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jomabago
Super September 2017

For those of you who have (or plan to) had a BBQ Reception

jomabago, on October 21, 2015 at 10:06 AM Posted in Planning 0 20

How did you handle cocktail hour and desserts?

I've tried looking through the WW search and Google, but I'm not having any luck lol. We're most likely having BBQ catered for the reception, but that would only be the main course. I'm thinking we'll have a short cocktail hour since we'll have already done pictures and it'll be so close to dinner time anyway (but I want people to have at least a little time to mingle before having to sit down for dinner). And I really want a dessert table.

Did you just pay someone to set up the cocktail foods, clean up for the dinner to come out, and do the same for the desserts? Or just have them all out at the same time?

I feel like it's a stupid question; but I don't know how any of this works, I've never hosted a party like this or even been to a wedding :/.

I know I have plenty of time to figure things out, but I'm just curious. Thanks!

20 Comments

Latest activity by jomabago, on October 26, 2015 at 2:20 PM
  • Jay Farrell
    Jay Farrell ·
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    I see a lot of bbq at weddings here, it's a great solution and not overly expensive. As soon as cocktail hour is over, people usually jump straight into dinner, usually served by caterers or self serve but food warmed and replenished by caterers. Usually the wedding cake or cupcake display is dessert. Not sure if I am missing what you are asking?

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  • OriginalKD
    Master December 2015
    OriginalKD ·
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    You could have jalapeno poppers, chips and guacamole, chips and queso, 7 -layer dip, cheese and crackers, pasta salad etc for appetizers.

    For dessert, ice cream, pies (apple, pecan), brownies, wedding cake, etc.

    I love BBQ dinners. The great thing is that they are simple and comfort food. Many caterers can put a polished spin on classic no-fuss dishes.

    It sounds delish - enjoy and let us know how it turns out !

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  • jomabago
    Super September 2017
    jomabago ·
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    Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear!

    I haven't picked a caterer yet, but there are a few options I'm looking at where they do the full set-up, tend the buffet line, and clean up. I was just wondering, since the bbq caterer doesn't provide cocktail foods, do I have someone set up and clean up cocktail foods on the buffet table before the caterers arrive or do I just have enough tables to have it all set up at the same time? But now that I think about it, it definitely makes more sense to clean up the cocktail food before dinner comes out.. Sorry, stupid question.

    But thank you for the awesome food suggestions- you're making me hungry and I'm definitely jotting them down!

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  • Jeanne
    Master August 2015
    Jeanne ·
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    Do you have a separate space to have the cocktail hour or will it be in the same space as the dinner?

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  • jomabago
    Super September 2017
    jomabago ·
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    Same space. I might be able to put the cocktail food in a separate, smaller tent, though.

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  • OriginalKD
    Master December 2015
    OriginalKD ·
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    You could ask the caterers that you meet with if they would be open to setting up and serving cocktail food that you have provided. Not sure the 'rules' on that, just a question and the worst thing they could say is no.

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  • Chrissy
    VIP September 2015
    Chrissy ·
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    I didn't have a cocktail hour. I took pictures before hand. The guests had to take shuttles to get there so some were there earlier, so I had the bar open before the ceremony. After the ceremony I went inside to bustle my dress and let more people get a drink in their hand. When I saw the bar line getting smaller we made our reception entrance. Everyone loved the BBQ food so much that I don't think they missed the appetizers.

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  • jomabago
    Super September 2017
    jomabago ·
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    OriginalKD - Yeah, that's a good idea. I wasn't sure if it'd be appropriate; but you're right, no harm in asking!

    Chrissy - Good to know!

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  • Tiffany
    Super August 2016
    Tiffany ·
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    This is what I am doing as well. I haven't gotten a caterer yet but am looking at Dickey's BBQ but they would only be bringing the food and setting it up. (I have less than 100 guests) I plan on having things like chips and dip, maybe some small wraps and things like that. Things that I can do myself without having to worry about food related illnesses and that people can help themselves to. Just some things for people to munch on while they mingle and while I get pictures done. We will also have beer available for people as well during that time.

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  • Jay Farrell
    Jay Farrell ·
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    Ok, thanks for the clarification. Is an appetizer food really needed?

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  • jomabago
    Super September 2017
    jomabago ·
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    Yeah, I was thinking of some easy stuff since I have probably 100 people.

