Bridal Info

The Meal

What type of meal will you provide for your guests? You have several options:
     1. Standing Buffet (finger foods) - this is the most informal option. Food is usually positioned at one end of the room and guests help themselves. Although some seating is usually provided, it is assumed that some of the guests will be standing while eating, so cutlery is usually not used. Easy to manage finger foods are your best option. Even though there are no assigned seats, be sure to have some places for people to sit on occasion - this can be particularly important for your elderly guests.
     2. Sitting Buffet - this is certainly a less expensive option than a formal dinner, but still assures everyone of a place to sit while eating. It also gives the bride the option of creating a seating chart ahead of time. Guests will usually serve themselves from the buffet which may include finger foods and more hearty foods like casseroles, pasta dishes, etc.
     3. Formal Meal - guests are usually served one of two or three options chosen before the big day.  Although it's tempting to choose exotic menu items, the best choices will be meals most people are comfortable with like chicken, pork, soups, and salads.

The Seating Chart

If you are planning a formal reception, you will need to draw up a seating chart for the meal.  Althought the exact arrangement of the tables will vary depending on your venue, the top table is usually reserved for the wedding party and should include the couple, their parents, the best man, and the maid of honor.  Ushers and other bridesmaids may be included if space is available.  Generally, the closer relations and friends sit nearest the top table.  The best thing to keep in mind is that you want your guests to enjoy themselves, so be sure to sit people together who will get along well.

The Drinks

What drinks should I provide for my guests?
Guests are usually greeted at the reception with a glass of Champagne of sherry. You should also have Champagne or white wine available for the toasts. If you have a Formal Meal, wine is often the beverage of choice. No matter what option you choose, be sure to have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks available, as well.  This is often a large expense at a wedding, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.  It's also a good suggestion to ask ahead of time for volunteers to rotate serving and replenishing the drinks.

The Wedding Cake

A traditional wedding cake is two or three tiers. It is usually a round or square fruit cake with marzipan and decorated with royal icing. Some couples are beginning to choose sponge or chocolate cakes as a different option, and fondant icing is becoming increasingly popular. It can be decorated with colored icing, sugar piping, sugar flowers, real flowers, figures of the bride and groom, or a lucky horseshoe. It is wise to have the cake supplied by a specialist. When choosing the size of your cake, remember that you may want to send some home to those unable to attend, as well as keep some leftover for yourself. Your cake will need to be ordered well in advance - often three months or more. The cake is usually delivered to the reception hall the morning of the event.. Be sure to ask if the supplier will do the final assembly as well as add finishing decorating touches.