Choosing Meals and Wines for Guests at a Wedding
Weddings, to many people, are considered one of the most important days of their life. From the placing of the diamond ring on the finger to the honeymoon getaway, every moment feels like magic. As any bride and groom will tell you, planning out everything from the flower centerpieces to the flower girl is important in making the wedding memorable for both the couple and guests for years to come. Of course, the meal to be served at the reception is not excused.
Time of the day
The first thing to consider is what time of the day to have the reception. Depending on what you choose, there are many options available. For instance, if morning is what you like, then breakfast or brunch is suitable. For evenings, anything from buffets to sophisticated dinners would suffice.
The advantages of holding the reception in the morning are evident. Not only is it generally the least expensive plan to go with, you can also serve traditional breakfast foods such as bagels, fruit, pancakes, muffins, juice, and so on. However, the atmosphere is typically more casual in behavior and dress, and guests will assume the reception will be short because of the early hours, so make a note of this. Only a light alcoholic drink selection, such as white wine, should be dispersed.
When it comes to a dinner reception, there is great potential for a classy, romantic feel. From a chocolate fountain to smoked salmon to caviar, the creative possibilities are endless. Refreshment options are open to rum, liquor, and many others. If something less fancy tickles your fancy, you can even serve something as simple as hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. The atmosphere is also more upbeat and guests are more willing to dance and mingle, something to also keep in mind.
Nevertheless, the time of day does not matter much if you cannot make it match your wedding theme. As an example, if you are having a Renaissance-style wedding, serving bagels would not be very befitting. It is also crucial to recognize the schedule of the venue the reception is to be held at. Be aware of their hours of operation, and if taking advantage of any available cooking staff there, what they would be able to prepare and when. Some businesses are closed in the morning, making a breakfast reception difficult. If using outside help, make sure they have room to set up their stations. Set up a meeting with personnel to discuss any restrictions.
How many People
Know the head count of how many people will be there, as well as the dynamics. How much food will you need available? Will there be a lot of elderly and children guests present? Taking this into consideration will assist in how to determine whether the meal will be sit-down or self-serving, as well as any special needs dishes that may need to be at hand.
Budget
Finally, be cautious with your food budget. Set an absolute, unbreakable limit that won't break you at the bank. Whether you're pinching pennies or going crazy, any choice you make will be a good one. With the right care and thought, there can be something for every guest to enjoy.
