Do i need appetizers?

Like Hank? Said some people have issues with liquor and empty stomachs.
I'd suggest cold and a stationary table to save on costs. It doesn't have to be much a veggie tray with a meat and cheese tray too can do the trick. your caterer can suggest the most cost effective thing ( even compare at the different caterers you get quotes from to get the best idea of cost and ideas)

As many have stated, usually it comes with a meal package and if that's the case, definitely go for it. If you're on a budget, my recommendation is to limit the appetizers instead of eliminating them altogether. The reason is some people have trouble with alcohol unless they have some food.

Great planning on time for pictures and cocktail hour to have guests enjoy their time mingling and drinking. The package the venue offered can include appetizers based on what you chose. The extra cost is worthwhile if you can afford to add into your food cost based on the guest list. The dinner otherwise is enough to wait and eat when they serve to your guests at the time given. Budget yourselves to fit the best choices if possible or just leave it as it is.

We plan on having the same timeline as you and won’t be serving appetizers. The amount of extra cost to do that just isn’t worth it for us. Our guests are all family or people who know each other, the bar will be serving, and there will be lawn games so I’m hopeful they can manage for one hour 😂

We have the same timeline roughly. 4:30pm ceremony. 5-6pm cocktail hour. Then dinner starts at 6:30pm. We are doing passed hors d'oeuvres, because it sounded fun and they are delicious! I am a little concerned that we have WAY to much food (hors d'oeuvres, 4 course dinner and late night snack all from 5:00pm-10:30pm) however its part of our venue package so. I say do what you want! Even just a charcuterie board would be nice. I think its just nice to have snacks around.

You don’t have to if you don’t want to but having food around is always nice/keeps people busy. You could do cold snacks so they can be prepped in advance. Otherwise it’s really up to you!

Its honestly up to you! I don't think we will because folks will be arriving right before dinner anyways (cocktail hour). In between the ceremony and cocktail hour is when they can go grab a snack!

If dinner is that close to the reception You should be fine. If I were a guest a 4 pm wedding would make me think the meal was later so I would snack before just in case.


If you do have apps something light and cold would be fine. A cheese plate, some charcuterie.

It's not a must have to have apps or hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and no they don't need to be hot either if you do decide to have them. With our caterer the passed hors d'oeuvres just came with the package we chose so that's really the only reason why we're having them.