Grand Or Simple, Take A Look At The Different Wedding Receptions
Wedding receptions don't follow any one celebration or catering style. It's completely up to the couple. What does dictate which style to choose is budget. Tighter purse strings means going a little easy on the menu and guest list while deep pockets can literally buy anything.
For those with small budgets
Champagne and cake: Dinner receptions may be the norm these days but it's not a rule. If money's tight yet giving guests a memorable reception is important, have a champagne and cake celebration. It's simple and sweet (literally!).
To go with the idea, have the reception in a garden or a park. The simple setting will complement the reception choice while giving guests a beautiful place to mingle in.
Since cake is all there is to eat, you'll need to order enough. That goes for the champagne too. What you can do to add variety is place an order for cookies or plan a cookie table. The entire setup will still be much cheaper than a lunch or dinner reception.
Brunch: Starting the day early allows you to leave faster for your honeymoon. A brunch reception is perfect for this and it's cheap too. Items can consist of favorites like eggs benedict and cinnamon rolls, muffins, fresh fruit and meat choices such as ham, roast beef and bacon. Coffee is, of course, a must and you can include alcoholic faves like champagne and cocktails. Don't forget the cake!
Brunch is a better idea than breakfast because it starts towards noon. If you must have a breakfast reception, be prepared for a smaller turnout especially if most guests live far away.
High tea: Break away from the norm by having a high tea reception complete with steak and kidney pie, scones, sliced fruit, small sandwiches, jam tarts, a couple of tea varieties and, of course, the wedding cake. Include champagne for toasts.
Like brunch, high tea is a great idea for saving money while giving guests a hearty meal. It's also a little unexpected because most receptions are typically lunch or dinner.
For larger budgets
Cocktail: A cocktail reception is classy and easy to organize. There's no extensive food menu to plan, just light items that go with drinks. A full bar or a specific selection can be chosen.
Bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, crudite, truffle eggs and roulades are a few examples of food choices along with honey baked ham and seafood marinara. There are many other menus to choose from, these just give you an idea of the type of food served at cocktail receptions.
For the drinks, cocktails, wine, liquor, liqueur and beer will do. Signature concoctions can also be had.
Dinner: Dinner receptions are the most expensive but the best if done right. There's time for dancing, mingling and all the traditional wedding do's.
Since dinner receptions are held much after work when everyone's ready to unwind, there's no rush and even guests from out of town have time to attend. If you love tradition and a huge celebration, this is the one to go for.
Don't let a small budget prevent you from having the time of your life. As you can see, there are several ways of marking this happy occasion without going broke. For a more celebratory feel, choose a theme complete with dress code.
For those with small budgets
Champagne and cake: Dinner receptions may be the norm these days but it's not a rule. If money's tight yet giving guests a memorable reception is important, have a champagne and cake celebration. It's simple and sweet (literally!).
To go with the idea, have the reception in a garden or a park. The simple setting will complement the reception choice while giving guests a beautiful place to mingle in.
Since cake is all there is to eat, you'll need to order enough. That goes for the champagne too. What you can do to add variety is place an order for cookies or plan a cookie table. The entire setup will still be much cheaper than a lunch or dinner reception.
Brunch: Starting the day early allows you to leave faster for your honeymoon. A brunch reception is perfect for this and it's cheap too. Items can consist of favorites like eggs benedict and cinnamon rolls, muffins, fresh fruit and meat choices such as ham, roast beef and bacon. Coffee is, of course, a must and you can include alcoholic faves like champagne and cocktails. Don't forget the cake!
Brunch is a better idea than breakfast because it starts towards noon. If you must have a breakfast reception, be prepared for a smaller turnout especially if most guests live far away.
High tea: Break away from the norm by having a high tea reception complete with steak and kidney pie, scones, sliced fruit, small sandwiches, jam tarts, a couple of tea varieties and, of course, the wedding cake. Include champagne for toasts.
Like brunch, high tea is a great idea for saving money while giving guests a hearty meal. It's also a little unexpected because most receptions are typically lunch or dinner.
For larger budgets
Cocktail: A cocktail reception is classy and easy to organize. There's no extensive food menu to plan, just light items that go with drinks. A full bar or a specific selection can be chosen.
Bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, crudite, truffle eggs and roulades are a few examples of food choices along with honey baked ham and seafood marinara. There are many other menus to choose from, these just give you an idea of the type of food served at cocktail receptions.
For the drinks, cocktails, wine, liquor, liqueur and beer will do. Signature concoctions can also be had.
Dinner: Dinner receptions are the most expensive but the best if done right. There's time for dancing, mingling and all the traditional wedding do's.
Since dinner receptions are held much after work when everyone's ready to unwind, there's no rush and even guests from out of town have time to attend. If you love tradition and a huge celebration, this is the one to go for.
Don't let a small budget prevent you from having the time of your life. As you can see, there are several ways of marking this happy occasion without going broke. For a more celebratory feel, choose a theme complete with dress code.
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