what food is served at a wedding reception

Finger Food Ideas for Wedding Reception

1. Veggie Roll-Ups. Keep your summer wedding fresh and elegant with gorgeously-presented crisp vegetables. ...
2. Bacon Bar. For wedding reception buffet menu ideas that will please the meat fanatics, choose a bacon bar for a taste explosion.
3. Meatballs. ...
4. Baby Lobster Rolls. ...
5. Grilled Cheese Bites. ...
6. Apple Balls with Sausage. ...
7. Custom Signature Ice Cream Sandwich. ...
8. Cronuts. ...

Full Answer

What is the best food to serve at a wedding?

• Wedding menu planning can be difficult and the food is a big part of it.
• INSIDER asked 13 chefs from across the US for their dish recommendations.
• Beef tenderloin is a wedding entree classic for good reason.
• Chilled seafood salads are excellent for a warm-weather wedding, especially when you use fresh and seasonal fish.

What is the cheapest food to serve at a wedding?

What is the cheapest food to serve at a wedding?

• Oatmeal: Wild Mushroom & Asparagus, Oatmeal, Oatmeal Crusted Chicken or Fish.
• Potatoes: Baked Potatoes, Potato Soup, Duchess Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes.
• Canned Tuna: Salad Nicoise.
• Bread: Rolls, Breadsticks.

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

What are the best finger foods for a wedding reception?

Wedding Reception Food Ideas on a Budget

1. Fried Asparagus. Asparagus might come off as quite the fancy wedding food, but it can be deceptively on the budget! ...
2. Soup. Looking for fall wedding food ideas? ...
3. Spaghetti. He shyly pushes the last meatball towards you. ...
4. Fish and Chips. For beach wedding food with a touch of British class, look no further than fish and chips. ...
5. Fajitas. ...
6. Burgers. ...

What is the most popular meal 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.

Is there usually food at a 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.

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.

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.

Does a wedding reception include food?

Now let's just answer the question: Do we need evening food at all? The answer in 95% of cases has to be yes. Despite feeding your guests a lavish three course meal (to which you think they would be full to the brim!) they will almost certainly want something later on to keep them going.

Does wedding reception include dinner?

Most wedding receptions are made in the evening for dinner; however, the couple may opt for a luncheon, brunch, or even afternoon tea. Ultimately the married couple chooses the details and location of the reception. In some cultures, separate wedding celebrations are held for the bride's and groom's families.

What is the cheapest food to cater?

The cheapest food to cater is any rice or noodle-based cultural cuisine. Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes are delicious and affordable. Or, if you're hosting an event during the day, serve brunch and breakfast items.

What is the cheapest way to cater a wedding?

Arranging a set menu is the most affordable option. Set menus are often inexpensive choices, like barbecue, pizza, tacos, falafels or kebabs. A set menu will also help you avoid long lineups. If each guest has to order, then wait while their food is made, the lineup will be terrible.

What is a reception style dinner?

It's a stylish and elegant way to serve a meal to your guests in a restaurant-type setting. Guests typically order from a pre-determined menu, and servers take care of everything, including drinks. For a large reception, this style of service can be extremely beneficial.

What are good finger foods?

Here is a short list of the more popular finger foods served at parties:chicken tenders.finger chips.tea sandwiches.fish sticks.mini quiche.onion rings.breadsticks.potato chips.More items...•

What are the best starters for wedding?

Veg Starter Menu Ideas For Wedding And ReceptionCocktail Samosa.Hara Bhara Kabab.Mushroom Tikka.Fuchka (Live)Papri Chaat (Live)Tomato Soup.Cream Of Mushroom Soup.Sweet Corn Soup.More items...

Do you need appetizers at a wedding?

So whether you are trying to cut costs, or just unsure on which way to go, just know you don't HAVE to have appetizers. There are plenty of options instead of appetizers. Fill your guests time with a bar, photo booth, activities, an engaging venue, and a lively atmosphere.

Why is a reception meal good?

It makes the reception meal feel more casual and laid-back. It's good for community building—when people are passing the food around their tables, they chat and engage with each other.

What is a cocktail reception?

A cocktail-style reception means no seating charts, no tablescape fuss… none of that. Instead, you and your guests can mix, mingle, and dance all night long and snack on small bites (either tray-passed or laid out on a grazing table in advance) whenever you feel like it.

What is a plated dinner?

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. Everyone is usually served the same appetizer and then the main course is handled ...

What is buffet style?

A buffet features long tables topped with a wide variety of food options. This meal style offers the most variety for your guests, making it particularly desirable if you want a wide range of cuisines or have picky eaters.

What is family style meal?

A family-style meal is exactly as it sounds: Everyone is seated as big platters and bowls of food are passed around the table, just like you might do with your own family at home. This is a great option if you want to keep people seated at tables but don’t want something as formal as a plated meal. The first course is typically served with about one or two options and the main course includes as few as a protein and two sides or multiple proteins with multiple sides.

How much more to pay for plated dinner?

Expect to pay 10 to 30 percent more than a plated dinner since you will likely have more menu items and less control over how much people eat, according to Parragué. You absolutely don’t want to run out of food, so always order more than enough here.

Why are family meals so expensive?

Family-style meals are typically the most expensive option because of the service ratio, needing the highest amount of food, and the cost of rentals. The platters and dishes take up delicate table real estate. If you want elaborate florals on your tables, this is not the option for you.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why are edible flowers so popular?

