WebLady
08-03-2006, 02:33 PM
Your guests will often expect a certain type of reception by the time of day it is held.
Having a morning reception? Try a light brunch buffet. (This is okay up until about noon)*With an afternoon reception starting about 12:00 or 1:00pm the buffet style still works fine. Maybe serve up deli meats, meatballs, dipping vegetables, cheeses and breads.
If you are having a later afternoon reception, which is a popular time, starting about 3:00-4:00pm. You could have a cocktail or desert reception, serving coffees, teas, champagne, punch and finger foods along with the wedding cake.
Then there is the later option for the reception, starting around 5:00 - 7:00pm. Your guests will expect dinner with a reception during this time of day. While some may want to go all out with a full service seated dinner, the less expensive buffet style option is acceptable. But the buffet should
be presented with heartier foods. Maybe a nice roast beef and/or roast chicken carving station, with a vegetable medley and a pasta side dish, green salad and warm dinner rolls.
Typically if your reception starts any later than 7:00pm, most people will consider this an after dinner reception so you can get by with serving finger foods and such or even have a strictly desert reception. Don't forget the after dinner drinks, you may even consider an open bar.
Remember no matter what time of day or what you server, you will want to give your guests choices. Not everyone eats beef, and you may even have some vegetarian guests too. You may not be able to please everyone, but having a couple of options is good.
Having a morning reception? Try a light brunch buffet. (This is okay up until about noon)*With an afternoon reception starting about 12:00 or 1:00pm the buffet style still works fine. Maybe serve up deli meats, meatballs, dipping vegetables, cheeses and breads.
If you are having a later afternoon reception, which is a popular time, starting about 3:00-4:00pm. You could have a cocktail or desert reception, serving coffees, teas, champagne, punch and finger foods along with the wedding cake.
Then there is the later option for the reception, starting around 5:00 - 7:00pm. Your guests will expect dinner with a reception during this time of day. While some may want to go all out with a full service seated dinner, the less expensive buffet style option is acceptable. But the buffet should
be presented with heartier foods. Maybe a nice roast beef and/or roast chicken carving station, with a vegetable medley and a pasta side dish, green salad and warm dinner rolls.
Typically if your reception starts any later than 7:00pm, most people will consider this an after dinner reception so you can get by with serving finger foods and such or even have a strictly desert reception. Don't forget the after dinner drinks, you may even consider an open bar.
Remember no matter what time of day or what you server, you will want to give your guests choices. Not everyone eats beef, and you may even have some vegetarian guests too. You may not be able to please everyone, but having a couple of options is good.