Wedding Cocktail Reception Menu Ideas

Whether you are having a hour cocktail reception before dinner, or hosting a cocktail reception for a couple of hours in lieu of a full fledged reception, there are ways to plan out your menu so that your bill is skimpy but not your selections.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while planning…

• Opt for butler or waiter served hors d’oeuvres.  Your guests are likely to eat less if they are being served, versus helping themselves to a buffet or stationary appetizer table. 
• Don’t go overboard on the amount of hors d’oeuvres served.  If you are serving dinner, as well, 3-4 pieces per guests should be plenty.  If the hors d’oeuvres are also dinner, up the number to 6-10 depending on how hardy the selections are.
• Try to select food items that are in season and items that you can easily control the portion sizes, such as mini shrimp in a shot glass.
• If it costs too much money to hire butlers/servers, and you rather go with a stationery table, select simple appetizers such as a cheese and crackers and/or fruit display.
• Ask your venue or caterer if they would allow you to bring in all or some of your own appetizers.  This is especially helpful, when it comes to seafood.  You may be able to buy items such as clams and/or mussels at a seafood market, in bulk, for half the price.