Afternoon Wedding Food

Definitely food (not just cake). And I don't care how its laid out as long as you take my food allergies into account.

If you have the budget, I'd do more than cake and punch. All of your suggestions sound great. Charcuterie platters are also a good choice. I'm sure your caterer will have a lot of suggestions.

You could do cake and punch if your reception was ending at 4 but since you are going until 6, I would do the other suggestions you posted since it is getting closer to dinner time

Lots of finger foods can work, cheese, crackers, passed canapes, fruits, desserts.

I'd just throw it all out at once and let people have at it.

Hors, finger food, fruit, dessert, champagne. Just make sure your invite indicates that;

"Join us for light refreshments and cocktails after the ceremony" so they know it's not dinner.

Do you have a caterer? If you do they can suggest what to have and how much of it.

Finger sandwiches or sliders are a good idea because you want something a little substantial to go against the alcohol people will be drinking. I'd never say no to mac & cheese.

Budget is somewhat of a concern, but I'm more worried about having too much food/not enough food. We will also be having a full open bar if that makes a difference.

We're doing heavy apps and stations plus cake since our reception is at a non-meal time. We're having a mac and cheese bar, sliders, skewers, veggies, beer cheese, stuffed jalapenos, etc.

Also make sure you still have an open bar, even if your reception isn't at a traditional meal time.

ETA: Thank you Celia! I've been looking for the proper wording for invites!

If you have a full open bar definitely have more than cake! Nothing like drinking on an empty stomach...

Passed apps and a couple stations could give you a cool cocktail party vibe. Your caterer should be able to guide you to the proper amount of food.

@Shannon...I know for me personally, this was a more expensive option than a seated meal from the caterer.

Your apps sounds good! I would end it at 5 or 5:30 though. You definitely need more than cake and punch - even traditional "cake and punch" receptions usually have cheese and crackers, fruit and veggie trays, etc. Since you're having an open bar too it'd be good to have some hearty options like meatballs or sliders.

Our wedding is running 2-7:15, and we are having a sit down plated dinner. You will definitely need more than just cake if you are having an open bar though.

I would do heavy appetizers, fruit and cheese at least.

We did food stations that represented our family cultures. A pasta station and polish station for my husband’s side and an Irish station and good old southern chicken and waffles for my side. I also made it clear to the caterer that I wanted hearty portions, not frufru samplings. The food was phenomenal and it’s what the guests remember most nearly a year later. I still crave the pesto pasta!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

2-6? You're going through dinner time. I would expect a meal served in there somewhere. Not just finger foods.

Any of the above! Since you are going later into the day (5-6pm) I would want something a little heavier than just a veggie tray or just cake.