A Bride's TV Connection!
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A Bride's TV Connection!
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There are many different reception styles to choose from when deciding on the menu for your wedding. The time of day will determine which meal you will be serving. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all traditional meals for a reception, but sophisticated cocktails, a stylish tea, or even a decadent dessert-only spread are wonderful alternatives.
Presentation styles vary greatly and are influenced by the formality and theme of the wedding.
Buffets and food stations are very popular and have many advantages. A formal buffet is typically a long table where the food is staff-served or, you might have a more casual buffet where guests serve themselves. One of the hottest trends in reception dining is food stations where the food is displayed at several themed locations. Both these options encourage mingling and offer a variety of dishes for your guests to choose from.
A traditional sit-down service with assigned seating is usually reserved for formal weddings. Guests are served either French or Russian style by a wait staff. This style of service is focused more on the meal and is not interrupted by guests dancing and socializing. It is a common myth that a sit-down dinner is more expensive then a buffet. Since the food is portion controlled, this can actually be a cost-saver. Make sure ahead of time that the server:to:guest ratio is sufficient for the number of people you are having.
Another alternative, the cocktail reception, creates a very relaxed, social atmosphere. The appropriate time for this pre-dinner option is between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. With limited tables and chairs and no assigned seating the guests are free to move around the room. giving an elegant party-like feel to the reception. Hors doeuvres can either be passed butler style on trays or set up at tables, buffet style. The budget friendly features of a cocktail reception include savings on table and service rentals and decorations.
Set up tastings as part of the interviewing process when deciding on a caterer. This is one of the highlights of the wedding planning process and one that your groom-to-be will be as anxious to participate in as you are! Its a good idea to have a general idea of what you would like to serve but also try any specialties the chef would like to prepare for you.
You should first decide on a type and style of menu. Choices to consider include: Continental, Regional, Exotic, and Ethnic. You may want to center your menu around a particular theme or season.
How many courses will you be serving? One way to save money in your catering budget is to eliminate extra courses that may be unnecessary. After all, you dont want your guests so stuffed that they cant even dance! Do you or your guests have certain dietary restrictions that must be addressed? Make sure you allow for enough variety so everyone will have something to eat.
Start with the basics, then let the caterer tempt you with different presentations and accompaniments. Chicken and beef are the most popular selections but todays couples and their guests are sophisticated and knowledgeable about food. They have come to expect a unique approach to the menu and prefer traditional selections with a creative twist.
The caterer should present sample food to you exactly as it will be served on your wedding day. Look for variation in flavor and presentation as well. Sample the particular wines that you plan to serve with the meal. If your favorite Merlot just doesnt taste good with the chicken dish youve selected you should let the caterer make some suggestions.
Speaking of wine there are also several points to consider when choosing beverages for your big day. What type of bar would you like for your reception? Options include: Beer and wine only, a full open bar, a cash bar, or a combination. Would you like a champagne toast? Notify your guests on the reception card if you plan to have a cash or no-host bar so they will be prepared. Make sure your caterer has a license to serve alcoholic beverages and that your reception site allows it. Purchasing liquor yourselves may be a cost-saver since you might be able to return unopened cases. You should order liquor three to four weeks prior to the event. You may want to consider closing the bar one hour before the reception ends and limiting beverages to soda, water, and coffee.
Last but certainly not least you will want to decide on dessert. Your caterer can be a wonderful source for the wedding cake as well as many other fabulous finishes to your meal! Once again the choices are endless and there are many deliciously creative sweet treats to tempt your guests with.
Keeping an open mind and a discriminating palate when meeting with your caterer will ensure you and your guests enjoy an appetizing, delectable meal that is just right for your reception.
