Cocktail Hour without food: yay or nay

You should definitely serve something with an open bar. Otherwise you will end up with guests drinking on an empty stomach which will result in them getting drunk very quickly which could make for a not so fun time. Also, it is nice to give them something to munch on in between the ceremony and reception while they wait on you.

It's never a good idea to have alcohol with nothing edible available.

To save on money, we’re doing an open bar with a popcorn bar. It’s a pretty popular bar snack with our friends and we know it’s going to be a hit.

View Quoted Comment This. A cheese & cracker (or bread display), and/or some played mini apps with carbs to soak up the alcohol.

Alcohol without food is a terrible idea (and your venue may not let you do it anyway). It doesn’t have to be super fancy but you need something.

I've only been to two cocktail hours ever.
The first one had fruit trays and cheese and crackers. I never noticed.

Maybe a standing snacks bar would be more cost effective than passed hors d'oeuvres, if that's what you're thinking? And a semi formal wedding in the city, plated dinner... I think class it up with either some very nice cheese trays or that popcorn bar a PP had could be very nice if displayed well. I wouldn't want people drinking with no food. 🙈

View Quoted Comment That's a good idea!
Get some Garrett's popcorn since it's a Chicago staple! Haha

I agree with everyone else. I think you need to serve some type of food since you are serving alcohol. It does not need to be fancy or extensive. Just something for them to sack on.

Does your venue allow drinks to be served with no food? I know ours does not.


In my opinion, I’d rather have food and light drinks (lemonade, tea water) than drinks with no food. Also, everyone has different opinions on dinner time, so depending on your ceremony tone, you might have some really hungry guests!

I've never seen a cocktail hour without food, I'd have at least one option especially since people are drinking.

You risk guests getting drunk on the spot if you dont have some food. Many bartenders require that you serve something for liability issues.

I would look into a small grazing table to cut costs or ask if you are allowed catering like from a Costco— that way, it’s a lot cheaper and you just buy a platter or two and have someone bring it - day of. I totally get the $$$ expense thing but if you do open bar- you definitely need a little something to nibble on. Or maybe switch to only champagne (or only signature drinks) during the cocktail hour and less of an open bar- if you do that, you can also see if they can adjust the alcohol pricing so you can have more to use towards a few snacks as well?

Definitely a bad idea. Like others have said, if your guests are drinking then you should definitely provide some type of food. Otherwise they are going to have nothing in their stomachs and the alcohol will effect them a lot more.