What kind of appetizers is everyone having?

Cheese/crackers/fruit will work. I'd add hummas and pita chips, a big spinach dip with flatbreads, guacamole and salsa with tortilla chips, even wrap sandwiches cut really thinly (do one or two kinds so it doesn't look like a mish-mash.

The cocktail hour is usually when people are the most starved, but it's the most fun mingle-y part so you don't want to cut it short because everyone is dying for food.

I'm having a BBQ as well. (Or at least that is what I am planning.) So I am going to have all the normal dips and snacks a BBQ would have. I figure while the cook is cooking people can munch on fruits, crackers, chips and the such.

Typically, a BBQ has lots of food. I dont think you should feel the need to go all out as long as you have something there to hold them through until dinner, you should be okay.

My wedding will be fairy tale themed(as of now lol) but im having, a fruit & vegetable platter, cuban sandwiches, bacon wrapped scallops, and prawns.

Thanks for all the help!

As Cella Milton said...cocktail party time is when guests are really starved......so try to make little heavy BBQ.....cheese and crackers/fruit is good but include some more options...like... cheeseburger sliders, Smoked Trout & Wonton Crisps, Assorted Appetizers, Grilled Cheese Dippers & Tomato Soup,Chow Mein in Takeout Boxes......

We're having fruits/vegetables, mexican layered dip, petite cubans, mini philly cheesesteaks, and bacon wrapped chicken dipped in fish fry then fried.

I think if you're serving alcohol then it's a good idea to serve some sort of food along with it. Cheese, crackers and fruit are fine in my opinion for a casual bbq.

We're having heavier appetizers but we aren't doing a casual bbq.

I think your idea works for your situation.

I'm having BBQ as well, it's a "nice" reception, not what I'd call casual but not formal (what's in the middle? )....my "cocktail hour" is only going to be about 30 min--same location as the wedding....do you think I need appetizers? If so, same question as above - cheese/crackers ok? There will be drinks served.

We are doing stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, and bacon-wrapped scallops, but we are having a semi-formal country club reception. For what you are planning, I think cheese, crackers, and fruits would be more than enough, though personally I feel like that setup is overdone and cliched. I would consider putting out 2 or 3 different kinds of chips (ruffles, tortilla chips, maybe a flavored variety or two) and some dips (french onion, salsa, queso, horseradish, etc.). That would be very cost effective, and who doesn't like chips? You could display everything in pretty bowls to dress it up. I feel like that would be a very well-like choice, and it goes great with the BBQ feel.

@Janet, I would consider putting something out, but you could probably get away with very little. A cracker platter would be fine, but also see my suggestions above. Other good options for a more "dressed up" event would be party mix and nuts.

If you're having bbq at reception, you could do cheese/sausage plates before with bread & Butter pickles, baby gherkins, etc. That would be in keeping with the main meal later, or try a roasted corn & red pepper dip, bbq nachos, for snacking.

So I guess this means I need to go through another caterer. And the stress begins!