Simple Wedding Reception Menus

At times, it is not easy to cut down the number of guests to be invited to your wedding reception. Perhaps it would not be wise if family members, close friends, colleagues and neighbors are not invited to the party. Compromising on the 'guests list', might end up hurting your near and dear ones' feelings. So, why not plan for simple wedding reception menus and enjoy the day without any hard feelings! Here are some tips to save those extra bucks in your wallet!

Does Time of the Reception Matter?
Planning the reception menus according to the time of the day is also a smart way of arranging a simple wedding reception. As an obvious fact, a reception held in the morning would comprise of breakfast or tea. An afternoon reception would include lunch or cocktail hour. The earlier part of the day, that is, the morning and the afternoon are the ideal times when you can save a lot on the cost of the food items and present a casual and low-key menu. Going for a brunch reception is also not a bad idea. Here, fruit, bread, muffins, mimosas and other breakfast foods can give a well-finished look to the reception menu.

Evening is one such time, which does not have any specific course of food. It may include just about anything; appetizers, snacks, main meal, dessert and drinks. That's why, receptions during evenings are usually more expensive. Particularly, the alcoholic drinks that are usually served during evenings, makes the reception a costly affair. So, always plan for the perfect time which would meet your budget expectations.

Just Desserts!
Apart from deciding on the time for your wedding reception, you can also do some extra savings by limiting the amount of food to be served. Dessert reception is considered as the most inexpensive reception food. Instead of following the typical course of meal, try serving your guests with a variety of delicious tummy-filling desserts. This can be a great treat for those who have cravings for the 'sweet stuff'.

Afternoon Tea with Cheese and Biscuits!
Invite your guests to an afternoon tea, and offer more than one variety of cheese, biscuits, bread and grapes to choose from. You can also treat your guests with sandwiches and scones. If you have a garden or a backyard lawn, then no other place can be an ideal reception venue.

Choose the Indian Way!
Certain Indian meals are not only delicious but cost-effective as well. Speak to any local restaurant which offers Indian dishes. You can invite your guests for lunch and serve them with two kinds of non-veg dishes, one vegetable dish, rice and naan bread. There are variety of other Indian dishes which you can include in your reception menu.

Reception in Warmer Months Calls for A Barbecue!
If you and your spouse are planning your reception in the warmer months of the year, then what could be better than throwing a barbecue party for your guests. Barbeques in summer are a favorite simple wedding reception menus among both the non-vegetarians and the vegetarians. The price would cover the salads, bread, meat, BBQ and the chef. And, it would be simply great, if you can take on the BBQ as the chef!

Reception at a Hotel
If you want to arrange for the reception in a hotel, you can do some cost cutting out here as well. According to your budget, you can decide upon the kinds of meals to be catered to your guests. To start with, you can decide on appetizers comprising of bean salad, asparagus, fruit and cheese platters, stuffed mushrooms and sea food, and serve them on pretty trays. Now, the main course of the meal can include chicken dish, pasta, wild rice, glazed carrots, and steamed vegetables. Lamb and pork dish are pretty expensive. And instead of the usual hotel dessert, your wedding cake can be a great alternative dessert for the reception.

The most expensive and important aspect of any wedding reception is food and drink. For some couples, who are at the initial stage of their new married life, the wedding reception menu becomes an important concern for their budget. Plan for such simple wedding reception menus, which would not only add to the delight of your guests but also lighten your concern about the cost. Have your special day in your own special way!