The part of the wedding that takes the most preparation is usually the reception. Where do we hold it? What shall the decor be like? What can I fit into my budget? Do we need the doves? What do we eat?

If you have a wedding theme, that may help determine the food at your party. For example, if you go for a chinese ceremony, you may also wish to have chinese at your reception. This means your food is served in courses (not the kind that comes in little boxes). You might have as many as ten courses if you follow strict chinese tradition, including suckling pig and sharks fin. This may not be as expensive as you think as some weddings such as those of the chinese limit the reception to the immediate family.

On the other hand, you might have chosen a destination wedding in Hawaii. Then a luau or a buffet may be more your type. This can be wonderful since the atmosphere is more relaxed and people can choose which of the offerings they want to eat most of. Your guests would also feel more free to mingle at this kind of party than a more formal affair.

Of course, there's also the western style. Instead of having someone cook up fancy dishes, why not ask your family and friends to participate in the ultimate american pot-luck? Then have some dancing and get everyone swinging and celebrating.

The important thing is for you to have fun as you start your married life together. Let your wedding planner help you get all the stuff you want to eat into the reception without going over budget.