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Wedding Reception Menu Ideas on a Budget

Geeta Dhavale
Arranging a flashy wedding reception on a low-budget is easier said than done. But, by planning a tasty yet inexpensive menu, it is possible to bring down the overall cost of the reception. Here're some ideas that will help you treat your guests at the wedding with delicious food on a low-budget.
Everything has to be special when it comes to weddings and wedding receptions, be it invitation cards, wedding gowns, wedding cakes, wedding rings, and of course, the food. After all the greatness of your reception is decided by the food you serve your guests.
As that's a known fact, many people don't compromise on their menu and spend lots of money on the catering and food arrangements. It is not necessary that tasty food comes at a high cost. It is also not necessary that costly food may be tasty every time. Hence, it's essential that you line up a smart menu that will be delicious and light on your pocket.
One factor that you must consider while planning your reception menu is the time of the day you will hold the reception. This is important for deciding the menu. We share some resourceful wedding reception menu ideas priced at a budget based on the time of the reception party.

Brunch Reception

It is one of the most cost-effective reception parties that can help you save a lot of money on food. A morning brunch party can let you serve people with a variety of light finger foods or snacks that are inexpensive compared to three course meals. All you have to do is present these snacks in an appealing and attractive manner.
Drinks:
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Fruit Juices
Snacks:
  • Bagel
  • Smoked salmon
  • Omelets
  • Breads
  • Muffins
  • Deviled eggs
  • Chips and dip
  • Hot dogs
  • Sweet corn
  • Cookies
  • Crackers
  • Cheese Sticks
Desserts:
  • Pancakes
  • Pastries
  • Chocolate brownies
  • Ice creams

Lunch Reception

Hosting lunch parties or midday parties with a traditional menu can also help you save a lot of money. Though people would expect some heavy meals, you can surprise them with delectable dishes which would be filling too. Here are some of the dishes you can serve at midday parties.
Drinks:
  • Wine
  • Iced Tea
  • Mocktails
Lunch Dishes:
  • Sandwiches
  • Pasta
  • Chicken wedges
  • Fried chicken
  • Pizzas
  • Burgers
  • Chicken rolls
  • Fried fish
  • Sausages
  • Cheese balls
  • Different types of salads
Desserts:
  • Chocolate brownies
  • Pancakes
  • Pastries
  • Ice creams

Dinner Reception

Now, this is the time where you may have to pay a little extra for food. People generally expect a formal party with a three course meal at dinner receptions. But if you choose good appetizers and starters then the main dish can be a little simpler.
For example, you can have a variety of drinks and starters and limited choices for the main dish, say chicken dishes, as chicken is inexpensive and is liked by many people. Here are some of the options you can choose from.
Drinks:
  • Cocktails
  • Wine
  • Champagne
  • Fruit Juices
Appetizers:
  • Kebabs
  • Different types of soups
  • Chicken rolls
  • Spring rolls
  • Cutlets
  • Dim sums
Main Dish:
  • Chicken Pasta Soup
  • Roasted Chicken
  • Chicken Alfredo
  • Chicken Kiev
  • Stuffed Chicken Breasts
  • Barbecue Chicken
  • Chicken Casserole
  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu
  • Whole Baked Chicken
  • Grilled Chicken
Desserts:
  • Different Cakes
  • Chocolate Brownies with ice cream
  • Chocolate Fudge
  • Caramel Custard
  • Cheesecakes
Apart from choosing the menu, there are other ways to bring down the cost of the food. First of all decide what kind of seating arrangement will you have at the wedding, buffet, sit-down meals, or will you have specific food stalls.
Generally buffet is known to be the most cost-effective where people can eat whatever they want in an informal manner and the caterer can charge you on a per plate basis.
Another idea of cutting down the cost is arranging your own catering. If you are going to use catering services of the hotel at the venue, there are chances they would ask you to pay a little extra, but if you hire an external catering service, you can settle for a good bargain price. These tricks should probably help you save some more money on food.
Use these tips and tricks to plan a great menu for your own wedding reception and make the event memorable for you and your loved ones, at a reasonable price, too!