Choosing the Right Reception Style

Choose the right reception type for you! Check out our local Reception Sites .

Breakfast or Brunch: Food is fruit, bread and other breakfast foods. Reception usually begins around 10 or 11am.

The Pros:
Inexpensive.
You can leave for your honeymoon on the same day.

The Cons:
Less time for you to get ready.
Hard for guests who need to drive a long distance.


Luncheon: Food is sandwiches, salads, pasta and fruits. Follows a late-morning wedding.

The Pros:
Inexpensive.
Allows for driving and getting ready time, but early enough that you don’t have too much time to get nervous.

The Cons:
If you've got a band or DJ for dancing, many guests may be less likely to get up and "boogie" during the day.


Tea Reception: Food is finger sandwiches, nuts, chocolate and cake. Reception is usually held between 2pm and 5pm.

The Pros:
Least expensive.
Great for a large guest list and a small budget.

The Cons:
The guests aren’t offered a meal.


Cocktail Party or Appetizer Only: Food is hot and cold appetizers, passed around or on buffet tables. Reception is usually held between 4-7pm.

The Pros:
Still in the evening, can be formal or informal.
Usually less expensive than a dinner reception.

The Cons:
The guests aren’t offered a full meal, even though it is dinnertime.


Dinner: Food is served as a sit-down meal, a buffet or in food stations. Meals vary, but usually several dishes are offered and a cocktail hour precedes the formal reception. These receptions begin anywhere from 6 to 9pm.

The Pros:
The most common time for a reception.
Guests are often in "party mode"; ready to dance the night away.
The most formal.

The Cons:
Typically the most expensive reception type.