Menu Options

When deciding on your menu you should definitely consider what time of the day your reception will be. Should you have more of a brunch type meal, perhaps just a lighter lunch style meal, or is it appropriate to do a heavy dinner? For an early afternoon reception, a brunch menu would be ideal. Some ideas for this would be a buffet with quiche, small sandwiches, fruit, some veggies with a dip, and a variety of cheeses- just to name a few. Depending on how early the reception will be, you may even want to consider an omelets station.If your wedding is in the early afternoon you can do a lighter dinner style menu, you may want to skip the cocktail hour with this option. To keep it lighter you can do a buffet with a variety of salads, some veggies, fruits, cheeses, and a couple meats. Something you may want to consider is a carving station. After all remember you want to keep it light. Another option is just to have something similar to a champagne or cocktail reception and serve heavy hors d’oeuvres. Some great hors d’oeuvres are small finger sandwiches, a variety of cheeses, dips, some skewered meats and seafood. You want to avoid any messy foods or foods that would require your guests to sit down and use a knife. If you have an early afternoon wedding and would like to do your reception in the evening you have to consider what your guests will be doing for the free time between the end of the ceremony and the reception. Are they all locals? Is there something close by that they can perhaps visit?The final option is an evening reception- you probably want to have a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres followed by a complete meal. Your guests would get some type of a salad, followed by their entrée (which is usually accompanied by some kind of a starch and vegetable that you have pre-selected), and a dessert that you have pre-selected as well. If your guests do not get to choose their entrée you want to make sure that what you select will be enjoyed by the majority of your guests. If you know some of your guests are vegetarian, most venues and caterers will make special meals for them- let them know in advance. Later in the evening the wedding cake will be cut and distributed to the guests as well as coffee- but you may want to consider decaf unless you want your guests partying until the wee hours of the morning!No matter what time of the day your reception is, make sure your menu is one that will be enjoyed by all- without breaking your budget! Hope these ideas are helpful!!