Open Bar or Beer & Wine .... hors d oeuvre or No?

I think since you don't have any other apps during cocktail hour I would pick that for sure.

Figure out what to do to make sure appetizers are served. You don't need a ton but you do need something. It is bizarre that they are even allowing you to serve alcohol with no food because that is a safety violation and illegal in most areas.

Maybe because we are in Vegas?

Been to lots of parties (mostly budget and knew the planners) in Vegas and none were alcohol only because it's a recipe for a lawsuit and all the businesses know that. It does explain the high prices but not the rest.

Alcohol laws vary wildly by state (and even counties within states), so if the venue is offering it I wouldn't assume it's illegal. But legal is very different from preferable, and I still think it's better to offer food *and* alcohol. I realize it seems expensive and your cocktail hour is *only* 30 minutes, but weddings often run behind schedule and by that point in the proceedings, it will likely be quite a while since the guests' last meal (getting ready, traveling, waiting, ceremony).

I would look carefully at the rest of your budget and see what else you can cut in order to afford to feed your guests. Most guests will prioritize food and drink over most other aspects of a wedding (e.g., decor, signage, favors).

I would definitely do the appetizers. No food during cocktail hour is not a good idea!

The passed hors d oeuvres hands down! Serving alcohol without food is a big liability IMO

I think we might do one appetizer and the open bar... at least it is something to eat!?

I think we might do one appetizer and the open bar... at least it is something to eat!?

I think this would be your best option!

It also really depends on the time of your ceremony/how long the ceremony is and how far into the reception you're going to serve dinner. I'd rather have a sober guest than a hangry guest lol. (I would also personally rather be sober than hungry) If you're package already includes, beer, wine and champagne I would definitely add some sort of food to the cocktail hour

It is completely acceptable to have just beer and wine and champagne at a reception. people will drink what is there. I would definitely do the food because when I get cranky I am not nice, and I will just be sitting there thinking about how hungry and exhausted I was at your wedding.

Open bar! More bang for buck. People can survive 30 minutes without two measley bites of food or slices of overpriced cheddar!