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gayweddingessentialsİ2008
Wedding Reception Foods Ideas
Food can take a huge chunk out of your wedding budget. It's often difficult to figure out what's acceptable as it is an area in which expert's (etiquette or otherwise) opinions vary widely. It can also be difficult to choose what type of food to serve at your reception...especially when you consider all of the different varieties of food available to you.
If you are having your reception at a venue that offers food service as part of the package, choose your menu wisely. While you may dream of a steak and lobster meal at your reception, this will be quite expensive and is not really viable when throwing a wedding on a budget.
Food can take a huge chunk out of your wedding budget. It's often difficult to figure out what's acceptable as it is an area in which expert's (etiquette or otherwise) opinions vary widely. It can also be difficult to choose what type of food to serve at your reception...especially when you consider all of the different varieties of food available to you.
If you are having your reception at a venue that offers food service as part of the package, choose your menu wisely. While you may dream of a steak and lobster meal at your reception, this will be quite expensive and is not really viable when throwing a wedding on a budget.
Consider having hors d'oeuvre s if your reception hall will be catering. Almost always, these will be cheaper than a sit down meal, and guests can enjoy them just as much.
Awesome Appetizers
If you want to save money on your reception costs, consider having an "appetizers only" reception. You can serve a mix of hot and cold hors d´oeuvres. Be careful how many you choose, too many appetizers can get expensive. Also make sure it is clear on the invitation the type of reception you are having. You don´t want your guest expecting a full meal.
For great appetizer recipes click here
Mix it Up
Want to have your guests mingling more than they do at buffets or waiter-served weddings? Try having different food stations set up around the room: pasta, Mexican, sushi and stir-fry are just some of the many suggestions
Click here for wedding finger food reception
Want to have your guests mingling more than they do at buffets or waiter-served weddings? Try having different food stations set up around the room: pasta, Mexican, sushi and stir-fry are just some of the many suggestions
Click here for wedding finger food reception
Wedding Cake Styles
Most wedding cake styles consist of tiers, largest on the bottom with smaller on top. Some tiers are separated by pillars with things like colored fountains or figurines in the center of the pillars.
Cakes can be shaped into round, ovals, or squares.They can be decorated with flowers, icing flowers, ribbons, or candles. You can even use cupcakes stacked in the shape of a tiered wedding cake, or your favorite donuts. The choice is yours! For the best ever wedding cake recipe click here
Most wedding cake styles consist of tiers, largest on the bottom with smaller on top. Some tiers are separated by pillars with things like colored fountains or figurines in the center of the pillars.
Cakes can be shaped into round, ovals, or squares.They can be decorated with flowers, icing flowers, ribbons, or candles. You can even use cupcakes stacked in the shape of a tiered wedding cake, or your favorite donuts. The choice is yours! For the best ever wedding cake recipe click here
Enough Alcohol
If you´re having alcohol for your wedding reception, it´s recommended that you purchase approximately 1/3 more alcohol then you think you´ll use. Be sure to purchase from a distributor that will let you return unopened bottles, and inform your caterer of this.
If your wedding and reception are both happening in the same offbeat, off track or non-restaurant type of location, consider having a very limited bar or soft drink setup available when people arrive for the wedding. They will most likely be thirsty and having that extra little touch is very welcoming. This can be as simple as an urns of coffee and tea, or a simple selection of punch and sparkling water.
If you´re having alcohol for your wedding reception, it´s recommended that you purchase approximately 1/3 more alcohol then you think you´ll use. Be sure to purchase from a distributor that will let you return unopened bottles, and inform your caterer of this.
If your wedding and reception are both happening in the same offbeat, off track or non-restaurant type of location, consider having a very limited bar or soft drink setup available when people arrive for the wedding. They will most likely be thirsty and having that extra little touch is very welcoming. This can be as simple as an urns of coffee and tea, or a simple selection of punch and sparkling water.
