We finally decided on catered hors d'ouerves (we had six choices) wedding cake and home made Christmas cookies for 225 guests. While I did manage to bake and freeze 100 doz. cookies (friends volunteered freezer space) I was SO glad that the rest was the job of the caterer! We had some food left over, but not a whole lot.. and just enough of most cookies that I didn't have to bake more cookies for Christmas (that was my plan :)

The guests, who arrived at the reception around 8 PM, were delighted with the informal set up of serve yourself hors d'ouerves and cookies. So many people commented on how the set up lent itself to really visiting with others during the reception while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.

I offer all this information for all the brides who read this site and seem to be planning such extensive, expensive meals for their weddings.. there are other options and your site offers wondeful guidance!

Thanks for all your advice!