The time of day, number of guests, and your budget will affect the type of wedding reception you choose. A breakfast reception, either sit-down or buffet style, with coffee, juice, fruit, croissants, and eggs, is appropriate if the wedding is between eight and ten o'clock in the morning. A wedding between noon and two o'clock may include a reception with different salads and cold sandwiches. Tea and cocktail receptions are usually the least expensive. Tea receptions start between two and five o'clock, serving coffee, tea, punch, finger foods, and wedding cake. Cocktail receptions are held between four o'clock and seven-thirty. They can include hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, champagne, wine, punch, and beer, depending on the budget. Dinner receptions are usually between six and nine o'clock. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvers can be served in the first hour, followed by a sit-down or buffet dinner. For more information on types of receptions, contact a wedding specialist.
