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Devoted October 2020

Hors D'oeuvres for Cocktail 'hour'

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Lisa Marie, on October 20, 2019 at 1:17 PM

Posted in Planning 38

Good morning ladies & gents! FH and I are trying to cut back on some costs and one category where there could be leeway is Hors D'oeuvres during cocktail 'hour'. We are planning an early ceremony, starting at 11AM; cocktail 'hour', really is a half hour, starts at 11:30AM; grand entrance at...

Good morning ladies & gents!

FH and I are trying to cut back on some costs and one category where there could be leeway is Hors D'oeuvres during cocktail 'hour'.

We are planning an early ceremony, starting at 11AM; cocktail 'hour', really is a half hour, starts at 11:30AM; grand entrance at noon; food will be served at 12:30pm.

We are serving a full meal, chicken, beef, potatoes, veggies, salad rolls and a pasta bar. We can add passed Hors D'oeuvres during the cocktail hour, a la carte, per person, or choose a bundle. We were originally planning on serving two varieties, but may change it to one, since its nearly a $400 savings!

Do you think the Hors D'oeuvres are necessary given the short time to serve and eat? If so, do you think one is sufficient or should we keep with two?

Some of the choices are Sunburst Fruit Canapé, Baked Ravioli, Italian Sausage in a Puff Pastry, Assorted Petite Quiches, Sweet & Sour Meatballs... the list goes on but these are the ones we would consider.

Thank you for your feedback and Happy Sunday!!

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38 Comments

Super May 2020
Andrea · on October 20, 2019 at 5:38 PM
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I think you should have a few appetizers. And I agree with you on the fruit and one savory, that should be plenty. You could even do something a little more brunchy, like donut holes, pastries, a mini quiche. Definitely think the fruit is a great idea!
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Expert October 2021
Sarah · on October 20, 2019 at 5:45 PM
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In my opinion Hors d’oeuvres are not important. I was not planning on having any at my wedding. Due to added costs and already paying a lot for the actual meal. I won’t want any guests filling up on hors d’oeuvres.
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Devoted August 2020
Cortney · on October 20, 2019 at 6:07 PM
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We are in a similar situation and decided to go with 1 meat (which is our must have, bacon wrapped burnt ends) and then pick one of the cheapest per piece non-meat options. We haven’t picked yet because we haven’t had our tasting yet. How many people are you having?
We are estimating high at 200 and are trying to reduce the venue estimate from $900 to about 700.
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 20, 2019 at 6:23 PM
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We are inviting 100; each passed variety is $3.80 per person, each station is $12.00 per person. Since we are adding a pasta station to our buffet something tells me to cut back on the passed apps or go with one. There will be PLENTY of food. But also don’t want to over do it.
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 20, 2019 at 6:24 PM
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This is kind of my thought. We are adding a pasta bar in addition to the transitional chicken and beef buffet. I don’t want to over do it with the food. In 30 mins I bet most will opt for a beer or wine and find their seat! Ugh!
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on October 21, 2019 at 12:26 PM
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I'd just serve one appetizer at cocktail hour. I still think food should be served for people that typically eat lunch between 11-12 but I think having 1 option is fine in case people are hungry and if they don't like it, they can wait for lunch. I think the quiche or italian sausage one are the best choices!
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on October 21, 2019 at 6:24 PM
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I think fruit and cheese and crackers is simple and inexpensive enough
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Devoted September 2020
Teresa · on October 21, 2019 at 6:42 PM
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I am skipping them just because we want to save money and also bot everyone makes it to ceremony. I've seen that a lot of people skip the ceremony. They can wait an hour as long as u have beverages
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Dedicated October 2022
Allison · on October 21, 2019 at 6:48 PM
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We were on the fence with this too but you should have some food while people mingle. Were going a cheese and cracker tower and skipping the passes food it saved us at least $500 and were having a full dinner. Give them something easy to nibble on but I say save your $$$
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VIP November 2021
· on October 21, 2019 at 6:53 PM
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Maybe a fruit / cheese table ? Just for people to pick on ?
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Super May 2020
Andrea · on October 21, 2019 at 6:57 PM
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Same here! We have passed apps included in our package but to add a cheese/fruit/meat display it was $14.80 a person!?! That got vetoed real quick haha
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 21, 2019 at 6:59 PM
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That’s is more expensive than the passed apps unfortunately!
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 21, 2019 at 6:59 PM
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Cheese and fruit tables are more expensive than the passed apps unfortunately!
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM
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That’s kind of what I’m thinking.
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 21, 2019 at 7:00 PM
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Our venue doesn’t allow for outside food and what they offer for fruit and cheese is more expensive than the passed apps unfortunately!
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on October 22, 2019 at 1:44 AM
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I agree.
Also, why do you need 30 minutes after your grand entrance to serve food? Even if you do a first dance, the food can be served immediately after.
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Devoted July 2020
Brandi · on October 27, 2019 at 12:24 PM
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Unfortunately, cutting food no matter how big or small isn’t always a good option. Yes, the timing seems like a short turnaround but the reality is people just traveled to a venue, sat through a ceremony and then will have to go through your entrance before they can eat. Also like someone mentioned, the last person to eat won’t actually eat at 12:30. They’ll have to wait. So, I would suggest getting them.
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Devoted October 2020
Lisa Marie · on October 27, 2019 at 7:29 PM
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Thanks for the input. We will have something just not sure how many varieties.
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