what do you serve at a simple wedding reception

• 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

Full Answer

What is the most popular food for a wedding reception?

Wedding Food Ideas for a Buffet

1. Barbecue Favorites: Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese, and Biscuits. For a wedding food that’s always popular, wow your guests with some Southern charm. ...
2. Waffle Table. One of our top choices for wedding dinner buffet ideas is a waffle table. ...
3. Pizza Platter. ...
4. Taco Table. ...
5. Sausage Chive Pinwheels. ...
6. Salad Bar. ...
7. Donut Station. ...
8. Bagel Buffet. ...

What does a best man do at a wedding reception?

Wedding Day Best Man Duties

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit. If the couple is hiring a wedding planner, he or she will likely come prepared with an emergency kit.
2. Get Dressed With The Groom and Other Groomsmen. On the morning of the wedding, the best man and groomsmen are expected to get ready with the groom and help ...
3. Keep Everyone on Schedule. ...
4. Hold on to The Rings. ...

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What are some food ideas for a wedding reception?

What are some simple ideas for wedding food you can prepare yourself for your big day:

• BBQ foods (simple meats – chicken pork chops)
• Garden salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Kebabs
• Sliders

How do you greet guests at a wedding reception?

• “Hi, I’m (name) and it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down about an hour before the ceremony started.”
• “My name is (name) and it’s an honour to be here today as (groom)’s best man.”
• “Thank you for joining us today on such a wonderful occasion.”
• “Welcome to _____ & _____ wedding reception! ...

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What should I serve as a wedding starter?

From prosciutto-wrapped persimmons to grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters, these apps are sure to delight....Mini Gazpacho Soups. ... Fresh Oyster Raw Bar. ... Slider and Mini Beers. ... Fresh Veggie Platter. ... Tuna Tartare Cones. ... Meat Skewers. ... Mini Hot Dogs and Pickles.More items...•

What do you serve at a 2pm wedding reception?

One great option for early afternoon weddings are finger foods and/or passed hors d'oeuvres alongside beverages or cocktails. Some food ideas include kabobs, bruschetta, specialty cheeses, and deviled eggs. Consider small plates of crab cakes, oysters, and shrimp if you're a seafood lover.

What do people normally serve at weddings?

Main courses:Pulled pork sandwiches.Grilled chicken with sweet summer vegetables.Brisket with mashed potatoes.Lobster mac and cheese.Shrimp and grits.

What is the most popular entrée served at a wedding?

“Chicken, beef, and fish are the most commonly served main course items as they can maintain their heat when served to large groups and all work well with sauces,” says Strauss. So, don't go wild and ask your caterer for more obscure meats like quail, rabbit, duck, rack of lamb, or pork chops.

What type of food is served at the reception?

The most traditional reception style, a plated meal is what the majority of couples choose. This is when all the guests are seated and served a formal dinner. Typically, it consists of two courses (an appetizer and an entrée), plus dessert if it's served tableside.

What is the typical wedding menu?

Traditional American Wedding MenuClassic Shrimp Cocktail. Fresh Lemon & Cocktail Sauce.Hot Artichoke & Red Pepper Dip. 4 Cheeses Dip with Fresh Bread.Deviled Eggs. Dijon, Paprika & Parsley. ... Green Garden Salad. ... Roasted Prime Rib. ... Grilled Chicken Americana. ... Creamy Whipped Potatoes.Sunburst Vegetable Medley.

What should you not serve at a wedding?

8 Foods NOT to Serve at Your WeddingAll meat, all the time. If you're a meat lover, it might be tempting to serve nothing but meat at your reception. ... Food that requires a big to-do. ... Raw food. ... Mini versions of everything. ... An eight-course meal. ... Overly complex dishes. ... Only exotic eats. ... Typical wedding foods.

How many food options should you have at a wedding?

Generally, you'll choose between two to three different options for each course. It's recommended that you choose between a variety of proteins like chicken, beef or fish to appeal to the tastes of your guests, along with an alternative option for those with dietary requirements.

How do you self cater a wedding?

DIY Wedding Food IdeasSet up food stations for your guests.Cook or order food for a buffet.Order meals from a restaurant.Set up a no-cook buffet with salads and sandwiches.Plan a simple reception without a full meal.Serve only easy to prepare appetizers.Serve only make ahead desserts and cakes.More items...•

What is the best veg menu for a wedding?

