In most cases wedding catering is the largest expense of a wedding. The cost of your wedding reception includes the food, beverages, kitchen staff, waiters, rentals, decorations, and the cost of the site itself.

Receptions don't always have to be held at dinner time. You might find that choosing a different time of day for your reception will result in a significant saving. Below are some suggestions and ideas for alternative receptions.

• Tea receptions are held between 2-4 pm. You can serve things such as canapés, finger sandwiches, tea, scones, pastries and a variety of cheeses. Contact your wedding caterer for different options they have.
• A hors d'oeuvres reception is takes place between 11am-5pm or after an evening wedding. As the name suggests, you would serve light finger foods such as chips and dips, fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, and crackers. You can also include meat and cheese trays, shrimp cocktails, oysters, egg rolls, sausages, chicken wings, and tea sandwiches.
• A cocktail reception might include passed trays of food as well as small stations with finger food. Be sure to have to have plenty of napkins, plates, cutlery and seating on hand to avoid messy dining. Be clear in your invitation that the reception will include cocktails and hors d'oeuvres only. The reception's finale will be the cake-cutting ceremony and coffee service, which can be supplemented by after-dinner drinks and petites fours.
• Decadent Dessert Receptions are held from 1- 4pm or after an evening wedding. Serve an extensive assortment of rich desserts such as cheese cakes, tarts, tortes, cookies, pies, cakes, pastries, cobblers, biscotti, ice cream, sundaes, and candies. Serve coffee, tea, and other beverages. Your wedding catering provider should be able to provide your with a wide range of options.
• A Simple Cake and Punch Reception is perfect if your reception is not during a normal mealtime. Mid morning or mid afternoon is ideal. You can also include candies, cookies, and nuts to the menu. Include "Cake and Punch Reception Following Ceremony" on your invitations and this inform guests ahead of time not to expect a full meal.
• You can cut costs by using paper and plastic goods instead of glassware, china plates, cloth napkins, and silverware.
• If the event runs over you may have to pay overtime charges. Be sure to find out how long you have the reception site/facilities for.