diy cocktail hour

Hi Jennaya! I think it's definitely do-able! But my only concern would be how the last minute cooking, food prep and such will add to your to-do list on your big day! Have you hired a caterer for the reception? Maybe you could reach out and see how much more it would be to include some appetizers for the cocktail hour! Or you could call one of your local grocery stores and see if they have any cheese and meat platters you could order to be delivered that day!

Places like Costco/BJ's/Sam's Club also do/have trays of appetizer type foods.

In addition to what you've mentioned, maybe a tray of shrimp

This may be do-able but do you really want to be running around, putting out and replenishing food and drinks on your wedding day? I know when we throw a BBQ or have a house party for 10-15 people, my husband and I are often going non-stop setting up, cooking, putting food out, cleaning up, etc., and that's with some people helping. A party is one thing, but I wouldn't want to be doing a darn thing on my wedding day and I certainly would not ask any of my guests to do anything either, even if they offered. Also, have you thought about how food will stay cold? Do you outlets outside for warming dishes? Who is cleaning up the trash and where is it going? Who will stir and replenish the food? Who is making the drinks? Will it be hot outside?

Your guest count is another concern. If you're only having a few people, you might be able to get away with it but anymore than that, I would have it catered with staff to handle the food, drinks and cleanup.

I would highly suggest that you have the caterer (you have a caterer, right?) who is handling your main meal handle cocktail hour as well. I know the thought of saving money is very appealing, but that's why catered food with servers costs more - it's a lot of work and not as easy to pull off as you might think.

Sounds like it could be doable, but food for thought...

I imagine you've heard this a million times, but the day goes by so fast...too fast. I had an amazing wedding: the morning was relaxing. The afternoon was fun going to our favorite spots around town for photos. And the evening was such a blast. I had an amazing time, because I didn't have to lift a finger. All responsibilities were left to the vendors and my bridesmaids/parents, who were all willing to help out with all tasks. The reception was the part that went by the fast. It was hard talking with every single person, eating the awesome food we picked out, and dancing. Add dealing with food and drinks (keeping things hot and cold, restocking, cleaning, etc.) to that and I wouldn't have enjoyed myself. It would've been way too difficult trying to squeeze all that into one evening. I could see it being more doable if you had bartenders and servers to help with the details.

I attended a wedding that had a DIY bar.

Observations

-Unless you have a sign up guests are unclear as to when they can start serving themselves.

-The alcohol selection was very limited and there weren't enough chasers. plus they forgot to set out bottle openers! lol

-I'd suggest buying quality coolers, they had foam coolers and the ice melted within an hour making the area a muddy mess.

-since there were no caterers keeping on eye on the apps the first few guests weren't conscientious of others and made sure to not leave anything for anyone else.

-if you're setting out meat/cheese make sure to have something that keeps it at the correct temperature last thing you want is for your guests to get ill

Good luck! I understand wanting to cut costs.