Reception food ideas

lezlee05

I am getting married on June 12th. The one thing we are stuck on is food ideas for the reception. We are going to do things ourselves not hiring a cateraer. The time we are getting married is 2:30 in the afternoon. I don't want anything that is going to cost too much. The cost of the cake is not included in it. The place of our reception has plates, cups, and silverware we can use. So the only other thing we need to buy is the napkins. So, if anyone has any ideas for food for the reception, just let me know! Any ideas will help!!

aerinpegadrak

Cake and punch is totally fine at that time, people won't really be expecting anything more.  If you wanted to supplement it, you could just pick up enough snack trays from the grocery store for all of the guests and call it a day.

Just keep in mind that this type of reception is usually much shorter than an evening reception with a meal, even if you plan to have dancing.

BecW2be

I had a 2:30 reception and offered simple wraps, fruits, pies, etc. For 100 people it was around $500, not including beverages. My sister offered to do all the food for me, and she was able to assemble the wraps the night before and they were AMAZING. I can get her recipes and send them if you want. Drop me a PM.

mbcdefg

I would look into getting ready-made stuff from supermarkets or delis. It will probably not cost you much more than the cost of the supplies would, and it will be a LOT less stressful than doing it yourselves. Go to a local place, or check out their website, for some catering menus.

Wrap and sandwich platters, or cold cut platters with fresh rolls (and people can make their own sandwiches); shrimp cocktail platters; fruit, vegetables and cheese & crackers; fried chicken; big boxes of frozen appetizers (potato skins, mini quiche, pizza bagels, breaded shrimp, chicken fingers); chips, pretzels and dip; stuffed mushrooms; etc. Get some water and sodas, maybe some juice or punch, and beer & wine if you want it (but an afternoon reception is a great excuse to cut out the alcohol and save some cash).

Cake and coffee, and a fruit tray, is also fine for that time of day. Just note, "Cake and coffee reception to follow" on the invite so that people won't expect a meal (this may vary according to your area or social circle ... some people would never think that 2:30 = a meal, but in my area a meal is generally expected when you attend a wedding ... so people would appreciate a heads-up if that wasn't the case).

dragonfly_luvr65

I had the very same delima but my reception is at 5:30pm. I would like to thank every one the replied for the great ideas. It sure has helped me. Thank you again ~~