What are your thoughts on a cocktail reception (open bar, heavy apps and buffet stations, cake) for a late ceremony? The ceremony is at 7pm and the reception wouldn't start until 8:30. The reception venue closes at 11pm.
Is 8:30 too late for a four course meal? Is it tacky to NOT serve a full meal? Timing is really the main issue and the reason we are considering the cocktail reception option. We'll save some money with the cocktail reception, but not much because we want to make sure we have plenty of apps.