VegetablesMAKAI KHUMB MASALA. Baby corn & mushrooms cooked in creamy sauce.BHARVAN MIRCH. Stuffed banana peppers with choice of cottage cheese or vegetables.METHI MALAI MATTAR. Fenugreek leaves & green peas cooked in creamy sauce.MUSHROOM MATTAR. ... VEGETABLE JALFREZI. ... PANCHMEL KADAI. ... SARSON KA SAAG. ... BAGARE BAINGAN.More items...

How many entrees should you have at a wedding?

While portion sizes can certainly vary depending on the dish, most experts agree that you'll want to plan on six to eight-ounce entrée per guest.

How do you plan a buffet menu?

How To Plan A BuffetArrange the room for the best flow. ... Have a separate table for beverages. ... Start planning your buffet table before your event is scheduled like the evening before. ... Place plates at the beginning of the buffet line. ... Line up the food according to temperature. ... Finish the table with utensils.

What should a 3pm guest serve?

Consider these options:fresh baguette.chocolate croissants.eclairs.a variety of cheeses.apple slices or other seasonal fruit.sparkling water, wine, beer, or juice.olives, pickles, and other pickled vegetables.

What do you serve at 3pm?

Healthy and Quick Afternoon Snack IdeasNuts and seeds.Nut butters.Oats.Dried fruit.Frozen berries.Hummus and guacamole.Low-fat dairy products including natural yoghurt and cottage cheese.Whole grain crackers.More items...•

What is the difference between an appetizer and an hors d oeuvres?

Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to compliment the following courses.

What is a cake and punch reception?

So… you may have heard of the retro tradition of a cake and punch reception. If you haven't, it's essentially a reception post-ceremony where you serve your wedding cake to your guests along with drinks. In the old days, this was commonplace.

What to serve at a wedding brunch?

Include flavorsome options such as biscuits and gravy along with sweet jams and fruits to ensure that there is something for everyone.

What to serve at a winter wedding?

Soup is the perfect way to warm up your guests if you’re hosting a winter wedding. You can consider including a meat-heavy soup like a stew, a cream-based soup like broccoli and cheddar, and a brothy option like chicken noodle at your winter wedding reception.

What does a wedding menu consist of?

The first drink has a strong influence, so choose something popular but safe. Pimms, Iced Tea, and Sparkling Apple Cider would be an excellent way to kick off the festivities.

What is the best thing about lasagna?

It’s the ideal wedding entree for winter weddings. The best thing about lasagna is that it perfectly meets everyone’s needs.

What is a good snack for a wedding reception?

A bagel is an excellent wedding reception snack. Your guests will enjoy the chewy, delectable texture and flavors.

Why are cookies good for weddings?

Cookies can be an excellent choice for wedding desserts because they can be tailored to your specific needs. Moreover, they are the budget-friendliest dessert option.

What sauces can I use with spaghetti marinara?

Penne vodka adds a delicious twist to traditional spaghetti marinara. Marinara combined with herbs, vodka, and heavy cream makes a delicious sauce. This hearty sauce is sure to please your guests. Add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or squash to make it even more delicious.

What to serve at a wedding in summer?

Keep your summer wedding fresh and elegant with gorgeously-presented crisp vegetables. Veggie roll-ups are super easy to make, and your guests will love them.

What to do at a buffet for a wedding?

A selection of salads can be the unsung hero of buffet ideas for weddings. Allow guests to combine their own ingredients buffet-style so everyone can choose their preferred reception food. Keep things interesting with some warm toppings and different dressings.

What is the best food for a wedding reception?

Donuts are a new popular wedding food. It’s easy to display these colorful treats by stacking them or even presenting them on a pegboard. With different colors and sprinkles, donuts are one of the best and most beautiful wedding reception foods on a budget.

What is a pizza party?

Who doesn’t love this Italian classic? A pizza party makes fun food for a wedding reception. Lay them all out or stack them up like a wedding cake. For an extra special touch, hire a traditional pizza oven so your guests can order their own.

What is the best finger food for a cocktail hour?

These reception dinner ideas are excellent finger food and perfect for cocktail hour. Sausage and apple are a delicious pair, combining salt and sweetness in harmony. Finish them off with a cocktail stick to match your theme.

