Food at Cocktail hour a must?

Pookieson

This is our time line
Ceremony 4 pm
Cocktail Hour 430-530
Introductions and first dance 530-545
Dinner served 545-6

I know providing food would be ideal, but I'm trying to stayon our very tight budget.  Is it really rude to not have food?  Bringing in outside food for appetizers it not an option and we will have a popcorn bar at the wedding (not really appetizers, I know, but still food) ??? Input please.

sarabellam

No food and cocktails are NOT a good mix. Makes for overly tipsy guests

MrsGandthebeag

You should have some cheese and crackers or a veggie tray.  Food is a good idea when people are drinking.  

CallaLily25

Between 4:30 and 5:30, I'm sure your guests will start to get hungry and in all honesty, will probably be expecting some type of food. It doesn't have to be a ton of food, but just something to snack on before dinner. I also agree with the pp...alcohol and no food is not a good combination. Cheese and crackers, fruit, etc are light options but will make your guests more comfortable while waiting for dinner.

AddieCake

Definitely some kind of food should be available. 

harper0813

Like others said, cocktails without food is a bad idea. People will get boozy and sleepy. Crackers, fruit, vegetables - it doesn't have to be extravagant, but please feed your guests during this time.

McRogol

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_food-at-cocktail-hour-a-must?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b971e210-44bd-4826-be81-2b2d43062930Post:a79ab1ea-7e91-49b6-909f-256c1d8aa348">Re: Food at Cocktail hour a must?</a>:
[QUOTE]No food and cocktails are NOT a good mix. Makes for overly tipsy guests
Posted by sarabellam[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I agree with this, but I am not an etiquette maven.  If I were you, Id wait until one of them (etiquette mavens that's is) weighs in.  They'll know best!</div><div>
</div><div>ps - wish I could tag a whole bunch of good advice givers in this post like FB lets you, so you'd know to respond!</div>

McRogol

And happy to see that some of you posted while I was posting!

misssunshine17

Skip favors and have a veggie and fruit tray. I'd be hungry by then and with one glass of champagne, I'd need something.

[Deleted User]

I'd definitely do food if I were you. I went to a wedding once where there wasn't any food at the hour and a half cocktail hour. Then, once we went in to the reception, after the introductions and such, it was a buffet - and I was one of the last tables. I felt sick most of the night because I hadn't eaten for so long and had had a little bit of wine.

Maggie0829

Yes food when serving alcohol is a must.  It doesn't have to be fancy or over the top but you should have something.

NYCMercedes

What everyone said. You need food!

Jen4948

Yes, you need food.  Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers would be appropriate.

Pookieson

okay thanks for the feedback!  The meal is plated so no buffet lines.  Now....how much do I get?  Some of the appetizers are per dozen, some are per guests.  Any ideas?

QueerFemme

Talk to your venue about how much to get per person.  If you are doing passed appetizers, they should be able to give you a better idea.

But, you can really do some low key appetizers to save money and just have an appetizer "table", instead of having them passed.  It can be a simple as cheese/crackers, veggies, salami roll ups, pretzels, even fancy chips.  But, have something for folks to snack on while they are waiting for dinner to be served.

mcda04

The cheapest way to go is a veggie and fruit platter, maybe hummies for crackers and cheese.

I would think deviled eggs are a good idea if you have an app table. Mini baked potatoes or shrimp with cocktail sauce.

Do you have to order them with the venue or can you buy your own?

Peledreamsofrain

Food is a MUST when serving drinks, unless you want your guests getting overly intimate with the local bushes.

Cheese platters, veggie platters, little finger foods are perfect for it. 

OwningAHome1981

Yes I def think some foof should be served. You don't have to go crazy extravagant, but some little noshes (cheese and crackers, finger foods) are fine.