Wedding Reception Food: Planning Your Big Day

There are few events that compare to a wedding. For many, it is the most important event they’ve ever planned and making sure each detail is addressed can be overwhelming. Drakes has had the honor of providing custom menus for brides, grooms, and their families throughout the years and we’d like to share a bit of what we’ve learned.

When preparing for a more formal sit-down luncheon or dinner reception, it is best to offer different entrée choices or perhaps a combination plate such as surf & turf. If the R.S.V.P. can include a section for guests to mark which entrée they’d prefer, this can help make sure every guest fully enjoys their meal. Drakes always adds a special touch of elegance and charm to more formal occasions by providing a menu card at each table with descriptions of the meal to whet the appetites of eager guests.

Some of our most requested and lavish entrées include Grilled Filet with Crawfish and Shitake Mushroom served with Grilled Asparagus or Cajun Marinated Duck Breast with Blackberry Demi Glacé served with Sweet Potato Pecan Rice and Green Beans.

If planning a passed hors-d’oeuvres style reception, it is best to offer cold and hot items that appeal to a variety of tastes. On that note, it is a good idea to consider that your personal taste may not appeal to all guests. Not everyone may be adventurous enough for venison skewers with Aunt Rita’s hot pepper jelly. Make sure the menu includes something that all guests will enjoy.

Our Beef Tenderloin Crostinis are a hit with guests year after year. Our surprisingly sophisticated Deviled Eggs receive rave reviews and our Asian Crab Wontons are definitely a crowd pleaser.

Providing a variety of menu items is a good rule-of-thumb for a buffet style reception, too. Our happy guests have consistently swooned over our Carved Beef Tenderloin, Cold Seafood Displays, and anything-but-ordinary Charcuterie Boards.

It is such a joy to play a supporting role in so many wonderful people’s most special day. It warms our hearts when we receive little notes of thanks for a job well done.

For all who are in the midst of planning a wedding, Drakes raises a glass.

Here’s to having all the love and support you need on your special day and for many, many happy years to come.

Cheers!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for last night. Everything was “off the charts” good. 

– Lisa P., Wedding, Mother of the Bride

Thank you so much for playing such a key role in our wedding! From the beautiful details of the charcuterie spread to the chicken tenders at the end of the night, everything was absolutely PERFECT! Everyone we’ve talked to was totally amazed by your work! We are so thankful to have y’all in our lives!

-Kirby and Matt, Wedding Reception

Thank you for a wonderful wedding reception!  We had so many compliments on the food, presentation and the staff.  Please thank the entire team on making Kara and Nick’s wedding reception so special! 

-Caryl and Michael Drabick, Parents of the Bride