Tips on planning your wedding reception
If you have conceptualized the time and style of your wedding, and considered the number of guests and size of your budget, you probably have a good idea of the type of wedding reception that will suit your needs and desired. Listed below are the various types of wedding receptions.
Morning
A breakfast or brunch wedding reception is nice following a morning wedding ceremony at 9 or 10 a.m. This may be served buffet style, or guests may be seated at specified tables. If you choose buffet style, an assortment of fresh fruit, croissants, rolls and quiches, with a variety of cold cuts and cheeses are nice. Hot coffee, tea and fresh fruit juice should be served. With sit-down breakfast you may want to start with fresh juice and fruit, then serve an omelet or Eggs Benedict with toast or rolls for the entree. Hot coffee and tea are a must. Pastries or a wedding cake would be served. Serving alcoholic beverages is optional, but may include champagne, champagne punch, wine, screwdrivers or Bloody Marys.
Luncheon
These are similar to brunch wedding receptions and may be either sit-down or buffet style. They generally follow a late morning or high noon ceremony and are served between 12 and 2 p.m. Buffet luncheons may include a variety of salads, such as; potato, fruit, chicken, pasta or vegetables with dip. Poached salmon and shrimp are popular, but expensive. Sandwiches, cold cuts, and cheeses are often served, and are relatively inexpensive. Your reception coordinator or caterer will have suggestions, according to your budget.
Sit-down luncheons may be started by serving champagne, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres while guests go through the receiving line. Once the guests are seated, a white wine may be served with soup or salad to start. Then boned breast of chicken, a chicken crepe or beef entrée with rice and vegetables is nice.
Serve coffee or tea with the wedding cake. Having espresso/cappuccino bar, or offering chocolate cups filled with cordials adds a nice touch.
Tea or cocktail
Tea receptions are generally held between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m., usually starting no later than 3:30 p.m. Coffee, tea or punch, both with and without champagne or wine, are generally served. Tea sandwiches or other finger food, along with wedding cake, are the basic requirement.
This type of wedding reception is the least expensive to have, and perfect when there is a large guest list and a small budget. If held in a home or garden, this type of reception will cut down on rentals. Cocktail wedding receptions are held between 4:00 and 7:30 p.m. If only cocktails are being served, with no dinner to follow, the wedding reception should start by 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. at the latest.
Usually champagne, wine punch or beer are served and in many cases there is an open bar, depending on the budget. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres may be passes or set out on buffet tables.
Dinner
A dinner wedding reception is usually started sometime between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. In many cases cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served in the first hour, with a sit-down or buffet dinner following. Such cocktail service will add to your expenses. (To keep expenses down, offer wine and beer rather than a full bar.) A cocktail hour of some kind gives people time to go through the receiving line and mingle with friends, especially when a sit-down dinner follows.
Sit-down
As mentioned before, and quite obviously, this is a party where 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 wedding 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. On the other hand some people feel the sit-down service tends to quiet a party down, and discourages people from mingling.
Buffet
A buffet wedding 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 buffet table is arranged with a variety of food and can be either round or oblong, with the food placed around the edge. It may also be rectangular with food served from behind one side, or with food displayed along both sides. 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 along line. For a larger number of guests have two buffet tables, one at each end of the room.
Food Station
Another idea which is unique and adds to the décor of the area, is what is called food stations. They are smaller buffet tables which are set up around the room, or in different areas of a garden. It is especially nice when each food station has a different theme and type of food. Decorate them with floral displays and unique serving pieces. They will not only look beautiful, but are a fun way for the guests to eat, and will increase the mingling of the guests. Try a beautiful display of cheeses with breads and fresh fruits displayed in baskets, or an ice-carved boat filled with jumbo shrimp and crab legs. Or you may add to this eating adventure a chef carving a roast, serving hot won tons from a wok, or a chicken crepe made right in front of the guests' eyes.
Music
Your music selection is another easy way to make your wedding reception truly unique. It creates an atmosphere, an ambiance. Nothing expresses your personality better than the choice you make in music. By selecting the music that suits both you and your spouse-to-be, you'll reflect your personalities, thereby personalizing your event!
The tone of your reception will be set by your choice in music. As a general rule, the music should start out soft and slow, as background to the beginning of your reception. The tempo can pick up after the meal has been served, cuing everyone to dance and mingle. Slowing down to music will signal the end of the festivities.
The challenge you will face is providing something for everyone, nothing too bland or boring, but enjoyable for everyone with a little of your taste and style thrown in. You may want to have a play list of all your favorite songs. These might include a mix of classical, jazz, big band, rock and roll, oldies, country and maybe even some swing (very popular today). Submit this list to your DJ or bandleader. Consult him or her for suggestions on songs and musical styles to please all your guests. Be sure to review this list with your DJ or bandleader to determine the timing of announcements like your entrance, the first dance, the cake cutting, and the throwing of your bouquet and garter.
Choosing the song for your first dance can sometimes be difficult. Consider consulting your fiancé or friends for ideas. You might browse music stores, ask shop personnel, or just listen to the radio until you find a tune that appeals to you. As a sentimental touch, ask your parents what their first dance song was and use it also!
Music is an important part of your wedding. Don't hesitate to let your personality shine thorough. Think of it as your very own musical "wallpaper", and enjoy!