What is the best food for a beach wedding?

For beach wedding food with a touch of British class, look no further than fish and chips . It makes an excellent comfort food and is bound to lead to nuptial bliss! Takeaway style or as a sit-down meal, the choice is yours.

What to do at a wedding reception?

Add a touch of magic to your big day with the delight of a sugary station. Indulge your sweet tooth with candy, cookies, and cakes. This easy reception food requires no preparation. Just lay it out and stack them candies high!

What to serve at a daytime reception?

"If a client is having [an event] where guests come and go, we might present food that can sit all day- seasonal salads, fresh light grains with toasted nuts, and interesting vegetables with vinaigrettes or pistous," says Lasky. For a more formal meal, she recommends starters like avocado toast or gazpacho sippers, followed by an entrée salad. And don't underestimate the power of a simple sandwich with a gourmet twist: Meyer likes warm steak sandwiches with homemade kettle chips, custom grilled paninis, or classic chicken and waffles.

How to choose a wedding food and service?

If so, choose family style service. "If they seem to desire a more formal or understated party, or if they are planning on a lot of speeches, I might suggested a plated meal so that the service can be a bit more quiet, soft, leaving more space and time in the dining room for guests to simply eat and chat." Meyer agrees: "Neither is better or worse," he says. "It is all about what vibe couples want for their celebration."

What is the best food at Lasky's?

One of Lasky's favorites is a "celebration of tomatoes" stand during the cocktail hour, offering yellow tomato gazpacho, skewers of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and burrata on grilled toasts, and panzanella made with sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes.

What to eat at Meyer's?

And don't underestimate the power of a simple sandwich with a gourmet twist: Meyer likes warm steak sandwiches with homemade kettle chips, custom grilled paninis, or classic chicken and waffles.

Can you host a wedding reception at night?

Hosting a daytime wedding reception doesn't mean you have to work with a limited number of menu choices; in many cases, you'll find that your wedding food and drink options are actually broader by day than they are by night.

Can you serve salads at brunch?

Choosing a brunch or lunch timeframe does offer a lot more flexibility in terms of your menu, but that doesn't mean you're only allowed to serve salads and quiche. "You do not have to stick to standard lunch or brunch foods unless you love them," says Jove Meyer, owner and creative director of Jove Meyer Events. "Couples can play with the balance of sweet and savory more during the day than at night." Try adding a cinnamon roll station to your cocktail hour or passing mini versions of your favorite brunch foods-pancakes, crepes, chicken and waffles-as appetizers.

How to serve salad greens?

Tear salad greens into bite size pieces if necessary. Layer greens in a platter or bowl. Scatter fruit on top. Serve with cheese, nuts and dressing on the side

How long to cook asparagus spears in a steamer?

Arrange whole spears in steamer pans or in a small amount of water in shallow pans. Do not overcrowd. Cook until asparagus are tender-crisp, about 8-12 minutes. Place on platters and pour warm butter over hot asparagus. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.

How long to cook torn lettuce leaves?

5-6 pounds torn lettuce leaves, packaged or fresh. 1 ½ quarts vinaigrette (recipes follows) or other purchased vinaigrette or light salad dressing. Place poaching liquid ingredients into a large stock pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.

How long to marinate shrimp in marinade?

Combine shrimp, oil, herbs and salt and pepper. Marinate shrimp in refrigerator for no longer than 2 hours. Drain shrimp and discard remaining marinade. Thread shrimp onto flat metal skewers.

How long to grill chicken breast on the grill?

Rub chicken breast with seasonings of choice. Grill for 3-5 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, turning once

How to make a sprite?

Course sea salt to taste. Freshly cracked black pepper to taste. 2 1/2 pounds pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, mini penne. 1 pound Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated. Peel tomatoes before dicing if desired. Mix oil, tomatoes, vinegar, half of the basil and salt and pepper in a large bowl.

How to cook orzo?

