Three Different Wedding Reception Styles
In a recent chat with our events team, I asked what they spend the most time talking about with our clients when it comes to catering. They said that for our engaged couples planning their wedding, one of the first big decisions to make is what style of reception to host.
And it’s an important choice! So many of our events are destination weddings and they’re used to all different types of entertaining. Some of our couples want to embrace New Orleans’ culture, while others want to stick with something that’s a bit more familiar. There are no wrong answers, it’s only important to find what’s right for you!
Here are the top 3 most common wedding reception styles explained:
Cocktail Reception
This style of event is most common for wedding receptions, debutante balls and galas in New Orleans. It allows for the most culinary options and many love the flexibility a cocktail reception offers.
Guest Seating: Tables are usually small, for 4-6 people, though a few larger tables can be included. Most of the time there is less than 1 seat per guest, as guests mix and mingle throughout the reception. There is no assigned seating, though “Reserved” signs can be placed at a few tables if desired.
Food Service: Events often begin with a cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvre, though for shorted events a separate cocktail hour isn’t necessary. Dinner is served at attended stations on small plates. Multiple stations will be available at the same time, all featuring different types and styles of food.
Beverage Service: All beverages are served at the bar or specialty drink stations.
Seated Dinner
A classic choice for wedding reception and formal events.
Guest Seating: Table sizes and layout can vary depending on the location and style preferences. Seating is provided for all guests and guests are assigned seating.
Food Service: Most events begin with a cocktail hour, featuring passed hors d’oeuvre, possibly 1-2 food stations. Then guests move to their seats and dinner service begins, usually two to three savory courses.
Each course is individually plated and presented for each guest. Most often only one type of course is served to all guests, i.e., everyone gets the same salad. Sometimes a choice of entrée is pre-planned, usually an option of meat or seafood. Dietary needs will be accommodated with special selections.
Beverage Service: During the cocktail hour, beverages are served at the bar or specialty drink stations. Dinner includes wine and water service at the table, with cocktails served upon request.
Family Style
A modern, fun twist on the classic seated dinner, family style has grown in popularity over the past few years.
Guest Seating: Table sizes and layout can vary depending on location and style preferences. Seating is provided for all guests and guests are assigned seating.
Food Service: Most events begin with a cocktail hour, featuring passed hors d’oeuvre. Then guests move to their seats and dinner service begins, usually two to three savory courses.
Family style means that larger plates and platters of food are brought out for each table to share. A family style course usually includes at least one meat, one seafood, and one salad/vegetable but it can be up to 5 selections.
At a ‘family style’ meal, though, not all courses need to be shared plates. Often we’ll start with a first course that we serve to each individual guest and then the following course(s) will be the share plates. That allows your guests to relax a bit and get to know their table mates before the sharing course starts.
Beverage Service: During the cocktail hour, beverages are served at the bar or specialty drink stations. The dinner includes wine and water service at the table, with cocktails served upon request.
