Hors D'oeuvre instead of dinner?

marias17

We were thinking about doing hors doeuvres instead of a formal dinner.  Has anyone done this?  And how many "pieces" would make up a meal? I know it depends on what you're eating.... but anyone have a general idea?  I would appreciate it! I'm so confused but I don't want a traditional reception!

marilynmonro13

I am also thinking of doing this at my wedding. Although I am very worried that people will be disappointed. I am hoping you get some answers to your post so maybe it will help me also.

Milsey32

What time are you planning your wedding? If you change the time, people may not expect dinner. (i.e. reception that starts at 2 or 3... people may expect and hope for food, but not necessarily a meal)

And like PPs said, if you go with this idea, use heavy apps that will help fill people up!

Frogger5

Our caterer doesn't do heavy apps anymore since they saw people leaving the wedding and bringing back food from fast food restaurants! Maybe they just weren't offering enough pieces per person. This was our original idea, too, but the catering was part of a package - so, dinner, it is for us!

rascal17

We are doing this. I dont know how many peices we are doing though. Then again we are also having a mashed potato bar because I love love love potatoes. I read somewhere that for a normal cocktail hour its about 6 peices per person so ILoveMilkDuds suggestion of 12-15 sounds about right to me.

Madisonpenny

My cousin did this at her wedding. Everyone was expecting a "traditional" dinner and she didnt tell anyone that it would be hors d'oeuvres. She ended up running out of food bcause no one ate before hand and people ended up going to the burger joint up the road. Be sure to go really heavy on your orders so the same thing doesn't happen.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

My husband's cousin had this type of wedding. It was at 6pm, FYI, so dinner time. They did fried ravioli, 2 kinds of meat balls, slider bar, cheese display w/ veggies and fruit, eggrolls and a sort of "asian" station, mac and cheese, etc. I can't quite remember, but it was filling.

shugamegan

Milkduds and the other PPs have all the right advice.

I would also make sure to mention "Hor D'oeuvre Reception To Follow" on your invites if you can.

I would also do some research; sometimes doing heavy hor Doeuvres can cost just as much, if not more, than a basic buffet style dinner.

Example: I'm doing a BBQ buffet dinner with 2 meats, 3 sides, salad and rolls for about $2000 for 120 people. My friend is doing a hor doeuvre and dessert reception and it's costing almost $1500.

So like I said, do some research in your area!!