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THE
RECEPTION
DINING STYLE
A
traditional wedding reception generally includes hors d’oeuvres, an appetizer,
the main course, and dessert. You may, however, opt to eliminate or replace any
or all of these steps in favor of something more reflective of your wedding
theme. Ultimately, the choices are yours, but a good caterer will guide you towards
a successful reception meal. Your caterer should assess your guest list and
reception location and determine whether or not a particular dish is feasible
under the circumstances. Keeping in mind the tastes of your friends and family,
here are some popular dining options to
help you plan a reception menu that will keep your guests on the dance floor,
not in line for the candy machine.
Seated
Service
At a
sit-down reception, the guests are served at the table. It usually, but not
always, has a more formal feeling, and most of the time is preceded by a
cocktail hour so the guests can mingle. A sit-down reception provides for more
organization. It is easier to get the guests' attention when the traditional
ceremonies, such as cutting the cake, are to begin.
Caterers
today are keenly aware of people's aversion to food that appears to be
mass-produced, so the goal is to have food that looks freshly made and
individually prepared. Make sure your desire for a beautifully presented meal
is communicated clearly to the caterer, and find out what opportunities are
available for a tasting.
Get a
timetable from the caterer that lists what courses are served and when this
will prevent the table being cleared too quickly and risking guests missing
courses. Make sure that the service is not rushed, you don't want to give the
guests the impression that they need to inhale their food. In addition to the
timetable, ask to see a pre-set table so that you can get a clear image of what
your guests will encounter when they arrive at the reception.
Buffet
A buffet
reception is one in which the guests serve themselves. They may choose to sit
at a table of their choice, or seats may be assigned. The way the tables are
arranged will be determined by the area available and the number of guests. Try
to avoid making the guests wait in a long line. For a larger number of guests
have two buffet tables, one at each end of the room.
If you're
planning a buffet, the most important question to ask when you're discussing
the menu is whether you will be charged per person or by the plate. A " per
plate"
charge means that you will pay each time a person is served. Also
find out if the serving portions on a buffet are fixed, or if you can have as
much of an item as you want.
Food
Stations
Spaced
throughout the reception area, these smaller serving areas offer choices
without requiring your guests to wait in a single, long, slow-moving line. And
the inclusion of carving stations and pasta bars make for a dining experience
that’s fun as well as tasty.
Food
stations can vary from the traditional, such as carved meats, side dishes and vegetables, to the more eclectic such as
sushi, crepes or stir-fry. Try a beautiful display of cheeses with breads and
fresh fruits displayed in baskets, or dessert stations that feature anything
from make-your-own sundaes, to imported chocolates, to an assortment of
cheesecakes. Feel free to be creative with your food choices, but keep in mind
that creativity can sometimes be expensive.
Depending
upon the food served and the number of stations, this form of service can
easily become as expensive as a sit-down meal, or possibly even more so. To
keep the cost down, ask for a price breakdown per menu item based on the number
of guests you expect. Don't forget to ask if the condiments, garnishes and
relishes are included in the per guest total or if they are extra.
Specialty Meals
If you
have guests with special dietary needs, give the caterer this information along
with their table number. Once again, make sure that this special request is
listed in your estimate and make note of exactly what special dish will be
served.
Cocktails
&
Hors d'oeuvres
Often
couples will choose to forego the customary route that includes a full meal.
This could range from not wanting a traditional reception to price
considerations to a desire to do something different. Whatever the reason, the
reception doesn't have to be any less memorable, but you will have to be
creative.
A great
way to save money is hosting a cocktail reception that focuses on serving light or heavy hor
d’oeuvres instead of a dinner buffet. The hor d’oeuvres can be served either
buffet-style or passed, or a combination of both. A cocktail reception also tends
to create a more relaxed setting and encourages mingling among your guests.
For this
type of reception, look at having it last from two to three hours. If the
reception will be longer than this, make sure your guests are well fed and
entertained.
Also, be
clear in your invitation that the reception will include cocktails and hors
d'oeuvres only. You don't want any guests making hasty exits in order to have a
"
real"
meal at nearby dining establishments.
From
Breakfast to Lunch
There is a
wide range of reception styles for those wed early in the day. Lunches are the
most popular of the daytime catering services. A daytime reception can be as
formal or informal as you like. Once again, the menu is up to you popular
items to serve for a tea reception include canapés, finger sandwiches, tea,
scones, pastries and a variety of cheeses. Breakfast and brunch menus can
feature french toast, mimosas, omelets, and smoked salmon or whatever appeals
to you.
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