Quick summary
- In some cultures, it is customary to serve a full dinner at the wedding reception.
- A buffet is a great option for a large wedding because it allows your guests to choose what they want to eat.
- If you’re on a tight budget, there are a few ways to save money on your wedding reception dinner.
One of the most important aspects of any wedding reception is the food. After all, your guests have been celebrating with you all day, and they’re going to be hungry! So, does wedding reception include dinner?
The answer is: it depends.
In some cultures, it is customary to serve a full dinner at the wedding reception. This might include a salad, an entrée, and a dessert. In other cultures, it is more common to serve lighter fare, such as appetizers, cocktails, and snacks.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to serve dinner at your wedding reception is up to you and your partner. There are a few things to consider when making this decision, such as:
- Your budget: Serving a full dinner can be expensive, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget.
- The time of day of your wedding: If you’re having a daytime wedding, you might not want to serve a heavy meal. However, if you’re having an evening wedding, your guests will likely appreciate a full dinner.
- The formality of your wedding: A formal wedding typically calls for a full dinner, while a more casual wedding can get away with lighter fare.
- The number of guests you’re inviting: If you’re having a large wedding, you’ll need to make sure you have enough food to feed everyone.
Types of Wedding Reception Dinners
If you decide to serve dinner at your wedding reception, there are a few different types of meals you can choose from.
- Buffet: A buffet is a great option for a large wedding because it allows your guests to choose what they want to eat.
- Plated: A plated dinner is a more formal option where each guest is served their food individually.
- Family-style: A family-style dinner is a casual option where food is served in large platters that are passed around the table.
- Cocktail reception: A cocktail reception is a less formal option where guests can mingle and enjoy light snacks and drinks.
Wedding Reception Dinner Menu Ideas
Once you’ve decided on the type of dinner you want to serve, you can start planning your menu. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Appetizers:
- Mini quiches
- Bruschetta
- Shrimp cocktail
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetable crudités
- Entrees:
- Roasted chicken
- Grilled salmon
- Beef tenderloin
- Vegetarian lasagna
- Pasta primavera
- Side Dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Salad
- Bread rolls
- Desserts:
- Wedding cake
- Pie
- Ice cream
- Chocolate mousse
- Fruit tart
Wedding Reception Dinner Etiquette
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to wedding reception dinner etiquette.
- Be on time: It’s important to be on time for your wedding reception dinner. This shows respect for the bride and groom and their guests.
- Dress appropriately: The dress code for your wedding reception dinner will vary depending on the formality of the event. Be sure to check the invitation for details.
- Be polite: Be polite to the wait staff and other guests. This includes using good manners and being respectful of others’ opinions.
- Enjoy yourself: The most important thing is to enjoy yourself at the wedding reception dinner. This is a time to celebrate the bride and groom and their new life together.
How to Save Money on Wedding Reception Dinner
If you’re on a tight budget, there are a few ways to save money on your wedding reception dinner.
- Choose a less formal meal: A buffet or cocktail reception is typically less expensive than a plated dinner.
- Serve a smaller meal: You don’t have to serve a full meal at your wedding reception. You can serve lighter fare, such as appetizers, cocktails, and snacks.
- Get creative with your menu: There are many ways to get creative with your wedding reception dinner menu. You can use seasonal ingredients, cook dishes yourself, or find a caterer who offers affordable options.
- Shop around: Get quotes from several different caterers before making a decision. This will help you find the best deal on your wedding reception dinner.
Alternatives to Wedding Reception Dinner
If you’re not sure if you want to serve dinner at your wedding reception, there are a few alternatives to consider.
- Dessert reception: A dessert reception is a great option if you want to serve something sweet without having a full meal.
- Cocktail reception: A cocktail reception is a less formal option where guests can mingle and enjoy light snacks and drinks.
- Brunch reception: A brunch reception is a great option for a daytime wedding. You can serve a variety of breakfast and lunch items, such as waffles, pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches.
- Food truck reception: A food truck reception is a fun and unique way to feed your guests. You can hire a variety of food trucks to serve different types of food, such as tacos, burgers, and pizza.
Wrapping Up: A Memorable Wedding Reception Dinner
No matter what you decide to serve at your wedding reception, make sure it’s something that you and your guests will enjoy. The most important thing is to have a memorable and enjoyable time celebrating your new life together.
FAQ
Q: What is the average cost of a wedding reception dinner?
A: The average cost of a wedding reception dinner varies depending on the number of guests, the type of meal, and the location of the wedding. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per person.
Q: What is the most popular type of wedding reception dinner?
A: The most popular type of wedding reception dinner is a buffet. Buffets are a great option for large weddings because they allow guests to choose what they want to eat.
Q: How can I save money on my wedding reception dinner?
A: There are a few ways to save money on your wedding reception dinner. You can choose a less formal meal, serve a smaller meal, get creative with your menu, and shop around for the best deal.
