Brunch wedding receptions are becoming increasingly popular on Long Island, especially among couples looking to stretch their budgets. Reception halls often charge less for morning and midday events and breakfast foods generally cost less than dinner. If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to cut costs while still having a fabulous experience, check out our top five tips to ensure that you have the brunch wedding reception of your dreams.
1. Timing is everything.
Even if you and your husband-to-be are both chipper and cheerful morning people, not everyone else necessarily is. With that in mind, don’t plan your brunch wedding reception for any earlier than 10am at the absolute earliest. Most people consider 11am to be the ideal brunch hour, so plan accordingly.
2. Awaken their appetite gently.
Try not to jump right into the meal too quickly; you may have spent hours getting dolled up, but keep in mind that most of your guests just got out of bed. Allow your guests an opportunity to mingle and sip a glass of juice, a cup of coffee or a mimosa while nibbling on some fresh fruit before they sit for a meal. It will set a nice, leisurely pace for your brunch wedding reception without killing your budget.
3. Choices, choices, choices.
There’s something about an array of fresh juices and light cocktails at a brunch wedding reception that feels – and looks – so elegant. Consider incorporating a juice bar of freshly-squeezed beverages, or a cocktail station with mimosas, bellinis and champagne.
4. Embrace the season.
An outdoor brunch wedding reception in the spring, summer or fall on Long Island is beautiful, especially if it’s a waterfront venue or a reception hall with a view. If you’re getting married in the winter, a roaring fire makes for a nice, cozy setting.
5. Choose a variety of foods.
There will be guests who are egg and sausage people, and there will be guests who prefer a small plate of fresh fruit and a bite of toast. For this reason, you might find that it’s easiest to have a buffet that offers something for everyone. No matter what, don’t forget to make sure that your brunch wedding reception has some vegetarian options.