Hiring a bartender, or no? Hiring a caterer, or no?

You should probably talk to your venue about the bar situation. if you're having the wedding at someone's house, self serve should be fine. However city, and state laws might require venues to require you to hire someone to serve the alcohol so that proper restraint is shown during the evening.

Also, if you're going to have a late wedding, cheese and fruit isn't going to be enough. If you're thinking of a horderves wedding, might I suggest an early afternoon ceremony? This is the most polite way of thinking of your guests eating schedule.

We went to our friends wedding a few months ago and being the twenty year-old I was, I absolutely let myself enjoy red wine. Was it the best idea? No. Was that the intent of a self serve system? Probably not. But, it's there and no one is going to be monitoring it, so be prepared for people to drink as much as they want, and to for underager's to help themselves.

Our venue requires a bartender, thankfully. I'm happy it's a requirement and that I'm not allowed to skimp on costs. She's also insured which is HUGE.

In terms of food, I'd be kinda peeved if I was going to a wedding where there were basically only cocktail hour foods. Your prerogative but expect some people not to come, some to leave early, or some to be a bit angry. :x

I think Anisea is right about the timing. That was what we were going to originally do, but then we slid it a little earlier to have a lunch reception. My FH cousin had a beautiful cake and punch reception in the afternoon between meal times

Yeah. I think you guys are right. The ceremony was gonna start at 7 then the reception from about 7:30 - 12:00. I def. wasn't sure at all. Thanks for all the advice. I think I will just stick to getting cheaper food for the reception. I'm having a rustic wedding & can't really think of what food would go with my venue. Any input on that ladies?

I think I will need to get a bartender. I have family members that don't like each other, & them getting drunk & starting stuff with one another is the last thing I want.

Again very helpful information. Thanks!

We are getting BBQ for our rustic-ish wedding. My favorite restaurant only chargers $10 a plate which is an awesome deal. Plus the food is amazinggg. You'll need to make sure the venue you choose allows outside catering if you want to get a better deal. Usually when its an all inclusive type thing, you are limited on options and the price goes up (at least where I'm from). Have you found your venue yet?

I have a hall for my venue I hired a bar tender so she can take control of the bar. Some people will drink everything and not leave non for others. As well she is preparing everything. We have a bar budget and we are giving her the money and she is bringing everything so that way I dont have to worry about mayking sure I have all the liquor cups ice etc. Now for food my family is cooking. Maybe you can put someone in charge of the food or getting someone to help you so that way it wont be so much on it. A caterer helps with taking the stress on you of preparing food. If you have the money for a caterer go for it.