Post # 1

Member
459 posts
Helper bee
I wasn’t planning on having one, but then I just had a thought, that my Fiance and I will be taking pictures. So it will take us a while to get to the venue (different location from ceremony). So the guests will probably have to wait. I mean I’ll have escort cards, a fauxtobooth & time for them to mingle around. But should I include a cocktail hour, so the guests will have an appetizer? If so, what did you ladies choose for the hour? My caterer never really brought that up with me, so I have no clue.
Post # 3

Member
14186 posts
Honey Beekeeper
We had punch…..that’s it! i think our venue set out cheese and crackers. Not real exciting but everyone likes cheese, crackers, fruit…keep it simple. They don’t need lots of food.
Post # 4

Member
627 posts
Busy bee
i think it would be nice if you can swing some kind of light refreshment for them durig that hour or so that they’re waiting for you to arrive. we’re doing it but keeping it somewhat simple and affordable: our bar (beer/wine) will be out, and we are having chicken wings, bruschetta, and veggie trays. just little nibbles!
Post # 5

Member
2775 posts
Sugar bee
You should definitely have something for the guests to snack on. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. But people are going to be hungry!
Post # 6

Member
11325 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
We’re keeping it pretty simple… the bar will be open (we’re bringing in our own alcohol so its not a matter of paying for time) and we’re doing cold food: veggies/dip, fruit, cheese/crackers, and shrimp cocktail
Post # 6

Member
3125 posts
Sugar bee
I would definitely put something out, even if it’s just a serve yourself big container of beers and sodas, or punch, or something out of pitchers and some grub. You don’t want people waiting a while, and then drinking on an empty stomach. We had an hour of downtime for our pictures and in that time we had an open bar and 2 or 3 appetizers out on trays. Though when you add up the #s we didn’t really serve THAT much food, it just appeared that way b/c they were walking around with it.
Post # 7

Member
3709 posts
Sugar bee
I think it will be nice to have something b/c I am sure your guests will be hungry but I wouldn’t go all out. Some punch, bottled water, cheese, crackers, veggies, and fruit should do it. If that’s too expensive…cut out the fruit =) nobody will notice.
Post # 8

Member
2775 posts
Sugar bee
I like the idea of fruit, cheese, and crackers if you want to keep things simple.
Post # 9

Member
459 posts
Helper bee
ok thanks guys!!! I forgot to mention that I’ve been to 3 weddings and only one had a cocktail hour. And it was kind of fancy in my opinion. Thanks for the suggestions!!!
Post # 10

Member
1897 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m having a mondo cocktail hour! it’s my favorite time of a wedding! hahah but I definitely think you need to offer at least some finger food and drinks to keep the guests happy.
Post # 11

Member
5388 posts
Bee Keeper
We are have southwest egg rolls and boudian balls. We will be serving a blue tropical punch (since our reception will be non-alcoholic). We only choose to things to keep the costs down, and since most people we know are not really cheese and fruit people.