Reception Food Ideas

Wedding is the most wonderful time of your life. You have always dreamed of this day right from childhood times, and have envisioned a perfect wedding reception with all your friends and family around you to spend this most important day of your life. And finally the day has come! The party element of the wedding, as the reception is known as, has to be perfectly planned. The decision of the reception food plays an important role in making the event a hit.

Food Ideas for a Wedding Reception
With so many alternative reception food ideas, it may not be an easy task to narrow down the choices. There are many things to be considered before coming up with the reception menu. The most important factor in deciding the menu is the budget. Reception foods do not have to be expensive. It ultimately depends on your guest list. The more the guests, the more money you will have to spend on the food. So plan your guest list keeping your budget in mind.

Next comes the venue and the time of the reception. Not all wedding receptions take place at dinner time. There can be different types of receptions like breakfast or brunch receptions, lunch reception, an afternoon tea or a champagne and cake reception. So choose the menu accordingly. Those who want to save their money, can go for breakfast or early lunch receptions, as they cost less.

Main Course
Reception menus don't have to be seven course catered meals. You could simply go for spaghetti, or even sandwiches and salads. Chinese food serves the best for receptions and is enjoyed by many. Here are some food ideas:

• Spaghetti with meatballs
• Chicken fried rice
• Crispy roast chicken
• Kung pao Chicken
• Fried noodles with shredded pork
• Steak kebabs
• Roast beef
• Sausages

Finger Foods
Finger foods are the best to keep the guests happy. Have a variety of finger foods, that your guests would love to chomp on.

• Fried mushrooms with chili dip
• Smoked salmon
• Chicken wings
• Steamed spring rolls
• Vegetable rolls
• Deviled eggs
• Sushi

Side Dishes
You can have a variety of side dishes along with the main course. These are simple and easy to prepare and serve as a delicious treat.

• Baked beans
• Creamed corn
• Seafood medley
• Sweet potato Pie
• Pasta salads
• Steamed or marinated vegetables
• Rosemary new potatoes

Salads
Different varieties of salads can be served to complete the meal. Here are a few examples:

• Caesar salad
• Shrimp salad
• Lettuce and tomato
• Boneless chicken salad
• Tossed green vegetable salad

Breakfast Buffet
At breakfast reception, guests will not be in a mood to have heavy meals with pork or fish. You could try these easy food ideas:

• Eggs Benedict
• French toast
• Croissants
• Danish pastries
• Scrambled eggs
• Breakfast potatoes

Desserts
Desserts can be the best part of the wedding reception menu. You could also think of setting up a candy bar at wedding receptions. Here are some desserts you could choose from:

• Cream cheesecake
• Pancakes
• Puddings
• Fruit pie
• Pastries
• Sheet cakes
• Cookies
• Strawberries with whipped cream

These were some food ideas that may help you finalize the reception menu. Hope you like them! Get ready for a memorable wedding reception!