Simple Wedding Reception Menus
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Make your special day just a little bit easier with a few simple wedding reception menus. These will take the stress out of the situation if you happen to be concerned about meal options, but just as importantly, they will delight your guests and be a delicious meal to share.
Make a Plan
It's a good idea to have a rough plan of the types of food you would love your guests to enjoy at the reception. In order to truly keep the menu simple, it can be helpful to narrow the menu idea down a bit. Consider these options:
- If the wedding involves the family's culture at all, consider traditional food from the country in question. This immediately narrows the cuisine down to a particular group and makes it easy to choose from a selection of appetizers and main courses.
- Forgo the temptation to go all out – sometimes the most memorable menus are those that stand out for being a little different. A plate of delicious comfort foods, for example, sets a warm, homey tone that instantly makes everyone feel just a little bit more comfortable. Of course, feel free to dress up the dishes a bit; for example, opt for an "elegant" macaroni and cheese dish, an especially decadent soup dressed up with sour cream and chives or platters of miniature quiche.
- Cocktail parties have become quite popular over the years, and for good reason. The menu is as versatile as one could possibly expect, and includes a little bit of everything over the course of the evening. Serving plenty of bite-size nosh in lieu of large portions of singular dishes is also a fun way to give everyone at the reception some variety – and plenty to talk about, too!
- An easygoing barbeque is a surprisingly fun choice for a reception menu. Of course, a caterer will add a bit of sophistication to the occasion and perhaps even bring a bit of formality to an otherwise casual menu.
Some Simple Wedding Reception Menus
These simple ideas can be a big hit at any wedding reception.
Appetizers
- Bean Salad: A bountiful blend of colorful beans with a smattering of feta cheese looks elegant and won't break the bank. Toss with a bit of olive oil and fennel for a summery treat.
- Fruit and Cheese Platters: Beautifully cut, in-season fruits paired with high-quality cheeses are a must for any reception. Consider adding dip or fondue for extra flair.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Feel free to exchange mushrooms for green peppers or any other vegetable of your choice. This is a delectable, slightly more substantial offering that looks chic in any setting.
Salad
- Mixed Greens: This is an essential and simple part of any menu. Offer a few dressings to add variety, and consider extra toppings, like apples or berries, blue cheese, dried fruit, and nuts.
- Fruit Salad: A fruit salad is refreshing and also makes a beautiful presentation. Consider adding a light yogurt topping, too.
- Chicken Salad: This is a delicious option that is perfect for a summer menu, or opt for grilled chicken added to a classic green salad.
Main Course
- Chicken: Try a lemon herb sauce or a mushroom glaze for a simple topping that will appeal to most palates, or opt for a combination of savory herbs and slow roasting.
- Pasta: Vegetable lasagna and tomato sauce on ziti are excellent choices suitable for the vegetarians on your guest list.
- Sides: Add a variety of easy side dishes to your entrees to round out the meal. Wild rice, stuffing, rosemary new potatoes, glazed carrots, steamed vegetables, and cold pasta salad are great additions. Don't forget some bread rolls and whipped butter, too!
Some Tips
In order to really plan smart and simple wedding reception menus, consider a few important points:
- What time is your reception going to be? If it's in the evening, you can opt for a more formal menu. During the day or late afternoon, however, you might want to edit the menu to make it more casual and low-key. You might even make it an appetizers-only menu (which is indeed quite simple).
- How many guests are attending? If it's not a gathering of hundreds, you might consider a buffet-style service. A nicely decorated table or two is simple and allows for a beautiful presentation.
No matter what time of day or how many guests you have attending, planning a simple menu for the reception in advance allows you to really enjoy the day. Rather than worrying about complicated or extravagant dishes, you can focus on what really matters about the day and the new life you and your beloved are beginning.
Learn More
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