Has anyone skipped the catering and just served hourdevours?

Question

Catering is just SO spendy. I would rather everything else be perfect and cut back on the food costs.

I found a company that has AWESOME hourdevours within my price range...

Answer 1

Not personally, but a lot of people do this and just call it a 'Cocktail' reception.
I think it is becoming and increasingly popular trend.. Most of the reception place I checked out actually offered it as a less expensive option.
Make sure your guest know what a Cocktail Reception is though!! My Mum and Dad just last month attended one for my cousin and didn't realise that dinner wasn't incuded, and Dad felt a little hungry!!!
If you have time between the service and the reception, guest can grab a bite to eat first.

EDIT:

Oh! The other thing they complained about was there was nowhere to sit! So even though you will not be having a 'sit down' meal, make sure you have tables and chairs for people to rest..

Hope this helps! : )

Answer 2

I've never had a wedding reception yet, but I have been thinking about during the same thing for my reception. You're right, catering is spendy and what better way to cut down on the cost then to have finger food. I say go with it.

Congrads on your wedding and I wish you a happy marriage.

Answer 3

Lots of people now do this. Have a lunch reception to save even more money. Just make sure people know not to expect a full meal, and have it early enough so they can go home and eat.

Just make sure to have enough food on hand so guests aren't starving until then.

Make sure you are still serving good quality food though. You should cut back everywhere else before you cut back on food.

Answer 4

Lots of people have a cocktail reception. You just want to make sure you plan it for a time where all your guests wil lnot be starving or expecting a full meal.

The best times are later in the afternoon, or late evening. Also make sure you put that on the reception card in the invitation that it is a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception.

Answer 5

My reception venue will be doing the catering and it was honestly MUCH cheaper to do a buffet with 2 meats, 4 veggies, salads, and non-alc drinks than to do enough hourdevours for everyone!

Answer 6

The great thing about hor'devours is that guests can choose from a variety of food ~ and not be stuck w/just one dinner choice.

If you found an inexpensive company, go for it. In my area, hor'devours are just as expensive as the main meal =(

EDIT: Why on earth did I get a "thumbs down" for this? I am supporting her choice, the same as many other people on here.

Answer 7

I've been to quite a few weddings (very early afternoon) where they did this. It was just things like meatballs, fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries, etc. I prefer a sit-down meal, because you will have to buy more of the finger-foods to fill people up.

Answer 8

I think if they are substantial they could pass as a "finger buffet" but if they are small and delicate then you may want to time your reception so that the guests can go get something to eat after the event.

Answer 9

Yes, some people have tried it = but it's your role as hosts to provide a meal for your guests. THAT will help make things 'perfect'. That, and a full open bar, go a lot further than you worrying over decorations, etc.

Answer 10

I did it.
It was great.
We had the finger food and then cut the cake.
Low budget yet beautiful.

We even had Giant Eagle (local grocerty store) do the cake. It was really tasty and decorated just like we wanted.