How To... Plan Your Reception Menu
Several things come in to play, when you are planning the menu for your
wedding reception. Realistically, the menu will take about 40% of your budget!
If you are trying to keep cost down, there are a few things to think about.
Start with the guest list. Keep it as small as possible. Although this is much
easier said than done, this will be the most cost effective solution!
Additionally, when booking the reception site, remember the time of year, day of
the week, and even time of day will figure into the cost! I guarantee you will
pay a lot more for a venue on a Saturday evening in June, compared to a Sunday
afternoon in March or October!
Some locations offer only “in house” catering, which is great if you’re happy
with their selections! If you plan to bring in a caterer from the outside, the
article “How to Select a Creative Caterer” should be very helpful in making your
decision.
Once you have the time and place in mind, determine what type of meal you are
serving. Selections vary from a six course sit down dinner to a lighter, lunch
buffet. A family style brunch, cocktails and hor’douerves or dessert and coffee
are all great options. Whatever you choose, remember always keep your guests
tastes in mind. Offer enough assortments so there is something for everyone.
Make sure to feature variety in flavors, texture, color and appearance! Keep
your guests senses stimulated!
Keep in mind what is in season at the time. Seasonal fruits and sea food will
be better quality and less expensive than off season items. Also, choose foods
to fit your setting. If you want your guests to mingle at the reception, you
won’t want to serve a full plate which would need to be eaten with a knife and
fork! Passing finger foods will be a better option. Also, choose foods that have
a long shelf life. It may look good in the kitchen, but how will it look by the
time it gets to your guests?
At most receptions, the guests will arrive before the bride and groom. If
this is the case, you will want to have something ready for them upon their
arrival. This might be a cue to start the cocktail hour and get some
hor’douerves circulating! There are several options for the cocktail hour. If an
open bar is what you prefer, check into bringing in your own liquor and
bartender, this will cut your costs in half! You can also choose to limit the
time the bar is open. Make it available up until the toast takes place! Another
option is to have waiters passing drinks on trays! Not only is it more cost
effective, it will also add a touch of class! Your guests won’t have to stand in
line at the bar, and it will prevent over consumption. If you choose to have a
nonalcoholic reception, bring in an espresso cart for a little variety. Plenty
of soda, juices, bottled water and coffee should always be available, and
remember never charge your guests for their drinks! They are just that, your
guests!
Unless you are having just cocktails and hor’douerves at the reception, try
to steer clear of appetizer stations. Having waiters pass appetizers, again,
will add that touch of class and let you control the portions, which is much
more cost effective. If you must have an appetizer station, try to be creative
with dips and breads.
One indulgence every reception should have is the ever-amazing “chocolate
fountain”. This will be the most popular station during the event! Most brides
have the fountain running as the guests arrive, and keep it going until the
dancing is in full swing. That’s usually about three hours, which gives everyone
an opportunity to indulge at their leisure. If you are having a big sit down
dinner, you may want the fountain flowing afterwards. Serve a variety of dipping
items; five or six different items are sufficient. Fresh fruits (strawberries
and pineapple are the favorites); marshmallows, pretzels, cream puffs, cookies,
and rice crispy treats are among the most popular items.
Your caterer will be a tremendous help in planning your menu and will have
lots of great ideas. So, keeping your guests in mind let that creative part of
you go wild! And may your reception be as perfect as you envision it!
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