Four Fun Reception Meal Service Options

When planning any event, it’s hard to decide what type of meal you want to have. Even more difficult is deciding how you would like that food served at your reception meal. We hope this clarifies some of the in’s and out’s of serving options so you can choose the one that works best.

Although there are traditional ways to serve your guests, there are also a lot of ways to add in fun, personality and functionality. Many wedding catering will tell you that you no longer need to feel obligated to have a 4-5 hour long reception meal and instead opt for something more simple and personal. Just so you know all of your options, here are the most popular service ideas when it comes to getting guests fed.

Four Fun Reception Meal Service Options

The Traditional Buffet

When it comes to a buffet, one simple reason to make this choice for your reception meal is that you can serve several entrées. If you are hosting a brunch, a buffet is nice because you can have selections of muffins and fruit which allows guests to select their favorites for example. It also allows you to have multiple main dishes which for many brides is important for meeting the needs of their friends and family’s many likes.

A buffet allows for freedom of choice which many people like but it also can be problematic. if you have 100 guests or more, a buffet might create long lines so this is something you’ll want to take into consideration. You’ll also want to know how long the food will be sitting out and if there will be staff to help direct and assist guests.

Cocktail Parties and Hors d’oeuvres

If you want something more casual and simple at your reception meal, then a cocktail party is a great idea. The party will be well under 3 hours, the mood will be light and there will be focus on the fun. Even if it’s a wedding you don’t have to do all of the traditional things that one might do at a wedding reception. With a cocktail party you can have time for toasts, serve simple little desserts and then head out the door.

If you want a cocktail party then plan it for later in the evening. Remember 5pm start time says dinner, 8pm start time says light eats and make sure you have something before you arrive.

Sit-Down Dinners

If you are looking at hosting your reception meal at a club or ballroom with served wine paired with each course then a sit-down dinner is the way to go. You’ll have a team of people controlling the flow of the meal and guests will be able to relax and converse with people at their table.

Those that should avoid this type of meal service are couples that just want to get on to the party. Dinners take time and this time is spent eating, conversing and sitting down. You are also restricting guests to conversation with those that you choose to seat them with. So if you have a lively crowd that likes to mingle, sitting everyone down for an hour might bring down the mood.

Less Tradition Buffets for Dessert

Candy buffets, S’mores stations and even milk and cookie bars are a great way to offer light eats that guests can feel free to enjoy as they like. This is great for very casual events or as an addition to a longer celebration. Some guests are even packing wedding cakes to go rather than serving it at the wedding. Don’t be afraid to skew from traditional standards.

With so many choices, we know you’ll be able to select the right reception meal service for you!