Skip to main content
ARE YOU A VENDOR?

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Marie
Dedicated April 2020

Food served during cocktail hour?

Marie, on January 2, 2020 at 6:48 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 13
Saved
Reply
So our biggest expense is going to be the caterer/bar, as they are a package deal. With 150 guests we are paying $10k for food and drink: sit down dinner plus a “nothings table” with slider burgers and other small handheld eats. Also kids room will have kids food (chicken strips, Mac n cheese). So I feel like we are offering our guests a LOT, food wise.
But we don’t have any food planned for cocktail hour. Is that wrong? Are you doing finger foods for cocktail hour?

13 Comments

Latest activity by Jana, on April 15, 2020 at 3:12 PM
  • Kristen
    Master November 2020
    Kristen ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    You may want some food but just do cheese and crackers and veggies trays if it's in your budget. I have been to some weddings with no food during cocktail hour.
    • Reply
  • V
    Champion July 2019
    Veronica ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I would definitely have something if you plan on having alcohol served during cocktail hour. You don't want your guests drinking on an empty stomach. I would have something simple like a fruit or veggie tray, cheese and crackers, or meat and cheese.
    • Reply
  • Dierdra
    Super August 2021
    Dierdra ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I agree with the above. We are offering passed options but it is built in with our venue. Cracker/cheese trays, fruits, anything to soak up alcohol during a cocktail hour is needed to minimize drunkenness before the actual party! Could your venue put the nothings bar out for cocktail hour instead of the sit down dinner?

    • Reply
  • VIP November 2021
    ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I agree with the posts.. if there is alcohol there should be something to snack on - cheese and crackers, fruit, veggies and dip
    • Reply
  • Don
    Super February 2021
    Don ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Marie, you could ask to eliminate something from your nothing's table and have a cheese and crackers display during the cocktail hour, most of the weddings I've been to have offered cheese and crackers at the start of the reception.
    • Reply
  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I’d definitely have some sort of food served at your cocktail hour if you are serving alcohol. It does not have to be anything fancy or expensive. Just a light snack.

    • Reply
  • Marquita
    Dedicated January 2020
    Marquita ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I agree. If you’re serving alcohol, definitely serve finger foods. Light snacks is fine. If not I would still try to have something even as small as Chex mix.
    • Reply
  • Alycia
    Expert September 2021
    Alycia ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We are going with basics veggies and dip, cheese and crackers. We want them hungry for the meal but not starving
    • Reply
  • R
    Super September 2018
    Rachel ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Never heard of a “nothings table”, I’m guessing that’s a typo. The food for that sounds like cocktail hour food though, so I’d ask them to serve it during cocktail hour.
    • Reply
  • Tori
    Devoted October 2021
    Tori ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I went to a wedding with an hour and a half cocktail hour where they didn't serve food. By two drinks in, I was feeling a little tipsy with no food in my stomach -- so I would definitely serve something with drinks. It can be small like cheese and crackers or a veggie tray. Just something so that people don't get too intoxicated before dinner.

    • Reply
  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I would do at least 1 appetizer, even if it's super simple. People like to have a snack when they start drinking.

    • Reply
  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We did a cocktail hour but I've been to weddings without one. I think if you're not going to have guests wait long and there's a transition immediately from the ceremony then it's fine
    • Reply
  • J
    Master October 2022
    Jana ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Many bartenders require you serve food with alcohol to prevent people getting drunk immediately. Ask the caterer what your inexpensive options are. Even if its a cheese and meat tray.
    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

30 Adventurous Food Gift Ideas for Couples Who Love Trying New Things
Family & Friends 30 Adventurous Food Gift Ideas for Couples Who Love Trying... Shopping for a special couple? These food- and drink-themed presents will wow...
7 Bridal Shower Food Ideas Everyone (and We Mean Everyone) Will Love
Bridal & Wedding Showers 7 Bridal Shower Food Ideas Everyone (and We Mean Everyone)... From veggie platters to chicken skewers, here is our guide to bridal shower food...
Read more articles
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

Show more

WeddingWire article topics