Cocktail Hour.

A mash potato bar where they can do their own toppings salad is good as well do some a half load potatoes with toppings chicken on a stick

Do you plan to have seating open during cocktail hour? Typically finger foods are served during because they’re easy to eat while standing, walking, and mingling. I think serving something like salad that requires silverware and sitting is going to take away from the social aspect of cocktail hour.

Honestly, I wouldn't care as long as the food was good and the line isn't too long to get to the food. With 150-180 people, I would see a concern unless you're going to have split the bar. Have you thought of doing those pre-portion cups so the line would move faster?

Rather than a salad bar, I might go with crudite, cut fruit, and perhaps some cheese (though I do love a good salad, and might end up so full of salad I don't have room for pasta lol)

View Quoted Comment I thought about these, but I’m a VERY picky eater and I know if I was a guest I wouldn’t eat those just because some of the stuff in the cups I don’t like. 🙃 but I thought these were so CUTE!

View Quoted Comment My cocktail hour has all the tables and seats, I’m having the ceremony outside behind it and then the double doors will be open once it’s over. I was thinking about the same thing, cause I know during cocktail hour I personally like to run around and see everyone.

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Oh well, that's a good point! I'm not a picky eater and I do keep forgetting about y'all. Well since you are having tables I think the salad bar will be a great idea. Will you make plans to have some food taken to you and your partner-to-be?

I would see if instead of a charcuterie board your caterer has options for a meat and cheese tray and a veggie tray. Its not a well designed and they dont have as many options as charcuterie, but at our venue its about $5 less a person and will still be the same type of food.

View Quoted Comment Our venue was a diy venue, so no food option’s unfortunately. 😭

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Oh those are SUPER cute!!!!

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I know right, perfect for COVID too. lol

View Quoted Comment With a diy venue, you actually have more options. Look at eventective.com for catering in your area. Most will work with your budget. Many restaurants will provide drop off catering as well if you are on a strict budget. Does the venue allow anything or do they have local health department enforced restrictions as most do that a licensed caterer is required? That only means that you can’t provide a potluck or cook at home.

I love little nibbles so maybe a nice fruit salad, caprese skewers, veggies and dips , foccaicas or little pizza bites, grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters always makes me happy (ha), hummus and pitas, olives, chips and different dips (onion, artichoke , cheesy, etc)/guac/salsa. Happy planning!

Can you bring your own food for cocktail hour? You could get crudite, cheese, and mini sandwich platters from a grocery store. I'm bringing soft pretzels for my caterer to serve.