There’s a reason why these treats are so popular. They offer a variety of flavors that anybody would enjoy. And the best thing they can be packed in portable pots for easy and adorable serving. Add edible flowers matching your wedding theme.

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 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 brunch?

Host a brunch wedding or serve breakfast for dinner. Include pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon and any other morning munchies you love. Pair it with an espresso martini, mimosa or a Bloody Mary for a boozy brunch vibe.

What should I do for my wedding menu?

It's still a special way to personalize your nuptials and make the day even more special. Work with your caterer to craft a wedding menu that' s as delicious as it is meaningful.

What are some good breakfast foods to serve at brunch?

While brunch may call to mind stacks of pancakes and plates of eggs, there are other options. If you're looking for a unique spin on breakfast foods, consider serving açai bowls. They're basically smoothie bowls with a variety of toppings. Make the experience interactive by sweating up a station full of different toppings (think: fresh fruits, seeds, nuts and granola). While açai bowls are one option, you can take this in any direction you'd like. For example, you could set up a DIY breakfast bowl station complete with hash browns, eggs, and other yummy foods.

What to do at a brewery for a wedding?

Whether you're saying "I do" at a brewery or your go-to date night activity is to try out different brews at your local spot, this wedding menu idea is for you. Create a brewery experience at your nuptials by serving your guests a flight or food and beer. Whether you opt for hot dogs, sliders or other delicious bar food is totally up to you!

How to narrow down wedding menu?

Is there a particular family recipe you always have? You can serve them both to celebrate the joining of your families. Another idea is to base your wedding menu off of your relationship. Nod to your favorite date-night spots or the meal you had when you got engaged. Including these personal details into your wedding menu will make your guests feel more connected to your love story.

What is comfort food?

A bite-sized grilled cheese paired with a small serving of tomato soup feels elevated, and the delicious food will keep your guests satisfied (or reaching for more!). This goes for any kind of comfort food you like—try mini shooters of BBQ mac and cheese or mini chicken and waffles with maple syrup.

What to serve at a cheese station?

Ideas include crackers, freshly-baked bread, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Serve it buffet-style so everyone can build their own platter.

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 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.

What is the food for a wedding?

Surf and turf is a classic wedding food for a reason. It’s elegant, often expensive, and a real treat for everyone involved since guests may only have such a dish at weddings and other special occasions.

What to serve at a beach wedding?

Have a beach or seaside-themed wedding? Set up a station with lobster rolls. Large lumps of lobster meat in a light mayonnaise or butter dressing piled high in toasted buttery buns with or without lettuce .

What is Caprese salad?

A Caprese salad is just tomato, mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic dressing. To make it something a bit more special, turn the salad into skewers eliminating the need for a fork with a small cup of dressing for dip.

What to offer to pescatarians?

Appeal to the pescatarians or your guests trying to eat less red meat by offering a seafood option.

Do wedding menus have to be traditional?

Here’s your chance to be fun and remind your guests that a wedding menu doesn’t have to be traditional.

Can you eat pancakes while mingling?

Items like pancakes and waffles can be shrunk down to one or two bites with tiny cups of pipettes of syrup so guests don’t have to rely on utensils and can eat while they’re mingling.

Is dim sum good for a wedding?

The social nature of Dim Sum, plus the comfort of Chinese wedding cuisine, makes this an excellent option for your wedding. Guests can choose the items they want from carts or mark them on paper to be delivered to them.

What to serve at a summer wedding?

Steak and salad is the perfect option for summer weddings when you don’t want to weigh your guests down with heavy sides. , talk to your caterer about infusing some fruit in the salad or dressing for a pop of color and flavor. 12. Kebabs. Kebabs are convenient entrees If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding.

What are some good desserts for a wedding?

Cookies are a great choice for wedding desserts because you can customize them to fit your big day perfectly. Add edible flowers for a romantic theme or use your alma mater logo to excite the super fans.

What to put in a salad bar for a wedding?

Place your basics, such as spinach and romaine, alongside toppings like rice, fruits, vegetables, and dressings.

What are some good things to serve at a taco buffet?

Taco buffets are a great way to serve crowds of any size. Make sure to combine classic favorites, like guacamole and pico to gallo, with unique additions, like mushrooms and mango, to make your spread tasty and memorable.

What is a wedding dessert?

Traditional wedding desserts consist of wedding cakes or cupcakes. While these classics are still a staple in many weddings, couples are starting to use the dessert table to showcase their favorite sweets instead. Whether you and your honey want to keep it classy or think outside of the box, these wedding dessert ideas will be the talk of the event.

What desserts are good for a hot summer wedding?

Popsicles are an ideal dessert for hot summer weddings to help your guests cool down. Try experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients like the edible flowers and liquor in these boozy pops!

What is a waffle buffet?

Waffle buffets are the perfect option for weddings at any time of the day. Add a few breakfast options for early celebrations or the iconic fried chicken and waffles pairing for evening events .

How to bring people together at a wedding?

Food is one of the best ways to bring people together at your wedding, especially when it's worthy of a foodie's five-star rating. Not only does interesting food get people talking, but when small bites are brought to them by way of an attendant, it encourages non-stop mixing and mingling.

When is the best time to have a caprese salad?

When thinking about your foodie menu, the most important factor to consider is seasonality. For example, late summer is the perfect time to count on the height of tomato season to deliver an amazing caprese salad. Your wedding season dictates what your freshest (aka most delicious and affordable !) options will be. Here are 21 of our favorite gourmet picks that are sure to be approved by even the most bourgie palettes.