Smart Start with Susan Southerland: 5 Alternative Reception Options

August 25, 2014 By Susan Southerland Leave a Comment

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Photo credit: Linczak Photography     When most people think of wedding receptions, they think of formal, sit-down dinners. It might be plated or a buffet, but tradition leans to evening celebrations laden with food and cocktails. A sit-down dinner can be pricey though, and not every couple has a budget to accommodate it. In fact, some couples today who can afford it are shying away from such formal affairs.


There is much to be said about being economical and/or eschewing tradition when it comes to wedding planning, and food and beverage is no exception. Today I’d like to share some reception options that could offer you more bang for your buck without sacrificing sophistication, originality, or style.


1. A brunch or lunch reception. Generally speaking, having a reception at an earlier time of day can save you a bundle…sometimes as much as half of what you might spend on a dinner reception. Food offerings tend to be less expensive and lighter, and as an added budget-saver, fewer people drink alcohol at early events. Garden and vintage themes are perfectly suited for this type of reception.


2. A cocktail reception. Have you ever been to a reception and had so much to eat during the cocktail hour that you didn’t have room for dinner? It’s a common enough occurrence, so why not design an elegant reception menu that offers hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and cake or mini-desserts? You can even offer champagne or a signature cocktail to carry your theme throughout the event.


3. A tea reception. Another option is timing your wedding so you can serve afternoon tea at your reception. Offer tea sandwiches, biscuits or cookies, scones and jam, and petits fours placed on classic tiered cake stands. At each table, present an assortment of teas, possibly gifting each guest with a small teapot they can use and then take home as a favor. For those guests who’d like something stronger to drink, perhaps offer more sophisticated liquors like brandy, sherry, whiskey, or scotch.


4. A tapas style reception. Tapas style food is served in what is considered “tasting sized” portions. Sort of like appetizers, tapas can be served hot or cold, and if set in stations, it’s a great way to encourage guests to get up and mingle. Carefully consider the foods you choose to serve, however, to keep within your budget.


5. A dessert reception. Here in Central Florida, many brides choose to have dessert receptions, especially during the nighttime fireworks at Walt Disney World. A dessert reception can be a cost-effective and chic alternative to a sit-down dinner. Just be sure you leave your guests time to eat a meal before the reception begins!