Hello!
My FI and I are really into having a heavy hors d'oeuvres reception. Our plan is to have a cocktail hour with 3 hors d'oeuvres (2-3 pieces per person), these will be things like bruschetta, shrimp platter, whole salmon/cream cheese spread with bread, or pasta salad. This will be followed by a heavy hors d'oeuvres reception (8 items 2-3pp). These will be things like a meat carving station, pasta, stuffed mushrooms, assorted quiches, grilled veggies, and chicken, beef, and shrimp skewers, etc. Then later in the evening before everyone goes home, we are going to have a late-night snack (again 3 items 2-3 pp- quesadillas, spring rolls, etc) since there will be an open bar all night.
So my question is first would you think this constitutes a meal (would be about 30-40 pieces pp)? We are having an evening wedding, would it be okay to have this during dinner time- cocktail hour starting at 6:30-7, heavy hors d'ouevres starting at 7:30-8?
Do I need to mention this on the invitation even if it does constitute a meal? I'm worried people will eat a meal before they come.
TIA!!