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Beginner September 2020

Hors d’oeurvres reception

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Liz, on August 26, 2019 at 9:54 AM

I need some opinions; to save money on our reception our caterer suggested that we do heavy hors d’oeuvres stations instead of a sit down dinner. Do you think I should make it clear to guests on the invitations that we won’t be having a full dinner even though the food we are having is pretty substantial? Our ceremony is going to be at 5:30 and the reception will follow directly after so my dad says I need to serve dinner haha. Thanks for your help!!

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30 Comments

Expert September 2019
Rachel · on August 26, 2019 at 10:49 PM
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I agree with this. I was going to do "cocktails and dancing under the stars" with hors d'ourves, but it ended up costing more everywhere I looked. I was disappointed because it matched our theme perfectly, but now we're doing comfort food and it kind of took a turn for the better!
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Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on August 26, 2019 at 11:03 PM
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I strongly suggest you serve actual dinner. As PPs said, dinner can actually be much cheaper and more cost efficient!
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on August 27, 2019 at 12:10 AM
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Dang it, “cocktails in the cosmos” is such a fun theme! But comfort food does sound dee-lish.
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Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on August 27, 2019 at 12:39 AM
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Definitely list “hors d'oeuvres reception to follow” on your invitations. Although heavy hors d'oeuvres can be filling, it’s still nice to let your guests know what to expect.
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Super May 2020
Andrea · on August 27, 2019 at 1:17 AM
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I agree you need to mention it on your invitation. If people don’t know, they’ll go lighter on the apps waiting for dinner to come. Personally I think you should serve dinner. Maybe look into the costs of a buffet dinner. “Heavy appetizers” is so vague, I would definitely find out what they mean by that
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Just Said Yes January 2020
Brittney · on August 27, 2019 at 4:18 AM
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Be careful. I just attended a wedding that did not state dinner wasn’t being served, and there were major issues with the hor'deouvres - they didn’t all make it out of the kitchen, they didn’t make their way to all guests and pretty much everyone was starving by the end of the night. Also, a lot of them had avocado which my mom was allergic to, so she couldn’t eat most of it making matters worse. Also take into account how much alcohol will be served. If you’re having an open bar - be wary that people need food to absorb the alcohol.

Just make sure it’s clear that is what will be provided and make sure to communicate with your caterer on the game plan for getting them out and available to everyone. Also, make sure you’re clear on people’s dietary restrictions.
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Super October 2020
Megan · on August 27, 2019 at 6:09 AM
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In reference to your comment on dietary restrictions, just wondering if that’s something you think could be included on a menu card?
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Just Said Yes January 2020
Brittney · on August 27, 2019 at 6:37 AM
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Yes, I would include an option to allow people to note any dietary restrictions - or a blueing that if you do have restrictions to reach out to you or the groom. We finance and I included this question in our RSVP form.
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Master October 2019
Jolie · on August 27, 2019 at 2:09 PM
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I don't see why not. Most times I get so full on apps at parties or large station style hors d’oeuvres at weddings that I can't fit dinner lol. Snacks are my favorite thing so I wouldn't see why not so long as there are many options and different food groups!
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VIP October 2019
Ivy ORP · on August 27, 2019 at 7:04 PM
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We are doing that. My step-mom can't have anything with garlic in it so nothing will contain garlic. Everything will be clearly labeled with main ingredients, and all ingredients will be available for anyone with an allergy we are not aware of. (So far garlic is the only one we know about)
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