Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 1 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty.Ā For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More Next
    • 2 The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More Next
    • 3 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party.Ā No forks or spoons required, justĀ easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.Ā  Read More Next
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Drink and Cocktail Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Menus & Parties
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and EntrĆ©es
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Super Bowl Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Tailgating Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 45-Minute Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid Approved
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With
    • Cooking Questions
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
    • Videos
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done

    Well Done

    See All Well Done
    • Homemade vs. The Internet
    • How-to and Explainers
    • Mom vs.
    • Recipe Videos
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

Wedding Reception Ideas

Updated September 11, 2012
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin

When the ceremony ends, the party begins. Give your matrimonial menus a twist with these food-focused reception ideas.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Wedding Reception Ideas

When the ceremony ends, the party begins. Give your matrimonial menus a twist with these food-focused reception ideas. "Open bar" doesn't just apply to beer and wine anymore.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Martin

Macaroni and Cheese Bar Recipe

As the essence of comfort cuisine, macaroni and cheese bars are a growing trend on matrimonial menus. Start with your standard mac and cheese, while giving guests the choice of vegetables—mushrooms, avocado, tomatoes, basil, red peppers, etc.—or meat—steak, bacon, or crab—to get creative with this classic.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Shrimp and Grits Bar

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Shrimp and Grits Bar Recipe

Give your guests the option of dining with Southern style. Offer a shrimp and grits bar with additives like chives, cheese, green onions, spinach, and Andouille sausage for an extra kick.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Bar

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Bar Recipe

Try a grownup grilled cheese bar for a winter wedding. Give guests the options of goat cheese or cheddar cheese paired various veggies. Add a side of warm tomato bisque for added comfort.

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Buttermilk Biscuit Bar

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Buffy Hargett

Buttermilk Biscuit Bar Recipe

For winter or summer weddings alike, nothing is better than a biscuit bar. Take our five-ingredient buttermilk biscuit recipe and dress it up with an array of jams, preserves, honey, and butter.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Mashed Potato Bar

Credit: Michael Paul

Mashed Potato Bar Recipe

This ubiquitous side dish is easily updated with options of fresh herbs, garlic, cheese, bacon, and chives. Serve in a cup or martini glass for an elegant affair or a mason jar for a downhome feel.

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Sweet Potato Bar

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck

Sweet Potato Bar Recipe

Try a sweeter side item that rivals your dazzling desserts. A sweet potato bar with the options of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is sure to have guests swooning before they even see the cake.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Popsicle Hour

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Popsicle Hour Recipe

For a dry wedding, try a popsicle hour rather than a cocktail hour. These Instant Watermelon Pops are fuss-free, affordable, and refreshing for a sweltering summer soiree.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Coffee Bar

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Coffee Bar Recipe

If you are planning to dance the night away, provide guests with a gourmet coffee bar so they stay caffeinated and the party lives on.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake

Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake Tout

See the Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake for even more wedding planning tips and ideas.

Click here to order the Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 10 Wedding Reception Ideas
2 of 10 Macaroni and Cheese Bar
3 of 10 Shrimp and Grits Bar
4 of 10 Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Bar
5 of 10 Buttermilk Biscuit Bar
6 of 10 Mashed Potato Bar
7 of 10 Sweet Potato Bar
8 of 10 Popsicle Hour
9 of 10 Coffee Bar
10 of 10 Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Login

MyRecipes

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Advertising this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
MyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

View image

Wedding Reception Ideas
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.