Help your clients create a memorable wedding reception. Here are seven different wedding reception food styles to get your client's creative juices flowing for planning what will probably be the biggest party they will ever throw!

1. BREAKFAST BRUNCH For the low-key couple, this wonderful morning feast follows a 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. wedding ceremony.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

• Bagels and croissants with a selection of marmalades and jams
• Fresh fruit
• Pancakes or waffles
• Specialty sausages, Canadian bacon and smoked salmon
• A chef making custom omelets or crepes, where guests select their fillings
• Mimosas and Bloody Marys are natural beverage selections.

The Good News: This is an inexpensive option and makes for an intimate gathering. Because this is an early event it still leaves plenty of time for the bride and groom to leave for their honeymoon.

Keep in Mind: Such an early celebration eliminates dancing and may even be too early for late-sleeping guests to attend.

2. LUNCHEON Quality and simplicity describe this reception option which provides more substantial cuisine following a late morning or high noon ceremony. This lunchtime gathering usually takes place between 12 noon and 2 p.m.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

• Variety of salads
• Pasta dishes
• Cold salmon and chicken
• Light drinks and lemonade

The Good News: A luncheon is still less expensive than dinner and makes for a fabulous outdoor reception.

Keep in Mind: Not quite appropriate for dancing.

3. AFTERNOON TEA This is a delightful and affordable reception held between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (usually doesn't start after 3:30 p.m.). An afternoon tea reception is perfect for die hard romantics who like to do things a little differently.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

• Finger sandwiches with crusts removed (dainties)
• Fresh fruit
• Scones and cream
• Wedding cake (of course!)
• Cupcakes (instead of the wedding cake if you want!)
• A wide variety of teas and champagne punch

The Good News: A great opportunity for creativity. This also works well for couples with a large guest list and a small budget.

Keep in Mind: Although this is a delightful event, this type of wedding reception doesn't provide a full meal for wedding guests and because it is typically a shorter reception, dancing is unlikely.

4. DESSERT-ONLY For the late-night partying duo, this "sweet" late evening alternative may be the answer starting sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

• Wedding Cake
• An extensive assortment of rich desserts
• Chocolate fountain with accompanying fruits
• Candy buffet(a personal favorite!)
• Champagne and specialty coffee
• A cappuccino and espresso bar

The Good News: This option is sophisticated and inexpensive.

Keep in Mind: This party doesn't provide a real meal for guests and because of the sweet menu, there are no provisions for diabetics. Be sure to specify on the invitation that this is a 'dessert reception' and not a dinner.

5. DINNER: BUFFET For the casual bridal couple who prefer a fun and relaxing reception, having wedding guests serve themselves from a variety of food offerings is a great option for wedding reception food.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

• A variety of dishes that allow guests to pick and choose to create a great meal, attractively set out on long tables.

• Both meat and vegetarian entrees

• Plenty of side dishes; a selection of vegetables and salads

The Good News: The very nature of a buffet offers something for everyone.

Keep in Mind: Contrary to popular belief, a buffet is not necessarily cheaper than a sit-down meal. Because of the time guests could spend waiting in line for food, this is not the most elegant option.

6. DINNER: SIT-DOWN Elegant traditionalists will welcome the opportunity to have waiters serve their guests food.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

One, two or three entree selections with an appetizer, salad or soup, side dishes and dessert.

The Good News:

• The couple gets to determine each menu item.

• Because everyone eats at the same time, this is a much more elegant option.

• Since people tend to finish their meals more quickly, an event like this allows for more time on the dance floor and a great party.

Keep in Mind: This party isn't cheap and wedding guests will have a limited selection of food.

7. DINNER: FOOD STATIONS For the adventurous couple, this eating fantasy made up of buffet tables scattered around the reception area, each with a different specialty of food, is a delight.

Wedding Reception Food ideas:

The couple gets to try all their favorites - seafood, pasta, roast beef...the possibilities are endless! To add to the adventure, why not suggest adding a chef serving wontons from a wok or an iceboat filled with shrimp or crab legs?

The Good News: The style of this reception provides a lot of fun and variety for wedding guests to sample foods from each station. This is a great opportunity for you to display your creative wedding planning creativity with the menu and decor. One thing's for sure--wedding guests will rave about this party for years to come!

Keep in Mind: This is the most expensive option of all!

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By Debbie Tobias

Wedding planning expert Debbie Tobias publishes 'Weddings For A Living', a bi-monthly ezine for wedding planners who want to catapult their startup or small wedding business to success. If you're looking for creative tips and marketing ideas to successfully grow your wedding planning business, get your FREE tips now at http://www.WeddingsForALiving.com

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