How to Select Food for a Wedding Reception

Choosing a wedding menu should be fun.

For wedding guests, the menu is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding reception, so choosing the right food is a top concern for many couples as they plan their weddings. It's the job of your caterers or reception-venue coordinators to help you put together a menu that best reflects your style and budget, so by working with these professionals, you'll learn about all possible options and be able to put together a menu that you and your new spouse are happy with and that should please the guests.

Instructions

1. Consider the time of your reception when deciding what kind of meal to serve. Choose food appropriate for the time of day, such as tea, finger sandwiches and cakes for a late afternoon reception or a full dinner for an evening reception.

2. Decide whether you want a seated meal, a buffet or hors d'oeuvres. For a seated meal, you should offer at least two main course options; for a buffet, three or four. If you choose to serve hors d'oeuvres instead of a full meal, plan on about one type per 20 guests. If you're serving hors d'oeuvres at a cocktail hour before the meal, around four choices will suffice.

3. Choose foods you like, balancing more expensive options---such as lobster or filet mignon---with more affordable options, like chicken. Ask your caterer or venue for a complete list of their food offerings up front so that you don't set your heart on a food that isn't available.

4. Consider dietary restrictions, such as guests who might be kosher, vegetarian or vegan. Try to choose at least one option to feed these guests.

5. Add color with vegetables and sides. Choose a variety of sides to make the plates look interesting or, for a buffet, so that the guests will have plenty of choices.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out if your wedding cake is included in the cost of the food so you can keep accurate track of your budget.

• Some reception sites, if they don't provide food themselves, may have rules about which food-service providers you can use. Be sure your caterer is permitted by your venue before paying a deposit.

References

• The Wedding Wizards