Oh, choices....
ETA: Sorry it got so long, I was thinking it out while I was typing. I started to ramble
FI hasn't stated a clear opinion yet, he's more of a "tell me when to show up" kind of guy. I'm strongly leaning towards a more DIY type of reception, but I'm debating between having the ceremony in the morning followed by a brunch reception or a late evening ceremony with starlit cocktail reception. I don't want to do an in-between due to the inevitable heat & humidity that will come along with it all.
If we do morning with brunch we can have a variety of fruit & baked goods, still working on the logistics of anything we'd want to keep warm. Some cocktails (mimosas, bellinis, etc.), maybe some lighter beer & white wines. I'm invisioning mix & matched china for placesettings (adorable, and inexpensive with yard sale season finally here!) followed by coffee, cheesecake squares, cream puffs, etc for dessert. Afterwards our guests will still have the rest of the day to enjoy the water, or drive back home if they see fit.
Evening reception would give us more time to take pictures during the daylight hours before the wedding. Heavy appetizer and a variety of wines, beers, and maybe a signature cocktail or two pre-mixed. More formal placesettings, twinkle lights, lanterns, etc. Would probably want to arrange transportation from reception site back to town (i.e. hotels) so people who have had one too many don't have to worry about driving intoxicated down unfamiliar winding backroads in the dark.
Either way, guests are going to end up staying at least one night (either the night before or the night of). VIPs would only have to stay one night with the brunch if they wanted to attend the rehearsal dinner.
I know a lot of it is personal preference, but I'm trying to think of a really awesome but easy menu for brunch. Fruits and vegetables obviously, shrimp cocktail, cheeses, croissants, homemade jams/preserves. I could also make fruit/yogurt/granola parfaits the day before (which could look super cute served in a teacup topped with whipped cream & nuts). Possibly muffins/pastries/bagels/danishes. Possibly finger sandwiches (I was thinking of the deli spirals Sam's Club carries).
Mostly just trying to think of something warm & full of protein to go with the breakfast menu. Its going to be hot so I don't know how much *hot* food I want and I don't want it to be too heavy either.
Thoughts?