Dear Nancy,

I also agree with Marilyn and Gladys...at a time like this, Costco and Sam's can come to the rescue as well as enlisting the help of some good cooks who are friends.

I have recently discovered at Sam's some really, really yummy hors-d'oeuvres and cheese balls:

Jonathan T brand SPANAKOPITA, a box of 36 1 oz. pieces of spinach and feta filo triangles...EXCELLENT tasting.
Their # is 1-800-387-7437. I found these at Sam's Club.

Nancy's brand GOURMET APPETIZERS, a box of 40 pieces. 10 Frommage Puffs, 10 Seafood Crabcakes, 10 Mushroom Swiss Puffs and 10 Spinach & Cheese Stars. EXCELLENT tasting. Also found at Sam's CLub. They have a website: www.nancys.com in casae you can't find them.

On the weekends, these food clubs have tastings so that is a perfect time to check out what products they have.

A sweet and simple menu for 50 would be:

4 punch bowls filled with wedding punch (many recipes here)

4 platters filled with assorted finger sandwiches (chicken salad, pimiento, ham & cheese and egg salad)

4 platters of assorted hot mini hors d'oeuvres, as mentioned above....

wedding cake from a good baker...

2 hams and 2 turkey breasts sliced and arranged on platters with assorted rolls and mustard and mayo...

2 big glass serving bowls with cut-up seasonal fruit...

4-6 (9x13") pans of assorted quiches made, cut up into squares and put onto doily-topped glass platters or cake stands....

a beautiful long table with a beautiful lace or crochet table cloth, the food platters and stand on it and 2-3 vases of cut summer flowers with ferns. You could either get some good disposable chinet-type plates or if budget permits, a rental place can drop off the dishes and cutlery needed and they pick them up afterwards. These places also rent out punch bowls and platters if you need them.

Depending on where the wedding is held, there are different themes you can have for the meal.

For example, if in a park, a picnic-type theme.
At a beach, a cook-out theme
A brunch or tea luncheon theme if at a home

I would also suggest going to the local library because they have a great selection on books loaded with ideas and menus as well as pictures to inspire you for your wonderful, special day!

Good luck Nancy and congratulations!