Food ideas

That sounds so good!

Costco has these amazing Chinese rolls that you just pop in the oven. They also have a mix of frozen appys as well.
Prosciutto and cantaloupe, meatballs are all quick as well.
Let us know what you decide! After reading this I'm hungry now?

Anytime! I hope it helped

Thank you for everything and the great conversation over this!

Geez I just noticed all the typos! Darn phone keyboard... you catch my point though lol. It's just something to consider, I LOVE playing host and throwing a great party, so when people offer (even if they like it!) while they know what they're getting into, they may be so eager to help you that they could forget how busy hosting an event is and be really sad they weren't able to be more present afterwards. It's a big day for our parents too

Yikes! That sounds like it wouldn't be too great

It gets so busy! If you want a feel for it I suggest throwing a snap party (just like a game night or small dinner party), you'll quickly see how you get so caught up goading your guests properly and making sure they have what they need, you aren't able to be FULLY present yourself. It would suck to think your friends or family will be so into "host mode" that they won't be able to be truly present at your wedding.

I didn't know something that small could be hectic! It definitely won't be a huge amount even though the numbers a little up there!!

That's great, pre-made platters are the best way to go! I mean even if you love doing it, it's still a lot of work. Heck I had 10 people over on the weekend and I was so busy hosting I realized after everyone left that I hadn't eaten all day! (between cleaning and preparing food, and then cooking/serving) And that was only with 10 people!!!! I LOVE hosting a party and am always happy to do it, but having your family there to just enjoy themselves rather than having to worry about hosting is most definitely for the best.

Can't wait to hear your food choices!

We have a small helper team as well as getting the pre made platters! Thank you very much for the advice!

Both of our parents love doing that kind of stuff, plus we will definitely be getting pre made platters from stores! Thank you for the concern!!

That sounds like alot of work... I would go with Melissas advice and see if you can find somewhere cheap that would cater small trays like that so you dont have to worry yourself about them .. you will have enough to deal with that day

That might be a lot of work to feed so many people without spreading yourself too thin. You will have a lot of other things on your mind for sure.

Have you thought about getting the food platters delivered? I know a lot of grocery store do them for reasonable prices- it would save you time and money- and ensure everything is prepared in a professional kitchen (food safety!). 40 people (and number climbing!) is a LOT of food- I just worry that you will nd up working more at your wedding than celebrating....you want to enjoy your special day!!

My parents (back in the 80's) had a super small wedding with about 20 people- and they just ordered a ton of chinese food. I'm sure you could pretty things up a little more than that- but make this easier on yourself!

So far we're at 40, not including extras or +1's! There is a small kitchen in the reception location. We will mostly go with cold appys but there will be a few hot ones!!

How many guests are you expecting? Do you have equipment to keep things hot, or do you think you'll be rocking the cold apps? I think if you are doing hot things you would need someone in the kitchen making things fresh and that might complicate your plan a bit.

Things like veggies and dip, fruit plates, crackers with spreads and garden salads (add nuts, dried cranberries and goat cheese to make something different!) are all cool foods, that will not cause too much food safety concern at roomp temp for a bit....and can be done ahead of time.