Evening Wedding Appetizers: Enough Or Should There Be More?

There are differing opinions on whether it is acceptable to only serve appetisers at an evening wedding. Some people believe that it is rude and tacky to do so, especially if the wedding falls during a typical dinner time. They argue that guests should be provided with a solid alternative to a formal dinner, such as a heavy hors d'oeuvres spread or a late-night reception after the typical dinner hour. Others suggest that it is more appropriate for a casual, short event that does not overlap with mealtimes. However, some people are supportive of the idea, especially if the appetisers are substantial and guests are informed beforehand so that they can eat a full meal before or after the event. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, but they should carefully consider the comfort and expectations of their guests.

How much food to serve?

It is important to establish the amount of food to be served at your wedding to keep your guests happy and satisfied. Here are some tips on how much food to serve at an appetizer-only evening wedding:

Know your numbers

First, finalise the number of guests to get an accurate estimate of the food requirements. This will help you plan your budget and order the appropriate amount of food.

Appetizer portions

The number of appetizers to be served depends on various factors, including the duration of the event, whether guests have had a meal before attending, and the type of appetizers being served.

As a general rule, it is recommended to have at least 15-20 pieces of appetizers per person for a 4-hour event. This accounts for guests who may have a bigger appetite or enjoy snacking, especially when alcohol is being served.

However, if your event is shorter or guests are likely to have a meal beforehand, you could consider reducing the number of appetizers to 8 pieces per person.

Variety of options

It is advisable to offer a variety of appetizer options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Aim for at least 8-10 different choices to ensure there is something for everyone.

Self-catering or external caterers

If you are self-catering, you may be able to provide more food for your guests at a lower cost. Buying food in bulk from wholesale clubs or preparing some dishes yourself can help reduce costs while ensuring there is enough food for everyone.

On the other hand, external caterers have the experience to guide you on appropriate quantities and may offer packages that include a specific number of appetizers per person.

Late-night snacks

If your wedding continues into the late evening, consider providing a late-night snack to keep your guests energised. This could be something simple like a charcuterie board or more substantial options like chicken and waffles.

In conclusion, the key to determining how much food to serve at an appetizer-only evening wedding is to consider the duration of the event, the number of guests, their eating habits, and any dietary restrictions. It is generally better to have more food than less to ensure your guests remain happy and well-fed throughout the celebration.

What type of appetisers to serve?

When it comes to choosing appetisers for your wedding, there are many factors to consider, from the time of day to the number of guests and your budget. Here are some tips and ideas to help you select the perfect appetisers for your special day:

• Consider the time of your reception: If your wedding is during the evening, especially around dinner time, your guests will likely expect more substantial appetisers or a full meal. If you're having an afternoon wedding, lighter fare such as finger foods or bar snacks may be more appropriate.
• Determine the number of guests: The quantity of food you'll need will depend on the number of guests you're expecting. As a general rule, caterers recommend 15-20 pieces of appetiser per person for a cocktail-style reception. If you're serving a full meal, 8-10 pieces may be sufficient.
• Choose a variety of options: Offer a mix of hot and cold appetisers, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences. This will ensure that all your guests have something to enjoy.
• Select hearty options: Choose appetisers that are filling and satisfying, especially if you're not serving a full meal. Examples include mini burgers, sliders, pizza, fried mac 'n' cheese balls, chicken skewers, and crab cakes.
• Get creative with presentation: Think beyond the standard buffet table and consider unique ways to present your appetisers. For example, serve food on skewers, in cones, or in mini cups. This will make it easier for your guests to eat while standing and mingling.
• Seasonal and local ingredients: Consider the season and choose appetisers with fresh, seasonal ingredients. For example, opt for lighter, refreshing options in the summer and heartier dishes in the winter. Using local ingredients can also add a unique touch and support local producers.
• Interactive food stations: Instead of a traditional buffet, set up interactive food stations where guests can customise their own dishes. This could include a build-your-own burger bar, a taco bar, or a salad bar. This adds a fun and engaging element to your reception.
• Crowdsourcing and potluck: If you're on a tight budget, consider crowdsourcing appetisers from your guests or having a wedding party potluck. This can be a fun way to involve your loved ones in the planning process and showcase their culinary skills.
• Charcuterie and cheese boards: A charcuterie or cheese board is a classic and elegant option for a wedding appetiser. Offer a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and condiments so guests can create their own perfect bite. Individual charcuterie boards for each guest are also a great option.
• Signature drinks and mocktails: In addition to food, offer a signature cocktail or mocktail that ties into your wedding theme. This can be a fun and memorable way to personalise your reception, and it can also help reduce costs compared to offering a full bar.

When to serve appetisers?

