Table Setting for Cocktail Hour and Reception

Is it possible to have the cocktail plates in a stack on one of the other tables or around the room? I’m assuming these are passed appetizers, but that way the guests can grab a plate and an app when they see something that gets their attention. Or do you have appetizers that can come in their own packaging with just a napkin? Regardless, if guests will be sitting at the tables to eat their cocktails, they’re going to be moving things around and messing with the appearance of the tables before dinner is served anyway, so I would just get the fancy presentation photos out of the way before they arrive and then it doesn’t matter as much once they walk in and get the initial impression.

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We can definitely put the appetizer plates with the appetizers which will just be put out on a table for them to get whenever they want, along with an open bar. I can just see someone picking up the charger and trying to use it as a plate =\ I guess that's the risk we take by having both in the same space. I appreciate your reply, I haven't planned a wedding since we got married 25 years ago and am so thankful to have resources like this to ask questions!

I used to work as a banquet server for weddings and we had the same sort of idea where I worked. Many people asked that we put out a few high-tops with linens and our servers would carry napkins or some parties opted for disposable plates.