What time is a good time to serve only appetizers and finger foods?

Question

we are planning on getting married Nov. 22nd and its semi/casual formal for 75-100 guest, i want it buffet style of course, but wasnt sure wheather to server turkey and ham sandwiches since its so close to thanksgiving, any ideas we could do that would still be festive but not so much like thanksgiving.

i dont want to serve a full meal but still want it to be filling enough, so what time is a good time so that people wont think its gonna be a full meal.

Answer 1

about 1(people would have lunch before coming) the wedding 1 hr, pics 1/2 to 1 hr that would make about about 2, travel time to rec and get things started would make about 3:00 in the afternoon, if you start about 2, and the above set up you would be looking at 4-5:00 and that would be mealtime. small finger-sandwiches would be perfect, and/or pinwheels with ham or beef or slice turkey, veggie and cheese platters maybe stuff mushrooms, have mints and nuts at the tables plus of course your cake.

Answer 2

Get married at 2pm, and have the reception at 3pm.  Nobody will expect anything besides a piece of cake for an afternoon wedding.   If you get married at 1:00, they could still think it might be a late lunch, and a 4:00 wedding means a 5pm supper.

Ham sandwiches would be a nice choice, with a little pasta salad, maybe some fruit, and cake.  Everybody will be tired of turkey at that time of year.

Answer 3

at the begining and after you 2 are afficially married eat dinner and then cake =]

Answer 4

pasta dishes are always nice.

Answer 5

I work in a Country Club, and the best time for that is after 12 and before 6. You have to figure that people don't usually eat heavy foods between those times. FYI, if you have your event on a friday or sunday, most venues offer discounts. With that, you could be more flexible with your menu selection. :o)

Answer 6

If you want an afternoon reception I'd say 2 or 3pm (that way you can finish at 6 or 7pm so guests can go home for dinner).

If you want an evening reception, I'd say 8pm.

If you want to be certain, put on the invitation somewhere that it is a finger food  reception.

Answer 7

I think that a ceremony starting around 1pm and the reception starting at 2pm would be a good time to serve appetizers only. Just make sure that you put something on the invitation that indicates they won't be getting a full meal. A lot of people put this stuff on their reception cards so that their guests are aware that they won't be served a full meal. It's usually stated like this:

*Appetizer and Punch reception to follow

As for the food - I think you can do simple foods along with a few things that include thanksgiving - like Turkey sandwiches or turkey wraps. You can also include cheese and crackers, veggie tray, italian meatballs, mini queche, chicken wings/kabobs, spinach dip and bread, etc.

I would try to find some different recipes that include things like cranberries, pumpkin, pecans, turkey, etc.

I think if you provide a wide variety of simple foods then people will be happy.

Good luck to you!

EDIT: Another good way to get ideas is to check out some of your local caterers websites. They often times have their menus posted - if you look at what they offer in terms of appetizers you might be able to get some good ideas.

Answer 8

Serve finger foods to the guys who have drifted over to the bar that has the football games on tv.  Don't worry about the food, everyone is just there for a good time.  I'd eat turkey and ham if you invited me.

Answer 9

Anytime is fine.  If you have the reception in the evening, expect to have more appetizers per person.  Otherwise, it's a fine idea.    Most people would actually expect an appetizer reception to be in the morning or early afternoon.

A sandwich IS a full meal; just not a sit down one.  As far as decor, I'm not sure what to suggest. I'm actually taking advantage of Christmas decor (sans the crosses) for my wedding (the colors are the same as Yule and I'm pagan).

Answer 10

I would go with ham. Turkey is coming in a few months. I would just lay out lunhc type material, its filling and a full meal. PLUS totally casual

Answer 11

i would just lay it out on a table and let ppl pick at it lol

theyre there for you not for the food

if they are hungry they can go to taco bell after lol

Answer 12

Well most receptions I have gone to, the food was served within the hour of all the guest showing up to the gathering!

But it depends on if your going to have special things going on first! Because no matter how well things are planned out, there will always be guest that can't make it to the wedding, but make it to the reception! And need a little chat time with te bride and groom! Plus many other guest chat right away with other guest and relatives, they may not have seen for quite a while!

If there's a refreshment set up, bar etc. most guest seem to use that service right away! Which helps you plan the actual dinner better for timing! As far as the turkey, you could still use turkey to, if the turkey was cooked differently, like maybe smoked or seasoned totally differently, then thanksgiving ways!

Never feel you have to have a completely big spread of food, the guest aren't there to really fill there faces, there, there to celebrate your very special day! It shouldn't matter what you have, as food is concerned, that is your choice and choosings! The guest are there to support your new bigging in life and they want to celebrate with you for your special day!

You could use the humans favorite dish, potatoe salad, that's always a big hit! And then the ham and turkey sandwiches and maybe a big veggie tray for those guest that may not be hungry enough for anything else! And some kind of a dip for the veggies!

I know the wedding isn't for 4 more months, but I'll say it anyways! CONGRADULATIONS!

Answer 13

2pm