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With a variety of guests come a variety of tastes, and it's a challenge to please your guests, while still creating the effects and memories you most want. By taking a look at your budget and what time of day you will be having your reception, wedding reception food ideas become a pleasure to consider.
Naturally, budget comes into play. Whether you are working with a tight budget or are able to throw caution to the wind, there are many wonderful choices. Once you determine the time of day for your reception, you will be able to make sound menu selections.
If you have chosen a morning reception you will have the breakfast or brunch option. This is generally a less expensive way to go, because you can serve the traditional morning foods (pastries, bagels, smoked salmon, cheeses, fresh fruit, omelets, pancakes, etc.). Although a morning affair may be more challenging for your traveling guests, it will give you the chance to leave for your honeymoon that day. Additionally, some people really appreciate an early start to the anticipated day, as opposed to having to wait for what may seem like endless hours to begin their celebration.
A mid-day reception allows you to serve a more laid back, and less expensive, lunch menu. You can serve hot, elegant dishes or simply go with the traditional theme of sandwiches, salads, pasta and fruit. Mid-day receptions will allow for more travel time for guests who have decided not to arrive in town the night before your affair. Additionally, there is a lot of budget flexibility with a lunch menu.
The dinner reception traditionally allows for the most formal celebration. This is generally the most expensive option. You will need to decide whether you want a buffet, specific food stations, or a traditional sit-down meal. Guests will actually be more prone to dance and party at an evening affair.
Tea receptions are the most economical choices for wedding receptions, as they can be elegant without demanding costly food choices. With finger sandwiches, candy, cake and some cookies, you are all set to have a simple, yet tasteful reception.
Once you have determined the time of day for your meal, you are ready to make menu choices. Do you have a wedding theme that will dictate or suggest specific food types when planning food for your wedding reception? This is not only a fun way to celebrate, but it actually narrows the food options and can make choices more manageable.
Get a quote per person based on several menu options. This will allow you to know up front what the final cost will be and help you to make the best decisions. Does your wedding facility have a kitchen? Keep in mind that if your caterer needs to bring equipment your costs will rise. Do you want a buffet? There is a widespread belief that buffets are always a less expensive option. Caterers may have to overestimate the amount of food in order to be fully prepared, and you are the one paying for the excess.
Consider all of your guests and their special dietary needs. Within the tremendous realm of menu choices and presentation, it's not hard to have balanced meals as well as a vegetarian option. It is also thoughtful to include those guests with special dietary requirements. Most caterers are prepared to serve some special dishes and should be amenable to this suggestion. With planning, there will be food choices that can be enjoyed by all of your guests.
Wedding reception food ideas can offer an overwhelming number of options for your celebration. However, don't lose sight of the reason for your celebration. Hint: It's not the food. Your guests will enjoy all of the food you serve, but they are there first and foremost, to celebrate your union.
Some tips from the experts.
Overall Things You'll Need for a Wedding Reception:
Published 06/01/07
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People don't come to your wedding because they want a free dinner. They come because they care about you and your partner; they want to share the celebration and they want to wish you well. But still, food is often an important part of any gathering, so you really can't get by without some type of reception. It may be small and simple, with punch and cake, or it may be extravagant, with a full-course, sit-down meal and an open bar. Either way, the reception is an important part of a wedding event. It allows the guests and the wedding party to relax and have some fun. Brookshire's can help—our bakery and deli offer a number of special wedding products that can make your day go easier. After all, who wants to try and fit all that food in the refrigerator, or ask someone to stay behind and cook the main course while the ceremony takes place? Let Brookshire's take care of that, while you do the important part of getting married.
