Ideas for food for a wedding between 2pm and 4pm

What time is the reception planned to end? If the reception will end before 5pm, then I think serving just appetizers and cake would be sufficient! Otherwise, if the reception is going to run later than 5pm, I would also serve a full meal.

I wouldn't do brunch (because of the hours that they'll be eating) but I think that appetizers and finger foods would be best!

Brunches at restaurants tend to end at 3pm. Meanwhile restaurants start serving dinner at 4pm. I would provide lunch because very few people will have eaten before the ceremony except an early breakfast. That is a long time to go without food. You can have any local restaurant cater: Chinese, Mexican, burgers, etc and they have vegan options too as necessary.

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I agree with this here. Is there a reception because you mention pictures after the ceremony but no reception. Is the plan the guests will kind of be at a cocktail hour and then leave??

I agree with appetizers and you could go to sam's club and get cheese, crackers, fruit and veggie trays and maybe even some chicken tenders or wings and some water and tea.

Lisa has a valid point. Depending on what time the reception will end will dictate what to serve.

I agree with the previous posters that it depends on the length of your reception. For my brother's wedding, the ceremony was at 2 pm and it lasted about 30 minutes. The reception location was about 10 minutes from the church so guests drove there and cocktail hour started when they got there. Photos took a little over an hour so dinner was served at approximately 4:00 pm. The reception lasted until 8:00 pm and a full meal was served.

Agree with others. If event will end bu 5pm then appetizers will be just fine.

Appetizers during cocktail hour and a dinner for after your and your spouse arrive to the reception. If your reception ends after 5:00 pm, a meal will need to be served.