Reception Dinner

I'm trying to figure out if it is tacky to do a buffet dinner instead of a sit down?

We are having our party at a reception hall and need to find an off premesis caterer. Money isn't easy.

My original thought was to do just all 'passed' appetizers with a few stations, like antipasta, fruit, etc.

Since my opinion is most people don't eat the dinner anyway.

Any suggestions regarding food????

I'm stressed already!

I am also looking for an off site caterer. Money is also tight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I don' t think it's tacky at all. If you just do passed food with some stations, it's called a cocktail reception. I think it would be a fun way to do things -- less formal and it's everyone's favorite part of the reception anyhow.

I'd just mention on the invitation that it's a cocktail reception so people don't come looking for dinner (even though you'll most likely have more than enough food to fill them up). Just set their expectations before they arrive and nobody will complain.