Trying to plan a menu for my wedding reception
Jana
12/22/08 		I had no idea where to start in planning my wedding reception, so I've decided to start a list for the food. I am looking to serve lite, as it will be from 2:00-4:00pm. My menu to serve 75 consists of: Lil-smokies in BBQ sauce, ham biscuits (approx 80 rolls & 38 lbs of ham), potato salad (28 potatoes plus fixings), fruit tray, veggie tray, dip, chips (approx 5 lbs), plain rolls (approx 30, punch (6 gallons). Do these amounts sound right? Also, how much should I plan on for the fruit & veggie trays, & how many pounds for the Lil-smokies? Any additional advice or things to reconsider?

Thank you for your help!

ellen
12/23/08 		Jana, this is a good number for a self/family catered wedding, but there are lots of things to consider. First of all, is this an informal wedding? what is the setting- because this is an informal menu and it is usual to match the type of food with the type of wedding.
Timewise, you are in between mealtimes, and yet the menu is a meal type menu and not a reception type menu. A reception type menu is usually lighter and less costly. You don't need the potato salad at this time of day-

Season and setting also affect the menu. When is the wedding and is the reception inside or outside?

If you haven't already done so, read my article on wedding dinners (button on the main cook talk page) and then the thread called "wedding reception menu ideas" for information about a successful reception and how it was planned.

Jana
12/24/08 		I am planning for an outdoor wedding (September). It's a second wedding for both of us & will not be formal. No boquet or garter toss. No bridal party. Most of the guests will be family. Our location offers a variety of activities. We'll have access to both the house & the grounds with volleyball, croquet, horseshoes, etc, so it will be a fairly informal gathering.

I don't think I read that article, but certainly will do so. I guess I came across this part of the site before I hit the rest of it. Maye it'll give me a better of idea of what I need to be looking at.

I very much appreciate your help & advice.

ellen
12/24/08 		How pleasant! I will be offline for a day or two over Christmas (12 at my table this year), and will write further when I get back.