Wedding Reception Food

by Debbie
(FallRiver M.A)

We are not having a catered wedding. There will be sandwich platters, fruit and veggie, cheese and cracker platters. baked ziti, salad, meatballs and more appetizers. Some of the food will be made by myself or a friend or family member, other food will be ordered. My question is what do i call the food set up on the wedding invitation?

Our Thoughts

It sounds like you will have plenty of food at your wedding reception. The simple answer is that it really doesn't matter where the food is coming from or who is serving it.

Simply state on your invitation that "the reception will follow.." or "reception following the ceremony at...".

There is no need to explain where the food is coming from. The important thing is that you are serving food, so don't worry about it!

To Your Wedding!
Danielle & Stephen

Wedding Reception Food Planning

by Heather G
(Shiloh , IL)

We are serving sandwiches at our wedding reception. What kind of meat should I have and how much should I get?

I plan on having 100 to 150 guests at the wedding.

Our Thoughts

It is always a good idea to offer a variety of food at your wedding reception. You may also want to consider those guests that might have dietary restrictions or those that choose to be vegetarians.

In addition to the number of guests, you will also want to think about what other side items you will be serving in addition to sandwiches.

To get the best deal possible, contact two or three caterers, delis or supermarkets to get price quotes. Since you are having a sizable guest list, you should be able to negotiate a good price for all of your reception food, and they will easily be able to tell you the amount you should order.

To Your Wedding!
Danielle & Stephen

Wedding Reception Food Question

by Jeannie
(USA)

We are invited to a wedding reception from 1 pm to 5 pm. Are we to eat before we go?





Our Thoughts

That does seem like a somewhat odd time to have a wedding event, beginning just after lunch and ending right before dinner. My thoughts are that the wedding will be treated either as an elegant late lunch/brunch event or possibly a cocktail/hors d'oeuvres wedding event.

If there was a response card sent with the wedding invitation, I would very much assume that there will be some type of food at the event since they are looking for a head count. If there was nothing in the invitation to suggest a meal, the best policy is to be honest and ask the bridal couple or their parents if there will be food served at the event.

It is not a question to scoff at since you are attending the event, giving of your time and hopefully a gift as well and need to plan your day, especially if you have kids in tow.

This way if there truly is no meal planned for the wedding, you can search out local restaurants and either go to one for lunch prior or make reservations for dinner after the conclusion of the event.

Regards,
Danielle

Wedding Reception Meal Question

by sky
(boydsky@sbcglobal.net)

Is cake and dessert, tea and coffee acceptable at the wedding reception? We are having a
2pm wedding with reception to follow.

Is this still in good taste without the expense of a buffet or sit down meal?

Our Thoughts

The greatest thing about a wedding is that it is your event and you can host however you choose. If your budget is tight, which honestly in today's economy is understandable, then have an intimate small dessert wedding reception after your ceremony instead of an expensive dinner reception.

I have always said to my clients that in the end all the pomp and circumstance can disappear because the most important piece on your big day is that you are getting married. So enjoy the moment and delight in the cake because the most important thing will be when you both say "I Do" to one another.

Regards,
Danielle

Wedding Vendor Meals

Is it customary for the Photographer and DJ to eat at the wedding and who pays? Since we are paying for there services do we have to pay for a place setting for our wedding vendors?



Our Thoughts

Many wedding vendors will mention their meal requirements in the contract you sign with them, so your first step should be to review all of your vendor contracts.

In general, it is good wedding etiquette to provide meals for all of your wedding vendors (and their assistants) that will be working on the day of your wedding. Some of your vendors, like your photographer, will be with you for a very long time, and it is customary to provide a meal for him or her.

The meal you provide to your vendors, however, doesn’t have to be what you are serving at your wedding reception. Many reception spaces and caterers provide specific wedding vendor meals at a reduced cost.

Regards,
Danielle