    Well I just thought having a cocktail hour and food was expected? I don't mind going basically right into dinner, but I figured people would want to mingle and munch a little with some drinks before dinner.

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  • Kate
    Master May 2012
    Kate ·
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    We had a short cocktail hour (about 45 minutes) and provided drinks, buffalo chicken dip, salsa, and spinach dip with chips, fruit trays, mints, and chocolate pretzels. Then we had pulled pork BBQ (and other food) for our main course, and for dessert brownies and ice cream. It was all a huge hit!

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  • Happily Married
    Super August 2015
    Happily Married ·
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    We did crackers, cheese, fruit/veggies trays. Really it was just to have some food, while the mingling happened for about a 1/2 hour or so, when dinner was served. And it gave us time to finish up some pictures and such. That was set out before the actual food but was in a different area of the room, so it wasnt a rush to clean up until later on. We had banana pudding , birthday cake, and wedding cake. that was set out after we cut the cake

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  • Waychox3
    Master September 2016
    Waychox3 ·
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    Ours is a backyard barn BBQ and we are just going to have peanuts, veggies and fresh fruit to eat before dinner. We are doing photos before so we can do a direct entrance and mingle with out family and friends.

    We thought about going through Dickey's also but my aunt has a friend who has his own BBQ/Smoker catering business so he's hooking us up, We get 3 meats, 3 sides and about 30 hot dogs for the kiddos at $11 a head including plates and etc.

    We are expect around 180 guests so for desert table we will have a wedding cake that will feed about 60-70 people, 5 apple pies, 5 cherry, 3 brownie trays and 3 cookie trays all from costco. After the cake is cut our baker will serve the rest Smiley smile

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  • jomabago
    Super September 2017
    jomabago ·
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    Awesome, thanks! I think that's how we're going to go about it and have similar apps/desserts as you all. I think we're also going to spend the money to get nicer disposable dinnerware. Although I'd rather not get the wine glasses (and just get more of the regular cups) because those are way more expensive than the cups.

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  • EatKnitRun
    Master May 2016
    EatKnitRun ·
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    A lot of BBQ caterers will provide appetizers and desserts too! If they won't and you are having a cocktail hour, you can buy platters of food from a nice grocery store. One of my friends bought appetizer platters from Wegman's and her dinner caterers served them. Another friend who did BBQ got everything from the BBQ restaurant, and the restaurant sent staff to set up everything buffet style and clean up. They each rented china plates, silverware, and glasses, but in a casual setting nice disposables work too.

    My recommendation would be to have a cocktail hour with food rather than going straight to dinner. People come to weddings HUNGRY and unless this is a fast-moving event, they will be cranky or get tipsy too quickly.

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  • Z
    Master May 2012
    Zoe ·
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    Here's what my baby brother did (and I don't recommend it!). Got married in a field by our parents house. Had cocktail hour there. Then, had everyone hike 1/4 mile through the woods to the reception. While this *did* make for nice, separate places for cocktails hour and reception, it meant that people had to hike back through the woods in the dark. I know I left a little early so it would still be a tad light out.

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  • FutureFireWife13
    Dedicated October 2017
    FutureFireWife13 ·
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    We're also doing BBQ! My venue was able to give me contact info for several catering companies who work with the BBQ places we were interested in. Basically they get the meat & everything from our BBQ guy & they take care of the rest. Setup, clean up, tear down. The cost is the same if I were to have the BBQ people just drop off the food. Hope this helps!

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  • VWCat
    Master October 2015
    VWCat ·
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    My BBQ company included cocktail hour apps. I was able to do full service BBQ (bourbon pulled pork), quartered chicken, roasted veggies, baked beans, and apps of smoked tomato caprese salad bite and smoked salmon on grilled crostini with remoulade. The full service BBQ was MUCH less expensive than most catering companies, and I paid less than $2k for 110 people. It was a REALLY good deal. I found my catering company at a bridal show. They were newer into the business and we're offering deals. If you can find a company like that, I would highly recommend.

    Otherwise, cheese, meat, and veggie trays?

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  • jomabago
    Super September 2017
    jomabago ·
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    Yeah, I'm definitely planning on providing cocktail food, even if it's just half an hour. And the ceremony and reception are in the same area, so no trekking to get anywhere! I'll have to ask the BBQ caterers about if/what they can do to help with apps/desserts.

    Thanks everyone for your input and any more useful tips on the reception in general is greatly appreciated!

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