There are many details to consider when planning a wedding, and you may start to wonder if all of them are necessary. For example, do you need to provide hors d’oeuvres before a delicious dinner? At Sterling Catering, we have seen many receptions, and we believe that having a few nibbles during cocktail hour is a small detail that makes a huge difference. Here are some of the ways hors d’oeuvres help make a reception special and how you can pick the perfect ones for your special day.
The Importance of Hors D’oeuvres at Weddings
Modern weddings tend to be full-day affairs, with heartfelt ceremonies followed by a cocktail hour and then the full reception. To ensure that your guests can enjoy the entire event, it’s a good idea to offer a few bites to eat between the end of the ceremony and when the meal is served.
The cocktail hour is the perfect time to provide some delicious hors d’oeuvres to keep your guests’ energy up until the meal is served. If you don’t provide a few nibbles to tide them over, you run the risk of ending up with very hungry guests who have been drinking on an empty stomach.
Benefits of Including Hors D’oeuvres
These bite-sized treats do more than just take the edge off your guests’ hunger. They also help set the tone for the reception. When guests walk into the cocktail hour and see delicious food waiting for them, it sends the message that they are welcome and will be cared for.
Hors d’oeuvres also provide a simple way to encourage guests to mingle, giving them an easy subject to chat about and something to do with their hands. It’s an easy way to gather a crowd and nudge them to focus on a shared experience.
Because most parties generally include a range of hors d’oeuvres options, it’s not hard to meet different dietary needs. Having vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options is easy without sacrificing flavor. You can also be sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes so you don’t leave anyone out. At Sterling Catering, we pride ourselves on our variety of hors d’oeuvres, making it simple for you to meet everyone’s preferences.
Factors to Consider When Deciding on Hors D’oeuvres
To decide how many hors d’oeuvres you want to provide, you’ll need to consider a few details. First, what time of day will the cocktail hour take place? Also, how long will it last? If your cocktail hour is more like an hour and a half, you may need to bump up the amount you’ll serve.
Next, consider how many guests you’re having. A general rule of thumb is that for a standard cocktail hour, you should offer at least a few different options and allow each guest to have two bites of each. When you select the different types of hors d’oeuvres, consider your guests’ preferences. What types of flavors will they enjoy? Do you have dietary restrictions to consider? This is a great conversation to have with your caterer. Sterling Catering can offer you guidance on how to select hors d’oeuvres that will delight your guests.
Another thing to think about is the venue space. Is there plenty of room for the caterer to set up and replenish the food? If the layout makes it difficult for the caterer to deliver additional servings, you may want to focus on bites that can all be laid out before the party begins without losing any of their tantalizing appearance or flavor. Or, you can opt for butler-passed hors d’oeuvres if there isn’t a space to set up an appetizer station. Butler-passed apps also allow for a bit of a more upscale feel where the food is brought to your guests, rather than them waiting near a table to grab a few small bites.
Perfectly Curated Hors D ‘Oeuvres to Delight Your Wedding Guests, Courtesy of Sterling Catering
At Sterling Catering, we love to help couples create the wedding reception of their dreams, and that starts with a wonderful cocktail hour. We can help you select the perfect hors d’oeuvres for your event and tailor your selections to reflect your celebration. Hors d’oeuvres are only the beginning of how we will make your reception special. We will take care of you and your guests from start to finish and will even bring the bar! Contact us for more information on our full-service catering options for your wedding day.