Are you planning your reception? Many brides are on budgets these days so it is important to keep in mind the different options for food service and reception types. Here is a good guide to follow:
AFTERNOON TEA
This is a delightful and affordable reception held between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (usually doesn’t start after 3:30 p.m.). An afternoon tea reception is perfect for die hard romantics who like to do things a little differently.
Wedding Reception Food Ideas
Finger sandwiches with crusts removed (dainties)
Fresh fruit
Scones and cream
Wedding cake (of course!)
Cupcakes (instead of the wedding cake if you want!)
A wide variety of teas and champagne punch
The Good News: An afternoon tea event is a great opportunity for creativity. This style of event also works well for couples with a large guest list and a small budget.
Keep in Mind: Although this is a delightful event, this type of wedding reception doesn’t provide a full meal for wedding guests and because it is typically a shorter reception, dancing is unlikely.
For the late-night partying duo, this “sweet” late evening alternative may be the answer starting sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Wedding Reception Food Ideas:
An extensive assortment of rich desserts
Chocolate fountain with accompanying fruits
Candy buffet (a personal favorite!)
Champagne and specialty coffee
The Good News: This option is sophisticated and inexpensive.
Keep in Mind: This party doesn’t provide a real meal for guests and because of the sweet menu, there are no provisions for diabetics.
For the casual bridal couple who prefer a fun and relaxing reception, having wedding guests serve themselves from a variety of food offerings is a great option for wedding reception food.
Wedding Reception Food Ideas:
A variety of dishes that allow guests to pick and choose to create a great meal, attractively set out on long tables.
Both meat and vegetarian entrees
Plenty of side dishes; a selection of vegetables and salads
The Good News: The very nature of a buffet offers something for everyone.
Keep in Mind: Contrary to popular belief, a buffet is not necessarily cheaper than a sit-down meal. Also, because of the time guests could spend waiting in line for food, this is not the most elegant option.
Elegant traditionalists will welcome the opportunity to have waiters serve their guests food.
Wedding Reception Food Ideas:
One, two or three entree selections with an appetizer, salad or soup, side dishes and dessert.
The couple gets to determine each menu item.
Because everyone eats at the same time, this is a much more elegant option.
Since people tend to finish their meals more quickly, an event like this allows for more time on the dance floor and a great party.
Keep in Mind: This party isn’t cheap and wedding guests will have a limited selection of food.
For the adventurous couple, this eating fantasy made up of buffet tables scattered around the reception area, each with a different specialty of food, is a delight.
Wedding Reception Food ideas:
The couple gets to try all their favorites – seafood, pasta, roast beef…the possibilities are endless! To add to the adventure, why not suggest adding a chef serving wontons from a wok or an iceboat filled with shrimp or crab legs?
The Good News: The style of this reception provides a lot of fun and variety for wedding guests to sample foods from each station. This is a great opportunity for you to display your creative wedding planning creativity with the menu and decor. One thing’s for sure–wedding guests will rave about this party for years to come!
Keep in Mind: This can get very pricey!
