The menu is an important part of any wedding reception. You will want to choose foods that your guests will enjoy. Consider the tastes of your families and friends when selecting your options. Some popular reception dishes include salads, pasta dishes, roasted meats and seafood. Be sure to have at least one vegetarian option for guests with dietary restrictions.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your hors d’oeuvres. Bite-sized foods keep your guests satisfied during cocktail hour. Bruschetta, mini quiches and stuffed mushrooms offer flavor and visual appeal. For a unique twist, you may feature seasonal or locally-sourced ingredients in your passed appetizers.
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Seating Arrangements
Develop a tentative seating chart well in advance of the big day. You will need to determine how many seats per table based on guest count and venue space. Group friends and relatives at tables to encourage conversation and comfort. Consider personalities and dynamics when mixing older and younger attendees.
Leave one seat open at each table for latecomers to join smoothly. Label place cards neatly in advance or have staff direct guests once the reception begins. Be strategic placing more talkative groups near the dance floor for post-dinner mingling. Refer to your ”wedding checklist” to ensure no important seating task remains incomplete.
Managing Timelines
Work backwards from your reception end time to create a schedule. Allot sufficient periods for dining, toasts and dancing to ensure guest satisfaction. Most receptions last 4-5 hours maximum with events flowing smoothly. Adjust estimated timing as needed once final vendor contracts arrive.
Brief your day-of coordinator and vendors on schedules in advance. Food should be served around the same time photos conclude. Schedule first dances and parent dances before main courses arrive. Make ample time for dessert and additional dancing afterward. Test timelines yourself to predict any timing tweaks needed.
With careful menu selection, seating arrangements and timeline preparation, you can plan a reception guests will long remember. Focusing on these core details early helps create a seamless celebration for you and your loved ones.
Genevie Keaney is an experienced fashion blogger. She has been blogging for nearly 10 years, and her blog posts are often featured in major publications. Her blog posts cover everything from the latest trends to tips on how to wear certain pieces of clothing. Theresa’s favorite style icons include Audrey Hepburn and Michelle Obama, who she cites as having great style.