Wedding Reception Foods Ideas, The Potluck Reception
( On less formal occasions, when a community gathers and includes a shared dinner, the organizer may invite participants to bring drinks, appetizers, main and side dishes, and even desserts. This is called a "potluck" dinner.)
Don't be shy to pursue this potluck reception idea. It is truly the traditional way to celebrate. And, it is truly the number one low budget wedding option.
Today's weddings are so commercialized. You will learn that caterers offer very limited menus to very limited budgets! Guests will likely be very pleased and welcome the idea of a potluck reception.
The potluck reception goes well with any wedding theme. If you are shy about approaching this option you can simply call it an "Old Time Traditional Wedding Celebration" The potluck dinner will suit this theme quite naturally and no-one will even question it!
You may even want to pick an "Old Time" theme for your decorating and favors. This will further incorporate the idea of an old time tradition theme. Why not try a 50's theme or a 20's theme. These are both popular old time themes.
Simply slip an added note with the invite, or on the invite, to give guests this option. For example the note might read...
~Our reception will be an "Old Time Traditional Celebration" with a potluck dinner.
____. Please check here if you would like to bring a dish for the reception in place of a wedding gift. Call with dish suggestions please.
Have them call to get or offer suggestions on a dish so you have control over the menu. No one is obligated to participate, but I'm sure you will be surprised at how many guests will opt for this.
You and your guests will be equally surprised at the great variety and quality of the dishes provided. Guests will want to bring only their best recipes to a grand occasion such as a wedding reception! For the best wedding reception foods ideas and recipes click here
( On less formal occasions, when a community gathers and includes a shared dinner, the organizer may invite participants to bring drinks, appetizers, main and side dishes, and even desserts. This is called a "potluck" dinner.)
Don't be shy to pursue this potluck reception idea. It is truly the traditional way to celebrate. And, it is truly the number one low budget wedding option.
Today's weddings are so commercialized. You will learn that caterers offer very limited menus to very limited budgets! Guests will likely be very pleased and welcome the idea of a potluck reception.
The potluck reception goes well with any wedding theme. If you are shy about approaching this option you can simply call it an "Old Time Traditional Wedding Celebration" The potluck dinner will suit this theme quite naturally and no-one will even question it!
You may even want to pick an "Old Time" theme for your decorating and favors. This will further incorporate the idea of an old time tradition theme. Why not try a 50's theme or a 20's theme. These are both popular old time themes.
Simply slip an added note with the invite, or on the invite, to give guests this option. For example the note might read...
~Our reception will be an "Old Time Traditional Celebration" with a potluck dinner.
____. Please check here if you would like to bring a dish for the reception in place of a wedding gift. Call with dish suggestions please.
Have them call to get or offer suggestions on a dish so you have control over the menu. No one is obligated to participate, but I'm sure you will be surprised at how many guests will opt for this.
You and your guests will be equally surprised at the great variety and quality of the dishes provided. Guests will want to bring only their best recipes to a grand occasion such as a wedding reception! For the best wedding reception foods ideas and recipes click here
Here are some descriptions of a few reception types in which a full meal is not served. All of these options are less expensive than a full meal (whether buffet style or sit-down) if you are willing to do most of the work yourself. All of these receptions are acceptable if you aren't holding the reception during meal-time.
Breakfast is often served around 8:00 a.m., Lunch at 12:00 p.m. and Dinner at 6:00 p.m., and these are the times in which a full meal is generally expected by guests. These times also vary depending on your area. You should hold your reception two hours before or after these times if not considering a full meal.
Cake and Punch Reception - The most common time of day that this type of reception is held is early afternoon (approximately 2:00 p.m.), but it can also occur in mid-morning (approximately 10:00 a.m.). A cake and punch reception generally consists of the wedding cake and refreshments. Refreshments can include: punch, coffee, tea, champagne, etc. You can also supplement the wedding cake with other types of cake in different flavors and textures.
