Buffet or sit-down meal? What food to choose on your wedding day

Deciding on what type of meal to serve their guests can be tricky for couples, but we have some advice that may help.

When the ceremony is over, happy couples may be looking forward to getting a glass of bubbly and enjoying their first delicious meal together as husband and wife before they make their wedding speeches.

Of course, the bride and groom will also want all their family and friends around them while they do this and the meal needs to be something that everyone will enjoy, from grandparents to children and toddlers like.

Selecting a menu could be tricky for couples as there are so many options when it comes to pleasing themselves and tickling everyone else's tastebuds. Furthermore, the number of people attending the event needs to be considered, especially at a time when many people may be tightening their purse strings as a result of the recession.

Of course, one easy way to meet everyone's needs and create a relaxed, informal atmosphere that allows guests to mingle and eat as much or as little as they like is to have a buffet.

This does not have to mean cold sausage rolls or pieces of cheese on sticks, as many venues will provide delicious finger or fork food for people to pick at during the reception that is of just as high quality as a traditional meal.

Castanet.net points out that because of the different ways the cuisine is served and cooked, there can be a significant difference in cost between this option and a plated dinner.

"If you don't want people to be standing, then lining up for a buffet is not the best thing," the news provider points out. However, it also notes that "table service for a large group takes longer for everyone to be served".

Whatever type of meal the happy couple choose for their guests to eat before they treat them to some wedding cake, they will have to take into account the needs of any vegetarians, vegans or people with other dietary requirements.

"Most vegetarian people can find food on a buffet, but if it is a plated dinner, you need to plan for a meal for them, even if it is only four distant cousins on your husband's side," the publication advises.

As long as the bride and groom inform the caterers in plenty of time about any special orders, they should be able to cater to their needs and provide an alternative, meat or dairy-free meal.

With so many choices, the decision may seem like a very tricky one for couples, but when it comes down to it, one of the best options could be to choose the type of cuisine that they enjoy the most.

As Ohio.com notes, the food – like the wedding cake – can set the tone and mood for the reception and as long as the guests are not going hungry, they are bound to enjoy themselves as they raise their glasses and toast the newlyweds on their special day.