Cook orzo according to package directions and drain well. Combine chives, lemon zest and juice, pepper, and oil. Stir into hot pasta. Serve hot

Tips On How To Choose The Menu For Wedding Reception Food

Before you get carried away with your favorite dishes, you’ll need to figure out what makes financial sense for your wedding budget. Food gets expensive, so hopefully, without having to resort to fried chicken for the mains, you need to determine if you can afford to have filet mignon on your wedding menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

For US weddings, the usual flow of the reception is as follows. After cocktail hour, the bridal party including the bride and groom will be announced into the banqueting hall for dinner. Next, there might be the first dance and then dinner will be served.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read through these tips about how to choose the menu for wedding reception food, you’ll hopefully be a little wiser when selecting a catering company.

What is the good news about the reception?

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 wedding planning creativity with the menu and decor. One thing’s for sure–wedding guests will rave about this party for years to come!

How many different food styles are there for a wedding reception?

Help your clients create a memorable wedding reception. Here are seven different wedding reception food styles to get your client’s creative juices flowing for planning what will probably be the biggest party they will ever throw!

What to do instead of wedding cake?

Cupcakes (instead of the wedding cake if you want!)

What time does a lunchtime reception take place?

This lunchtime gathering usually takes place between 12 noon and 2 p.m.

What is a crepe chef?

A chef making custom omelets or crepes, where guests select their fillings

What time is the sweet late night party?

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.

Why do people eat at the same time?

Because everyone eats at the same time, this is a much more elegant option .

When should a wedding reception start?

Ideally, your ceremony should start around noon, with the reception following immediately after. A 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m ceremony is fine as well, but as a general rule, "ceremonies should start no later than 2 p.m.," says Samantha Darr of Soiréebliss! Events, "Any later and 'lunch' becomes an early cocktail-type reception.".

What to say on wedding invitations?

Though the time of day should indicate that lunch will be served , it's always helpful to include this information on your official wedding invitation or reception card. Try something along the lines of: "Please join us for a light lunch and lawn games following the ceremony."

How many people should attend a lunch wedding reception?

Lunch wedding receptions are ideal for more intimate gatherings; it's best to keep the guest list under 75 . And since events of this size are generally more low-key, you can keep décor to a minimum. You won't want dramatic lighting or extravagant floral arrangements. Create a relaxed, family-style feel by using long banquet tables; top them with low centerpieces or floral table runners to brighten up the room.

What time of day do weddings take place?

Typically, most wedding ceremonies take place in the afternoon, followed by a wedding reception that kicks off with cocktail hour and continues with dinner and dancing. Wedding venues consider the evening hours to be the most desired time slot and rates are going to be at their highest.

Is lunch a good wedding reception?

While at a glance a midday wedding reception may not sound as elegant as a three-course dinner that's followed by dancing into the wee hours of the morning, a lunch wedding reception can still be a very sophisticated choice. (And no, we're not talking about serving your guests a selection of cold sandwiches.)

What are some good appetizers for cocktail hour?

Button mushrooms are the perfect savory, one-bite appetizer for cocktail hour. Here, they're served alongside caprese crostini, which looks just as yummy. Be careful with these—make sure to leave room for dinner!

What are summer rolls?

Summer rolls are a refreshing, nutritious choice that will keep guests super happy during a hot wedding cocktail hour. Prop up these tasty rolls with wooden pegs for a beautiful presentation.

What are some good side dishes to serve with bruschetta?

Hearty and healthy, these sliced sweet potatoes are a nutritious alternative to a bruschetta hors d’oeuvre. Here they are served with a topping of cream cheese, ramson cream, goat cheese, cress, and cranberries.

What to put on cocktail shrimp?

Kick up your cocktail shrimp's flavor profile with a slice of bacon to wrap around its center. We love the way they display on a simple cedar wood cutting board.

What is cocktail hour at a wedding?

For most guests, the wedding cocktail hour is the best, most delicious part of the entire celebration. After all, those 60-plus minutes following the ceremony are a chance for guests to mix and mingle while sipping cocktails and sampling a wide variety of foods. The cocktail hour also sets the tone for the rest of the evening ...

What is the quintessential finger food?

Miniature burgers and sliders are the quintessential finger food. Dress them up by serving them open-faced, with bread on the bottom and all the fixings on top. Offer tiny cups of assorted sauces on the side for your guests.

What to serve with tomato soup shooters?

Have servers pass out tomato soup shooters topped with a wedge of grilled cheese. Like the mac 'n' cheese, this childhood classic will be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they're sure to hold your guests over until dinner.