If you're planning to serve appetisers at your wedding, timing is everything. Here are some tips to help you decide when to serve those delicious bite-sized treats:

• Evening weddings: If you're having an evening wedding, starting at around 5 pm or later, it's generally expected that you'll provide a full meal for your guests. Serving heavy appetisers or a combination of appetisers and desserts can be a good alternative to a traditional sit-down dinner. However, make sure there's enough food to fill your guests up, especially if you're also serving alcohol. You don't want your guests to go hungry or get too drunk due to an empty stomach!
• Daytime weddings: Appetisers are more commonly served at daytime weddings, typically held between lunch and dinner. If your wedding falls within this time frame, a spread of appetisers can be a great way to offer your guests a light meal without the formality of a seated dinner.
• Cocktail hour: Appetisers are often served during the cocktail hour, which usually takes place after the ceremony and before the reception. This is a great time to serve a variety of appetisers to tide your guests over until the main meal is served.
• Reception timing: If you're having a reception-only wedding, with no separate cocktail hour, it's important to time the appetiser service well. You can either have a late-night reception that starts after dinnertime or a late-afternoon reception. If you have elderly guests or young children attending, an 8:30 pm start time might not be ideal. Make sure to clearly communicate the timing and what will be served on your invitations or wedding website so guests can plan accordingly.
• Consider your guest's comfort: Keep in mind that your guests may need to travel to your wedding and won't have time to grab a proper meal before arriving. If your ceremony starts at 5 pm, they'll likely need to leave their homes around 4 pm, leaving little time to eat dinner. In this case, providing a substantial amount of food during your reception is important.
• Be mindful of cultural and regional differences: What constitutes "dinnertime" can vary depending on your culture or region. In most parts of the US, a reception starting at 6 pm is considered dinnertime, and guests would expect a full meal. However, this may differ in other parts of the world.

Remember, it's important to communicate with your guests about what to expect. If you're only serving appetisers, let them know so they can plan to eat a full meal beforehand if needed. Ultimately, you want your guests to be comfortable, well-fed, and ready to celebrate with you!

How to manage guest expectations?

How to Manage Guest Expectations

If you're planning to serve only appetisers at your evening wedding, it's important to manage your guests' expectations to ensure they have a positive experience and don't leave feeling hungry or disappointed. Here are some tips to effectively manage their expectations:

Be Transparent on the Invitation

Be transparent about the food arrangements on your wedding invitation. Clearly state something like "Join us for cocktails, appetisers, and dancing after the ceremony" or "Heavy appetisers and drinks will be served." This will help guests know what to expect and decide whether they want to eat beforehand.

Consider Your Timing

The time of your wedding and reception can impact guests' expectations. If your event falls during typical dinner hours, guests are more likely to expect a full meal. Consider hosting your reception outside of standard meal times, such as a late-night reception or a late-afternoon gathering. This approach may also encourage guests to eat beforehand, reducing their expectations of a full meal at your wedding.

Provide a Variety of Hearty Options

When selecting appetisers, opt for more substantial and filling choices. Think protein-rich options like shrimp cocktail, steak kebabs, tuna tartare, chicken wings, sliders, or mini tacos. Ensure there is something for everyone, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences. You want your guests to feel satisfied, so consider whether the options would be sufficient for you and your partner in place of a meal.

Communicate Directly with Guests

In addition to the invitation, consider directly communicating with your guests about the food arrangements. This could be through your wedding website, word-of-mouth, or even a gentle reminder to close family and friends to spread the word. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

Offer Sufficient Quantity

While variety is important, ensuring sufficient quantity is also key. Discuss with your caterer to determine the appropriate amount of appetisers per person. It's better to have a little extra than to run out of food and leave your guests hungry. Remember, especially if you're serving alcohol, your guests will need substantial food to avoid any negative effects of drinking on an empty stomach.

Consider Alternatives to a Sit-Down Dinner

If you're concerned about the expectations of a full sit-down dinner, there are creative alternatives to explore. Consider having appetizer stations or a buffet, which can be more interactive and engaging for guests. This also ensures that food is accessible to all guests, rather than relying on passed appetisers, which may not reach everyone.

How to save costs without compromising guest experience?

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and it's understandable to want to cut costs where possible. However, it's essential to ensure that any cost-saving measures don't compromise the guest experience. Here are some tips to help you save money without sacrificing the comfort and enjoyment of your guests:

Firstly, consider the timing of your wedding. If you opt for a late-night reception, starting after traditional dinner hours, you can get away with serving only heavy appetizers and avoid the cost of a full meal. This approach can work well, especially if you clearly communicate your plans to your guests, so they know to eat beforehand. However, be mindful of your guests' needs; some may have dietary restrictions or preferences that make this option less appealing.

If you're set on an evening wedding, another way to save costs is to opt for a less traditional dinner option. Instead of a formal, multi-course dinner, consider a buffet or food stations with a variety of hearty appetizers. This approach can be more cost-effective and often allows for a greater variety of food options, ensuring there's something for everyone. It also encourages guests to mingle and creates a more relaxed atmosphere.

When it comes to catering, always consult with your caterer. They are experts and can suggest creative ways to cut costs without compromising on quality or quantity. They may recommend specific dishes or serving styles that are more budget-friendly. For example, certain types of food, such as pasta or chicken wings, tend to be more affordable than others.

While it's important to provide enough food, be mindful of waste. Ordering 15-20 pieces of appetizers per person may be excessive and result in a lot of leftover food. A good caterer will be able to guide you on appropriate quantities, ensuring your guests are satisfied without breaking the bank.

Finally, remember that a wedding doesn't have to be extravagant to be memorable. Focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and your guests will remember the love and joy they felt celebrating with you.

By carefully considering the timing of your wedding, choosing cost-effective food options, consulting with your caterer, and providing sufficient but not excessive food, you can save costs without compromising the experience of your valued guests.

Frequently asked questions