A Tasteful Wedding Event

The place you hold your wedding breakfast, dinner or reception will depend on a number of factors, from what kind of event it is, to how many people you want to invite, to how much money you want to spend. You should consider all your options and pick a setting and a scale for your event that is most appropriate for you. Some people choose to have fewer guests and a more expensive offering; others want to share their celebration with everyone and a slice of cake will do.

Where you decide to hold your event will have an impact on the food you decide to serve. Will it be indoors or out? Will you be eating at a reception center, church, or historic building, at a poolside, golf course, or mountain retreat? Does your setting lend itself to cold or hot food, to food that can be prepared in advance, to catered food, to a buffet or sit-down meal?

If, for example you choose a traditional wedding at a reception center, you might serve tiny ham sandwiches with fresh vegetables and dip. For the most formal occasion, a large-scale buffet with several meats, breads, vegetable dishes, salads, and a variety of desserts might be served. An outdoor reception might lend itself to fruit kabobs, cookies, and clever sandwich wraps.

The style of your wedding will also determine in large part what you serve. For example, your food choices will be much different if you have an elegant black-tie affair than if you choose a backyard reception or a gathering at the beach. A Hawaiian-themed wedding has obvious menu choice, as does your family barbeque. If you want dinner at your favorite Italian restaurant you will be inviting fewer people than if you rent a reception center. If you decide you want a formal dinner the night before the wedding, you should do that instead of a wedding brunch after the ceremony - don't do both. Think through your options and choose the setting, scale, and style for your wedding celebration that appeals to you.

If you are having your wedding at a reception center, their staff will assist you in deciding on the menu you will serve, whether it is for a breakfast, luncheon, dinner, or reception. Check with your reception center regarding the food at the time of booking. You will need to discuss prices, menus, and the number of guests you will be serving. Most often reception centers will provide the food themselves (usually at an additional cost to renting the facility) or have a list of preferred caterers. Most reception centers will not allow you to bring in your own food.

There are few people who have an unlimited amount of money to spend on their wedding. Recognizing the realities of your budget is important as you plan your events. But remember that you need not have a great deal of money to have good taste. You can make wise choices for your food on both a large and a small budget. French vanilla ice cream with a few fresh boysenberries can fit the mood of your wedding as nicely as a grand buffet with shrimp and prime rib. After deciding on the style of wedding you want and the guest list, you can make a tasteful menu on almost any budget.