Dessert Reception - This type of reception is one in which desserts are served. Desserts can include pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies, pastries, brownies, etc. Another option, which can be combined with a normal dessert reception if you'd like, is a sundae bar.
Hors D'ouevres Reception - There are actually two distinct types of hors d'ouevres receptions. The first is light hors d'ouerves and consists of a lighter fare than the second which is a heavy hors d'ouerves menu.
A light menu often includes items such as: crackers, vegetable platters with dip, fruit, cheese, etc. A heavy hors d'ouerves often includes these as well as items such as: meat and cheese trays, chicken fingers, egg rolls, etc.
These types of receptions are also (casually) called "finger-food receptions" in some areas. In order to save money on this type of reception, check your local grocery store deli for prices on "meat and cheese" trays as well as "vegetable" and "cracker and cheese" platters. Their prices are often very reasonable. Another option is to buy the ingredients yourself.
Salad Reception - This choice is becoming more popular and is a viable choice for vegetarians who don't want to serve a full meal. Items served can include: green (lettuce, spinach) salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, potato salads (lacto-ovo), coleslaw (lacto- ovo), etc.
A veggie bar (to supplement green salads) can be added as well and may have such choices as: chopped onions, carrots (baby or sliced), celery, broccoli, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, etc.
A salad dressing bar can be chosen as well and may include such choices as: vinegar and oil, Italian dressing, garlic and olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, etc. If you're a lacto-ovo vegetarian other dressing choices could include: bleu cheese, green goddess, ranch, French, etc. This type of reception is also inexpensive if you prepare most of the items yourself. For the best wedding finger food reception recipes click here
Breakfast is often served around 8:00 a.m., Lunch at 12:00 p.m. and Dinner at 6:00 p.m., and these are the times in which a full meal is generally expected by guests. These times also vary depending on your area. You should hold your reception two hours before or after these times if not considering a full meal.
Cake and Punch Reception - The most common time of day that this type of reception is held is early afternoon (approximately 2:00 p.m.), but it can also occur in mid-morning (approximately 10:00 a.m.). A cake and punch reception generally consists of the wedding cake and refreshments. Refreshments can include: punch, coffee, tea, champagne, etc. You can also supplement the wedding cake with other types of cake in different flavors and textures.
Dessert Reception - This type of reception is one in which desserts are served. Desserts can include pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies, pastries, brownies, etc. Another option, which can be combined with a normal dessert reception if you'd like, is a sundae bar.
Hors D'ouevres Reception - There are actually two distinct types of hors d'ouevres receptions. The first is light hors d'ouerves and consists of a lighter fare than the second which is a heavy hors d'ouerves menu.
A light menu often includes items such as: crackers, vegetable platters with dip, fruit, cheese, etc. A heavy hors d'ouerves often includes these as well as items such as: meat and cheese trays, chicken fingers, egg rolls, etc.
These types of receptions are also (casually) called "finger-food receptions" in some areas. In order to save money on this type of reception, check your local grocery store deli for prices on "meat and cheese" trays as well as "vegetable" and "cracker and cheese" platters. Their prices are often very reasonable. Another option is to buy the ingredients yourself.
Salad Reception - This choice is becoming more popular and is a viable choice for vegetarians who don't want to serve a full meal. Items served can include: green (lettuce, spinach) salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, potato salads (lacto-ovo), coleslaw (lacto- ovo), etc.
A veggie bar (to supplement green salads) can be added as well and may have such choices as: chopped onions, carrots (baby or sliced), celery, broccoli, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, etc.
A salad dressing bar can be chosen as well and may include such choices as: vinegar and oil, Italian dressing, garlic and olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, etc. If you're a lacto-ovo vegetarian other dressing choices could include: bleu cheese, green goddess, ranch, French, etc. This type of reception is also inexpensive if you prepare most of the items yourself. For the best wedding finger food reception recipes click here
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There are millions of recipes around which you have to search out for each course.
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Wedding Reception Foods Ideas and Reception Types