Our Top Tips For Creating Your Reception Menu

Your wedding reception is the most special dinner party you’ll likely ever throw. When planned thoughtfully, it’s both fun and deeply meaningful, hitting that elusive sweet spot between uproarious and heartfelt. There’s not much that can top a night where all your favourite people come together just to celebrate you and your forever person!

While as florists and stylists, we’re admittedly a little biased towards all the beautiful elements you can bring in to elevate and personalise a reception space, we also recognise that this is only one part of the equation – the food is undoubtedly important too! There are lots of culinary options to choose from these days and this is a great thing – more meal styles means more ways to tailor a wedding menu that best reflects you as a couple – but so much choice can be overwhelming as well.

So, we’ve consulted with our seasoned and exceptionally lovely Wedding Coordinator, Katie, to help simplify this process. Below are her top tips on how to seamlessly execute every type of reception meal style offered at Peppers Creek Chapel & Barrel Room. Happy planning!

Cocktail

This style of dining creates a really relaxed and social vibe with casual seating for around three quarters of your guests only. Everyone is encouraged to mingle and chat to different groups of people, which is such a good thing! Cocktail-style receptions typically allow the bride and groom to mingle and chat with more guests throughout the evening too.

Pros – cuts down on costs i.e., no need for placecards, placesettings, linen napkins or elaborate table styling.

Cons – alcohol consumption can go up a little (or a lot!) as guests may drink more than if they were having a sit-down meal, decisions around furniture placement can be confusing, and there is a thought that cocktail-style receptions run the risk of not satisfying guests’ hunger.

Feasting with friends

This one is having a bit of a moment as of late, offering newlyweds a completely relaxed atmosphere while still ensuring their guests are well-fed. It’s the perfect middle ground – plenty of food without the stuffy traditions! Roaming canapes are the featured entrée here and allow guests to chat and get around the room, and shared mains guarantee that no one goes hungry whilst the speeches and other formalities take place. Then it’s straight to the dancefloor (and grabbing something delicious off the dessert station to nibble on the way!).

Alternate serve

This is one for the traditionalists. Guests are well-fed and the food offerings make sense to people – everyone knows if you don’t like chicken, you can swap to the beef with your partner. Guests know what to expect, and there is a certain safety and surety with this.

Pros – Food goes out at the same time, no sharing is required, dietary requirements are easily found, and guests have the chance to really connect with the other people at their table.

Cons – Food options are limited, placecards are required so dietary requirements are communicated with function staff, and this style of dining tends to take a fair bit of planning too.

Photo credit: @figdesignstudio