Wedding Reception Ideas

Updated September 11, 2012
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When the ceremony ends, the party begins. Give your matrimonial menus a twist with these food-focused reception ideas.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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