PL ANNING
cake and champagne Cake-and-champagne receptions can take place anywhere from a gorgeous backyard to a chic restaurant or sophisticated loft. In addition to bubbly and cake, consider a dessert spread. THE PROS
• • • •
I t’s the most economical and easiest way to go. It’s appropriate at any hour of the day. You’ll have less to prepare and coordinate. It’s great for second marriages or to keep the celebration low-key.
THE CONS
• T here’s less pomp and circumstance, so you’ll be disappointed if you want everyone to make a fuss over you for hours. • Guests may leave hungry (list “dessert reception” on the invites).
midnight snacks
dinner The most popular wedding meal is, of course, dinner, fitting in perfectly after a sunset ceremony, photos and a festive cocktail hour. It could be set up as a buffet, stations, or a formal or familystyle seated dinner.
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THE PROS
• I t gives you an opportunity to truly treat your nearest and dearest, and you won’t have to worry about anyone leaving hungry. • A full meal lasts the longest (it typically includes a cocktail hour too), so you’ll have plenty of time to mingle. THE CONS
• I f your style is less formal, it may feel stuffy unless you host a family-style feast or buffet. • It tends to be the most expensive option—there’s more to plan and pay for (linens and centerpieces for every table).
If you’re only inviting locals and want something elegant and edgy, have a 9 p.m. ceremony followed by delicious late-night treats. THE PROS
• It’s a unique and festive way to celebrate. • It’s an affordable option on par with a cake-and-champagne reception, but guests are more likely to dance at midnight than they are in the late afternoon or early evening. • You won’t need formal place settings or a full waitstaff. THE CONS
• I f you’re inviting kids or older guests, it’s not the best choice— they won’t make it to the reception. • If you and your guests aren’t night owls, it may be hard to get the party going, and it could fizzle after just an hour or two. Search for caterers near you at TheKnot.com/caterers
serve it up Once you know which meal you’re having, decide on a serving style.
A buffet offers your guests a full meal and the chance to choose exactly which foods and how much of them they want. You might have catering staff creating crepes or pasta dishes while guests watch, or just have food set up in large serving dishes. Be sure to have a variety of offerings, including vegetarian and even gluten-free dishes.
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food stations
It’s like a wedding food festival. Guests are invited to sample foods from various stations in a buffet-like manner. Make each station have a theme and offer a moderate assortment of cuisine. This style works best for cocktail receptions or dessert receptions, but couples often have stations at their cocktail hour, followed by a seated meal.
seated meal
The traditional reception meal is a sit-down, four-course dinner consisting of an appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert, though a threecourse dinner is perfectly acceptable too. Additional courses may include salad, pasta, and fruit and cheese. If you’re a foodie couple and want to make dinner a more luxurious part of your reception, this is the way to go.
WENDY LAUREL
buffet
11/21/16 2:39 PM