Feast & Merriment

Check one: __ Steak __ Chicken __ Vegetarian Option
You'll see them on RSVP cards for wedding guests so that caterers will have an accurate count for meals at the reception. You don't necessarily know what kind of steak or chicken or vegetarian option you will have, but you check your preference, nonetheless. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you wished you checked something else. Honestly you never know how the food is going to be at a reception when you are the guest. I have watched many a "Four Weddings" show on TV where brides are ranked on various aspects of their wedding and reception, including the food. If there is one thing I noticed, people like comfort foods ...  you know, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese. They are always huge hits on that show.

Both couples will have the opportunity to choose menu items for their reception. Ayla and Rob, with their background in the culinary arts, put great emphasis on what food will be offered at the reception and how it will be presented. That was top priority when selecting a venue for them. The food had to be not just good, but excellent. After trying out the restaurant below the venue they selected at Christmas, I think they are in good hands. They plan on having a "feast and merriment" following their wedding. The feast will be food stations of various appetizers. When I first heard about this, I wondered how "feast"y it was, but after attending a wedding last week with tasty and healthy bite-sized options which filled me right up, now I'm excited to see what they select and know I'll be feasting.

At the wedding last week, sliced turkey and ham, cocktail weinies, meatballs, shrimp, raw veggies and fruits, breads and cheeses (even a bowl of Sixlets) were part of the buffet. Then, of course, everyone got cake. It was a wonderful meal and there was plenty for everyone. I've been to weddings where you get a huge plated meal, where much is wasted on each plate. In this situation, people took what they wanted, so there was far less waste. I've also been to a wedding where there was no meal, just mints, nuts and wedding cake. Daddy and I hit a McDonald's after the reception. We felt kinda chinced, honestly.

In Biblical times, wedding feasts lasted a week and included "oxen and butchered fattened livestock" (Matthew 22:4). Imagine feeding your guests for that long instead of one evening! Receptions today can have sit down dinners, buffets, cocktail party appetizers and BBQ. When The Knot asked caterers around the country to share their most popular wedding dishes, items like sushi, tartlets, salads and unique appetizers made the list. Of course it is always cheaper when you can provide your own food and servers. At the wedding reception last week, family members filled empty trays and poured wine for guests. Another option is having family-style serving (bowls and trays of food at each table sharing just like a family) verses plated meals, which can save on costs. Food stations allow for speed in serving and more mingling, so there are all kinds of way to feed the masses.

So have fun creating within budget. I think as long as bellies are full and folks are energized enough to dance, all will be fine. Getting ready for the feast and merriment!

Discussion: What is the worst wedding reception meal you've ever had? The best? What kinds of food would you like at your wedding? How would you like it served?

Prayer: Lord God, to celebrate a union before you with a wedding feast is such a joy. We pray for the finances to hold these parties and guidance on the most tasty foods to serve. In Christ we pray, Amen.