Foods to serve at an outside wedding reception??
Martha
07/04/09 		I am helping my sister plan a small (50) outside wedding reception. It will be warm/hot!
What foods would you suggest that would be good to serve in the heat.
The reception/wedding should not last longer than 1 1/2, 2 hours. Thanks for any suggestions.
ellen
07/04/09 		Martha, what time is the service and the event? I can't tell if you need a meal suggestionor a midafternoon or evening reception. Also, are you serving buffet style, plated, nibbles, etc? Is it a family kitchen, and what are the refrigerator/ freezer spaces? Also, is there a budget constraint? For example, a huge bowl of ice covered with chilled shrimp is a grand cold item, but not on a budget! Please write further.
Martha
07/05/09 		The wedding will take place at 11am and the food served afterwards. I need nibbles/light fare suggestions and it will be buffet style. I know it will be noon but we are on a budget. We have access to a freezer and family kitchen and ice chests. We hope to have it outside although we know it will be very warm. thanks
ellen
07/06/09 		Martha, if the service is at 11, no one will eat before they come, and you must serve a lunch-worth of food even if you choose to make it all appetizers. Otherwise you will run out before everyone eats, which is basically a disaster at a wedding reception.

That means you need a pound and a half of food per person.
One of the least expensive ways to do this is with a taco bar that includes rice and beans.
Another is a baked potato bar with some meaty toppings.
If you do appetizers and dips, you can have great breads with all kinds of spreads, 7 layer dip, queso, etc; but you need some heavy hitters, these people are going to be hungry and looking for serious food.