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Savvy October 2019

Butler passed Hors D’oeuvres for a buffet wedding?

Elizabeth, on June 9, 2019 at 2:10 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 12
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Hello!
I am an October 2019 bride. We have been in talks with our caterer regarding how to do hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. Our venue is on the smaller side, with about 100 guests. My fear with doing traditional stations for apps is the likelihood of people crowding around them. It may be difficult to space them out around the reception room, the two that we are offering will likely have to be right next to each other.

But... does the cocktail hour set the formality? Would it be odd to offer them passed then do the buffet? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

12 Comments

Latest activity by MrsD, on June 10, 2019 at 5:05 PM
  • ASMini914
    Super September 2019
    ASMini914 ·
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    I don’t think odd, just be aware of timing. I was at a wedding just last weekend that did this exact thing, had passed apps but a buffet. The only odd thing about it was that the buffet opened while they were passing the apps out, and they never announced the existence of the buffet.
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  • E
    Savvy October 2019
    Elizabeth ·
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    Thank you so much for your feedback! Everyone will be seated, we enter, prayer then DJ announces buffet opens is the timing plan.
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  • SummerBrideInAutumn
    VIP October 2019
    SummerBrideInAutumn ·
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    I think it’s fine to do this. I think passed hours d’oeuvres are typically associated with a more formal event but I’ve actually been to a few buffet weddings that were done this way. I say do it, especially if it works better with your venue.
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  • ASMini914
    Super September 2019
    ASMini914 ·
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    Yes, I think as long as it is organized and people aren’t scrambling about... totally fine!
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  • E
    Savvy October 2019
    Elizabeth ·
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    Thank you guys for your responses! I’m glad you guys have been to other weddings done this way!
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  • Cyndy
    Master May 2019
    Cyndy ·
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    I just got married and we did passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet and it was fine. We had a buffet due to the size of the wedding but still wanted it to feel nice.
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  • C
    Super January 2020
    Cassie ·
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    I will be having passed apps, and a buffet. My cocktail hour will take place outside the reception area. I don’t think its odd, I’ve been to several weddings that had passed apps then a buffet.
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  • Katelyn
    Savvy October 2019
    Katelyn ·
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    Hey there! So I was actually wondering this same thing for my venue, and was able to communicate this to them to get their ideas! I'm also getting married this October (twinning!!), and my venue is a Jeffery A Miller catering venue, meaning they provide all of the food, which is all DELICIOUS farm-to-table food. They offer butler passed hors d'oeuvres, along with station options. Other than one station in particular (a bbq pork/chicken and corn bread station!), we didn't feel the need to spend extra on stations, but also didn't know if butler passed appetizers would be a little stuffy for our more casual-feel wedding. Our solution? More fun and casual butler passed appetizers, like potstickers and mini rice balls!! It really depends on that, I feel. Like passing some fancy caviar beforehand might be a little strange, but chicken skewers would fit in well!! Hope you're able to decide and enjoy your wedding! Smiley heart

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  • Chandra
    Master May 2019
    Chandra ·
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    We had passed hors d'oeuvres and a buffet. There were zero problems that I was aware of.
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  • E
    Savvy October 2019
    Elizabeth ·
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    Awesome, thank you guys so much for putting my mind at ease. Passed apps it is!
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  • Jess
    Super September 2019
    Jess ·
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    Not at all! We are having 5 passed hors d’oeuvres for cocktail hour and then 3 buffet stations (chicken, steak, pasta)

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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    We are having a plated salad & bread reception, followed by a buffet dinner. During cocktail hour, 4 apps will be passed and there will be 1 station.

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