Food for a 4:30 reception?

Question

we are having a fall theme wedding and its at 4:30 what are some ideas to serve, i want it buffet style, should it be a full meal( ie. turkey, ham, potatoes, rolls, mac n cheese, baked beans) or just appitizers(ie. meatballs, wrap, chips, veggie and fruit tray)

thanks:)

Answer 1

Our wedding ceremony was at 4:30 so that put our meal at about 5. We served the typical Ukrainian/Canadian buffet- perogies, cabbage rolls, ham, cold salad, corn, and I don't quite remember everything else.

I think general etiquette says that if your shindig transpires over the meal hour, then you provide the meal.

Answer 2

It honestly depends upon how long you plan on having your reception.  If it extends beyond normal dinner hours then you need to serve a full meal, but if you are going to have a two hour reception you could get away with appetizers and cake.

Answer 3

full meal!~!~

do a big ole pig roast.  it would be fun and memorable.

Answer 4

why do people have to take weddings so seriously, It is a legal thing, you don't have a party when you get a loan, do you?

Answer 5

real food lol..of course if you cant afford it i dont see why the later would be a big deal

Answer 6

the party would last longer than that and i would say have appetizers for the first hour then roll out that turkey and tredings. people will get hungry.

Answer 7

Well, I think it will depend on how long your reception will last.  My reception is at 4 but since it will go until 8 p.m., way past dinnertime, I am going to serve a full dinner buffet.  However, if yours is going to be over by 6ish, you could likely get away with serving the appetizers, then people could go home to eat dinner.

Answer 8

4:30 is dinner for most seeing as the party will continue for several hours.

Answer 9

I would do a full meal for a 4:30 reception - but if you can't afford to do a full meal then appetizers are perfectly acceptable; just make sure you make mention of that on the invitation.

For buffet style you could do some carving stations - turkey, roast beef, ham, etc. Then you can add some side dishes - garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, green salad,  pasta salad, mac n cheese, etc.

If you do decide to have an appetizer reception here are a few ideas:

Cheese and Crackers

Baked Brie

Petite Italian Meatballs

Veggie Tray

Fresh Fruit Display

Cold Cut Platter

Chicken Wings

Chicken Kabobs

Devilled Eggs

Egg Rolls

California Rolls

Mushroom Turnovers

Stuffed Mushrooms

Shrimp Cocktail

Crab Cakes

Potato Salad

Pasta Salad

Green Salad

Bread/Rolls

Spinach Dips

Chicken Empanadas

Bruschetta

Canapes

Antipasto

Mini Quiche

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Chicken Skewers

Answer 10

If it's close to Thanksgiving go with the lighter appetizers.

Answer 11

If you plan for the reception to last several hours, then dinner. If it's only going to be an hour or so, appetizers will be fine. But you don't want your guests leaving early because you didn't feed them enough!

Answer 12

Serve a full meal.