I’m trying to figure out timing for everything. How long does a wedding reception usually go for?

The church where the wedding will be held is in a rather small town where there are not a lot of options for reception halls, and I’d rather not hold it in the church itself. The nearest larger city is twenty minutes away by highway. Is that too far to ask my guests to travel?

I’m having a wedding reception and offering free beer and one free mixed drink or shot. After the one drink I’m going to charge $2-3 a drink. I wouldn’t ask people to go in their pockets but all my family is drinkers and I can’t afford them. Anyway I’m trying to think of drinks that don’t require too many different ingredients. Just basics like vodka, gin, or some brandy’s. I don’t know. Anyone have any suggestions?

I’m trying to plan a wedding for my little sister, and we’re running into some budgeting issues. I’m wondering if anyone has any creative recipes that we can prepare for the reception instead of hiring an expensive caterer. We’re fairly good cooks–just not experienced with making “party” types of foods.
Adding some details:

There will be about 40 at the reception. I’ll mostly be handling appetizers, finger foods, and deserts.

I am currently choosing the menus for our UK August wedding reception. One option is a Fork Buffet. What is this, how is it served? I assume guests serve themselves? Anyone been to a wedding where the reception meal was a fork buffet? What did you think? Thanks!