One of the things that couples have to decide on when planning their reception is the wedding menu.  Food plays a major factor in many celebrations, weddings included.  Thinking about what to feed a considerable number of people poses some problems; you have to think about food allergies and doctor’s recommendations, particularly for older guests, and other dietary restrictions.  There’s also the time of day your reception is held.

The formality of your wedding also comes into play.  More formal weddings may call for sit-down meals and less-formal receptions may have buffet spreads.  If your reception is held at an odd time of the day that is not close to any real mealtime, perhaps you can get away with serving finger food to your guests.  You can actually talk these options with your wedding caterer and they’ll be glad to work with you on the food choices especially if you are on a budget.

There’s a lot of tasting to be done when planning a wedding menu, and it’s very difficult to narrow down your choices especially if everything tastes good.  You can try to simplify it down by choosing one meat dish, one fish/poultry dish, and one vegetable dish.  Of course, “one” could also mean “several.”  It really depends on the number of guests you have and what you think will be the best for everyone.  You could also try to serve some appetizers before the main meal so your guests won’t be dying of hunger.  Choose from many different finger foods such as finger sandwiches, mini hamburgers, cocktail sausages, canapés, crab cakes, vegetable sticks with dip, that sort.

As for drinks, wine and champagne are customary but you don’t have to shell out big bucks in order to provide for your guests.  Some guests may also not like alcohol, so provide soda, juices, and water for them.  For dessert, tradition dictates that guests partake on the wedding cake, but you could also provide some other desserts for your guests to choose from like cupcakes, fruit fondue, truffles, chocolate, and mini cake bites.