What food would you serve for a small informal wedding celebration?

[ProfessorofDarkArts]

I’ve offered to host a small celebration after the legal ceremony with the ‘proper’ wedding a week later. 8 people, no veggies/vegans but one doesn’t eat pork or drink alcohol. I was thinking just a cake plus something fizzy to toast with and a soft drink option but now wondering if I should be doing a bit more, perhaps an afternoon tea type thing. I’ll be at the ceremony directly before so timing might be tricky. Also the bride hates fuss or anything over the top.

Pizza

What time of day will it be?

Ceremony is 3 so I’d say 4-5/6

Get something delivered either some sort of afternoon tea/party food OR you could have something nice delivered from a takeaway in the evening or M&S do nice things you can order and just bung in the oven.

Cheese board
crackers
grapes
etc

Followed by cakes/scones

I think this.

High tea, tiny sanswiches, cakes, scones, sounds elegant to me.

Sounds perfect

I'd also say a nice cheeseboard and some cold meats, some nice crusty bread along with crackers, then a nice selection of mini cakes for something sweet. I've made these several times and they're ever so simple.
www.janespatisserie.com/2017/08/28/mini-victoria-sponge-cakes/

I would order M&S party sandwiches, cake, fizz and sparkling elderflower.

Welcome / congratulations drink

Cheese board with lots of fruit, crackers, chutneys etc

A victoria sponge with a "congratulations' cake topper.

Not a fuss, but an acknowledgement that it is a special moment.

Little cut-up sandwiches
Fruit scones, clotted cream, jam
Chocolate cake - with a little bride and groom on top for fun
Cups of tea
Champagne

^ perfect

Fizz or soft drink option
Cured meats, selection of cheeses, fruit, chutney, chilli jam, selection of crackers and oat cakes.
Small celebration cake.

Don't do sandwiches - faffing and will dry out whilst you're at the ceremony.

What's the bride's absolute favourite thing? I mean, dh and me love Indian food so samosas, pakoras etc were a non-negotiable on our wedding buffet.

I think Remus's idea is perfect - at that time, it will have been several hours since lunch, so people will be getting hungry for more than just cake (especially if there's some booze).

Definitely not sarnies prepared ahead.

The cheese board option just means taking things out of packets so is as low faff as possible but still nice.

These all sound lovely, I think it will be nicer to make a bit more effort. I’m quite limited for space so slightly leaning towards things people can just pick up and go, I think an M&S trip is needed - considering Colin and Connie Caterpillar cakes as the bride loves those!

You can order lovely cute sandwiches and little wraps from M&S to be delivered.
I have ordered them before for celebrations.
Have a lovely time!

Things on sticks? (unless there will be young children there)

Eg

Spanish omelette cut into cubes - Unearthed one is fine
Caprese - mini mozzarella pearl, basil leaf, cherry tom
Chicken satay/tikka etc
Pineapple/cheese or other fruit combos

Baguettes, pate, brie

This sounds perfect and some fizz to wash it down.

Cheeseboard with seeded and sourdough crackers, grapes, figs, chutneys etc.
Smoked salmon mini bagels with cream cheese
Good quality olives, nuts and crisps
A cake
Fruit salad
Sparkling wine cocktails and neat sparkling wine
Alcohol free beer and soft drinks like San Pellegrinos