Your wedding reception will be a party no matter what, but do you know what style of reception you want? We are breaking down the two main types of wedding receptions and the different meal options you can offer guests.  This should give you the guidance you need in picking what kind of wedding reception is right for your wedding day.

Cocktail Style

Casey Nolin Photography

We love a cocktail style receptions! They offer a more relaxed reception feel. Guests can move around the space and socialize more easily. This allows your reception to feel more interactive. Cocktail style receptions can work in various types of venues, as you do not need seating for all your guests. A general rule of thumb is to have seating for 50-60% of your guests. This can be done with traditional tables and chairs or various lounge areas in the space.

A common misconception with cocktail style receptions is that you do not need as much food as a traditional seated dinner. The opposite is true!  You need to have food stagged throughout the evening to allow guests to eat throughout the event. You need it to feel like food is flowing, similar to a traditional seated meal. Your first course could be passed hors-d’oveurves or a large charcuterie station. Think of this as your salad in a seated reception style. For the main course, this is when you would go into the food station and have various options. That way, guests aren’t all rushing to one station (creating a buffet line is not the vibe!) We suggest 2 -3 stations depending on the size of the wedding you have. You can also opt for more passed appetizers to avoid lineups. For the dessert course, that is when you can offer guests a dessert station or do something unique and fun like an ice cream bar! When having a cocktail style reception, you still want to provide guests with a late night snack to wrap up the night!

When hosting a cocktail style reception, make the invitation very clear so guests can wear footwear that will allow them to stand for extended periods. Also, have your emcee explain the evening and how the food will be presented in the opening remarks. This gives guests a clear understanding of it works and what to expect. You have to remember that many people aren’t familiar with this style, and it’s all new to them.

Formal Seated Dinner

types of wedding receptions

Sugar and Soul

The formal seated dinner is standard for most wedding receptions. What we love about a formal seated dinner is the predictability from the guest’s point of view. They know what to expect, and they aren’t left wondering when I will eat next or if there is more food coming. It’s a more standard practice, and many people love that.

Having a formal seated dinner also means the party atmosphere doesn’t start until after the first dance. That is when everyone can get out of their seats and start mingling with all the other guests. This style can make it easier to stick to a timeline, as everyone is seated and will stay seated until the three or four courses are over.  When having a seated dinner, you have three main options for meal styles:

Platted Seated Dinner

Aimee Delalonde Photography

This is the most traditional and common meal style for a seated reception. This format gives every guest a seat and a formal dinner. It usually includes three courses (soup or salad and an entrée). Everyone usually gets the same soup or salad, but the main course has a few different options:

  • Everyone receives the same entrée: This might include a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
  • Guests pre-select their entrée from a designated menu: This allows them to indicate their choice when they RSVP.

    Family Style

    types of wedding receptions

    Megan Steen Photography

    Family-style receptions offer a relaxed alternative to plated meals. Guests are seated at tables with large platters of food placed in the center. This allows you to provide various different side options and main options, you can tailor the meal to all your favourite things.  Everyone serves themselves, creating a more casual and interactive dining experience.  With family style receptions you still do multiple courses, the first course is served with one or two salad or appetizer options, followed by the main course which includes 1 -2 proteins with multiple sides.

    Buffet Style

    types of wedding receptions

    Mandy Wright Photography

    buffet-style dinner features multiple long tables filled with a variety of different food options.  This also allows you to have a variety of different options for guests with dietary concerns. One big thing to think about when planning a buffet style reception is the flow of tables. It would be best if you typically had 5mins between tables to ensure the lines have cleared before the next group arrives. You want guests to feel like the buffet line is moving.  Make sure you give your DJ or MC the order of how you want your table released. Check out this article for some unique ways to call up tables for a buffet style dinner.

    Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of wedding receptions, you can select which option works best for your wedding day! If you are still struggling to pick from the different types of wedding receptions, we are here to help you narrow down which one makes the most sense for your wedding day.