Planning food for a wedding reception

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According to historical records, the wedding reception, or feast that follows a marriage ceremony, dates back at least to ancient Rome. During the Elizabethan era, 1558-1603, the wedding banquet offered up the finest foods, ale and wines the host could provide.The whole town celebrated the marriage and then, as now, great care was given to the planning of the meal, which often featured the exotic piece de resistance, peacock, adorned and served with its colorful feathers.

Instructions

1. Plan Ahead

   • 1

     Plan a budget that fits your means, and stay within its limits. All weddings, from low-budget to the extravagant, need a budget to help guide your decisions.

   • 2

     Choose the time of day for the wedding and reception. For a morning wedding consider a buffet brunch, while an afternoon ceremony and reception may lend the occasion to lighter fare such as an assortment of finger food and wedding cake. For a more formal evening wedding, plan on a sit-down dinner with several main dish options or a lavish buffet.

   • 3

     Choose a theme for your reception and plan the food around it. For example, if your wedding is on a mid-summer afternoon, consider a Shakespearean-style garden reception with fresh fruits and dips, light sandwiches, cake and refreshing drinks. Set up canopies or tents for shelter from heat or rain. A formal wedding fit for a princess may have an opulent fairy-tale theme that includes appetizers, several choices of meats, starches, salads, rolls, a variety of pastries and a beautiful wedding cake.

   • 4

     Consider the dietary restrictions of guests. If your grandmother cannot eat roast beef, make sure you have something she can enjoy. You may want to include an insert of the menu with the invitation, or mention whether there will be a finger food and cake reception or a full dinner. If children will be present, plan ahead for kid-friendly choices.

Tips &- Warnings

• When planning your food, include some of your favorite dishes while remembering to put something for everyone on your menu. Include healthy choices such as fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat items.

• Ask the caterer about servers, gratuities, and any extra fees for dinner and glassware. Check on the cake-cutting fee.

• If you are doing the catering, carefully use a list and walk through every possible step, from setup to tear-down. You don't want any unexpected and unpleasant surprises on your big day.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding reception, food wedding, finger food, food wedding reception, fresh fruits