Costco/Sams Club Appetizers?

As long as you have someone able to set this up for you ahead of time, then I'd say go for it!

I went to a wedding this summer where they did this. Just make sure that there are utensils for that guests can grab the fruit/cheese without using their hands! The wedding I was at was terribly organized and I was so desperate for some brie I used the side of a plate to cut it lol

That is what I did! We made our own trays, didn't purchase them from Costco directly. I bought the cocktail cheese slices, summer sausage slices, crackers, spinach artichoke dip, whole grain tortilla chips, nuts, etc from Costco and arranged the platters that morning (could be done the night before). It was cheaper to make it ourselves and we didn't have a costco nearby.

Costco also sells metal looking plastic trays that come with utensils, that is what we used. Then I went to the party store and bought more tongs and spoons. I got the clear plastic plates for everyone and cocktail napkins. There were no complaints.

@WWKatie I do plan to provide my guests with utensils to plate their appetizers. I don't want everyone grabbing their food with their fingers... not very sanitary. LOL

I like this idea! Might have to borrow it!!!

My local grocery store (similar to a Whole Foods) has catering platters and we are planning on doing this. We are getting a crudite platter, a meat/cheese one, and also some vegan options (a Moroccan couscous and a few other things).

@VMDIZZLE that sounds lovely! This gives me great confidence to make it happen! Thank you! =)

Does your venue/caterer allow it? If they offer the option, I doubt they'd let you bring your own. They'd be losing money. Plus if anyone got sick, the caterer could be on the hook even if you paid for it, because guests don't know who provided what. I'd just clarify with them first. If they say yes, go for it.

@SpringBride16 Please borrow! =)

We had our dinner catered, but like you, this was one area I didn't want to drop a lot of money on. We were eating an hour after the ceremony. I just wanted light snacks so people didn't get wasted before dinner haha

I love cheese trays and veggie trays.

@NowASeptMrs I have taken this into consideration and do have to double check with my venue but they have been wonderful and I don't anticipate a problem. Thank you!

Ya if they offer them I don't think they would let you bring in their own. Its like bringing your own food into a restaurant.

That is what I did! I purchased from Winco Foods. 12 trays of appetizers (180 person wedding). I had the 1 large cold shrimp, 2 veggies, 2 large cheese, 2 antipasti, 2 fruit, 1 large Hummus & Pita Tray, etc.. it worked great. Our venue offered appetizers at $3-4 pp but said I could bring it in if I wanted. It cost about 300 for all the appetizers. I brought them in the day before and the venue set it up and had the plates and utensils.

That sounds great! I went to a wedding recently where the cocktail hour had a mountain of veggies with dip in little cups, along with cheese and crackers (and serving utensils). Having it three dimensional instead of just on a flat tray was very eye-appealing and was the centerpiece of the room.

If your venue allows it just make sure you have enough! I've been to two weddings with cheese/cracker and veggie trays brought in and they ran out so quickly. People wanted more but there was none left!

Just make sure you have enough. I went to a wedding a few weeks before my own where they did this for cocktail hour, but didn't have nearly enough for 200 people. ETA: however if the venue offers food they likely won't allow you to being outside food in.

Wish I could do this. We have to use the caterer of our venue. It would be so much cheaper to do cocktail hour like you are mentioning!

We did this, everyone loved it. We had cheese, veggies, fruit, and deli spirals.

I think it's a great idea! Our venue will not allow us to bring in outside food or drinks. You might want to check with them first. (It's your wedding, do what you want!)