Heavy Hors d'oeuvres Reception

We went to a friend's wedding last year that opted for appetizers only. They went with stationary appetizers, but still had place cards for people. It worked out really well, and I definitely was full!

I think this sounds like a really fun idea. I love appetizers! My only question is how will you get people to sit down for the formal portions of the reception (first dance, parents, toasts, etc) and then to the dance floor?

Timing is everything -- if you're going to do this, you should really avoid traditional meal times. If I go to a 5PM wedding, I expect a meal afterwards, not just things to munch on. Or you can make sure you have enough appetizers that folks can make a meal out of it.

How many guests do you have? Perhaps instead of place cards, just assign tables.

Sounds like you are doing exactly what I am doing. I didn't want a formal sit down. We're going to have passed during cocktail and a ton of choices at the reception. I personally am not doing assigned seating/escort cards for a couple of reasons. 1) no meal choices, no need to assign a seat 2) reception is at a restaurant so tables and all that vary between seating at the bar, downstairs, and upstairs. Overall it will be more of a cocktail feel the whole night (or at least that's what I'm envisioning)

I think its a great idea. Remember that everyone is going to have SOMETHING to say, so do what you want best and know you can't please everyone!

....I will say, based on Reenski's comment I definitely will have enough food to make a meal, not just things to munch on. Or at least $7000 better be enough food to make 150 people full.

I LOVE this style of reception, and we've catered dozens of them. Actually, about five of my recent Friday weddings did this style, and it's just so fun. I wouldn't do escort cards; have seating available and let people sit where the may....and then move around.

My couple last week did passed hors, then the first dance and parents dances, then more passed and stations. It was wonderful, and I especially love it on a holiday weekend.

Veg;

Pasta stations

Mashed Potato Bar

Mason Jar Salad Bar

Soup Shooter Bar

Soft Pretzel Bar

Spring rolls

Quiches

Spinach Pies

Hummas/Babaganoush

Mini Grilled Cheese

Rice Balls

Stuffed Mushrooms

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Eggplant and Roasted Pepper Rolls

People can absolutely eat enough for a meal. As for the formal parts, have your BP gather everyone around the dancefloor.

Go for it!

I think it sound like a wonderful option. I would let people sit wherever, and skip the escort cards. Personally, I rather eat appetizers than a full sit down meal anytime!

More and more people are opting for cocktail party weddings. I've seen them done in restaurants more often than traditional banquet halls, but that doesn't mean your venue won't go for it.

It's a far more relaxed and fun environment, and as long as you have enough food being passed with regularity (or well stocked food bars), and unlimited cocktails, I think your guests will have a great time.

Yay! I was worried for a bit but happy y'all think this is a good idea. My coordinator originally said stationary appetizers first and passed during the toasts, etc. but I think thats kind of silly. We'll definitely do passed first then stationary. I also like the idea of just doing Table numbers for people and not escort cards. I just love the cocktail/happy hour feel instead of the formal dinner.

Thanks so much ladies

@Allyson -- our DJ/MC will make an announcement for people to sit down

@Reensky - 100-120 guests, 6:30pm wedding, 7pm cocktail hour/reception. Plus the smaller the meal, the farther the liquor goes

Sounds like a fabulous idea to me!! I love appetizers

My best friend did this for hers (no escort cards, but extra seating) and I'm doing the same. She had several options and no one walked away hungry. Everyone was up and mingling and having a blast. When it was time for the first dance and such, the band made an announcement. Still the best wedding I've been to which is why I'm doing the same.

I'm having a heavy hors d'oeuvres reception too. I don't like formal sit down receptions and we just want a party atmosphere plus we had a small budget

View Quoted Comment Researching this exact thing for my upcoming wedding and found this post! Wondering how this turned out because it’s the exact thing I see in my head! 🥹