| All too often newly married couples heave a sigh | | | | A cocktail menu also leaves much more room for |
| of relief when the reception is over. The feeling | | | | creativity. Food can set the tone for the entire |
| of being on display and the pressure of keeping | | | | event and a selection of interesting and unusual |
| to a rigid schedule of photographs, toasts, menu | | | | bite-sized morsels and artfully presented platters |
| courses and speeches can be a stressful and | | | | is always sure to delight. The menu can treat |
| unpleasant experience. | | | | guests to a culinary tour by starting in one corner |
| This generation of newlyweds is much less | | | | of the world and ending in another. Or a themed |
| concerned with the "show". They want to be able | | | | menu can be carried right through to the drinks |
| to mingle with family and friends, spend time with | | | | and decorations. Port glasses filled with fresh |
| each other and above all, enjoy their party. As a | | | | oysters, red wine vinegar and shallots, mini crepes |
| result, many are opting for alternative and even | | | | stuffed with Thai chicken curry and fresh basil, |
| unconventional ways to celebrate their nuptials. | | | | warm squash dumplings with cranberry syrup - |
| In keeping with this trend, cocktail wedding | | | | the options are endless and every guest is sure |
| receptions are gaining in popularity. The cocktail | | | | to enjoy something on the menu. |
| reception offers many advantages. The | | | | Tiny cupcakes decorated with pastel frosting are |
| atmosphere is more relaxed and provides greater | | | | another popular item at weddings. Arranged on |
| opportunity to circulate and mingle with guests. | | | | tiered silver tea trays with white lace doilies, they |
| While the cost of food can be comparable to a | | | | are a perfect cocktail alternative to a traditional |
| dinner reception, rental and staff charges for | | | | wedding cake. Other ideas could include small |
| cocktail parties are considerably less than for a | | | | chocolate cups filled with mousse and fresh |
| sit-down dinner. There is also greater flexibility and | | | | raspberries, mini French pastries or profiteroles |
| more selection when choosing a venue. Heritage | | | | stuffed with caramelized bananas. |
| Inns, private homes and flower gardens are | | | | Clearly the advantages of a cocktail reception are |
| popular choices among those preferring the charm | | | | abundant. But overwhelmingly couples report that |
| and intimacy of these venues to the formal | | | | what they appreciate most is being able to relax |
| elegance of halls and hotel ballrooms. | | | | and enjoy the party… and each other. |