Step 1
Determine the time of day of your reception. Morning weddings, for instance, call for breakfast or brunch; evenings can vary from cocktail buffets to elegant sit-down dinners.
Step2
Consider the length of the reception - brunches are considerably shorter than a sit-down dinner and won't provide as much sustenance if you'd like the celebration to continue well into the evening.
Step3
Take into account the reception site - will that rented recreation hall be large enough to set up food stations?
Step4
Set a budget for the meal. Keep in mind that average costs per person are $80 to $100 for dinner, $75 for brunch or lunch, $60 for cocktails, $50 for tea and $12 for dessert only.
Step5
Consider the atmosphere you want to create - choose a meal that will best reflect your personality as a couple. A cocktail reception provides enough elegance for a large, formal crowd; hors d'oeuvre, buffet and food stations will get the guests to get up and mingle. Or how about an ethnic meal to please the palate?
Step6
Consult your wedding planner, on-site caterer or location staff for advice and to ask about any restrictions that exist at the site.
Step7
Finalize your guest list. Knowing the head count will help you and the caterer make decisions regarding the extent of the menu.
