliders, mini tacos, etc) along with salads.
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VIP November 2019
Catherine · on December 2, 2019 at 9:53 AM
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I agree with PP. I would stick to cold or simple finger foods for cocktail hour. Then Do hot stuff or a buffet for dinner.
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Super February 2020
Jeanie · on December 2, 2019 at 10:23 AM
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Sounds like you want a cocktail reception instead of a traditional sit down dinner reception. That’s what we’re doing, with lots of appetizers and some stations. While there will be lots of food, it’s not going to be a formal meal. We’re not having a separate cocktail hour. If you’re venue has a time slot for a cocktail hour, you can do what you said and start the dancing early, or you can just blend it in with the reception itself and start right off with the food. Just make sure your guests know what to expect so they don’t not eat expecting a served/buffet meal later. The only other option would be to just serve cocktails during cocktail hour, but having your guests drink alcohol for an hour on an empty stomach probably isn’t the best idea.
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VIP October 2019
Ivy ORP · on December 2, 2019 at 11:39 AM
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We did a cocktail reception and started with the lighter apps while we finished our pictures, then had the heavier apps brought out in waves as the "dinner". In my opinion the key is variety and heavy hors d'eourves if you want your guests to feel full. I would also mention to guests in advance that you are having a cocktail reception so they know to the apps are the dinner and eat accordingly. This can be a great way to have lots of different types of food and creates a more free-flowing, easy to mingle vibe for your reception.
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Just Said Yes May 2021
Gale · on February 19, 2022 at 10:18 AM
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I am getting married in September and we are doing a food truck for the cocktail hour. We will have cocktails available and the food truck will serve appetizers from the truck (poppers, stuffed mushrooms, etc. and there will also be some appetizers outside of the truck such as shrimp cocktail and veggies and fruit. We are considering to also make pre- made appetizer cones that guests can just grab. Then we are having a very informal wedding and then the reception that will be a enormous grazing table with charcuterie board and specialties from the food truck - pull pork and chicken sliders, tomato soup and grilled cheese, chicken wings, smoked salmon and fruit and veggies, nuts and salad fixings.
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VIP August 2021
Michelle · on February 19, 2022 at 12:28 PM
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Deleted comment. Older post.
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