Sit down? Stand up?

The newest great debate in the wedding world is whether or not the traditional multiple course sit down meal is still the way to go, or the new and more sociable cocktail finger food is the way of the world these days. I don't think one way is particularly better than the other, of course there are pro's and con's either way.

A laid back couple, wanting fun and to socialise in a party style wedding will opt for the cocktail theme every day of the week, this allows everybody to mingle the entire duration of the party, it of course stops the seating planning issue, especially when Aunt Jan doesn't like to be in the same room of Uncle Johnny, therefore the cocktail style means that everyone can socialise with whom they want and not be forced to make small talk with someone they dont particulary find interesting. My one recommendation with the cocktail style food, would be to ensure there is ample food, particulary if your event as most are is after 5, as people may not have time for a meal between the ceremony and reception. Making sure there is ample finger food ensures your guests stay happy and chirpy, and also "hopefully" will eliminate any one getting too drunk at the bar. I would opt for the cocktail stand up option if I was having a wedding at say midday with a reception to follow at 2pm.

As for the sit down, grandma and grandpa will certainly be happier with this option. This is possibly the only way to make sure the bride and groom actually get to talk to each other at the reception. However it does mean some extra planning, as mentioned above, try and sit people together who get along, or whom you believe personalities will suit if people haven't met, perhaps cousin Lucy is a hairdresser, who would be great on a table with your friend who is about to buy her own salon? I don't think you have to necessarily put all family members together, but this is up to the couple. My family gets along relatively well, so we have 4 tables of families, one for each side of our family tree. Just remember with a sit down style you don't have to have 5 courses, because think about how many people actually can eat this much?

My plan is to serve a stand up array of finger food for the first hour and a half of the reception, of a range of canapes fro fancy cheese and olive constructions to sausage rolls, hopefully finding a happy medium for everyone. We then are serving a main of roast lamb, pork, beef and roasted vegetables, with of course a vegetarian option for those who don't eat meat. We have also ditched the dessert and opted to serve our cake with berries and cream to the guests. Because whats the point in having a cake for 100 people and no one wants any because they have just had dessert? With this in mind our per head, including a 5 hour alcohol package is $75, which when compared to most places, certainly isn't priced bad at all!

So remember there is no right or wrong answer to whether or not you have a sit down or stand up menu, just make sure it suits you, and give you and your fiance the reception that you dreamt of!