Decadent, Chocolate Syrup

Planning a wedding reception doesn't have to mean giving your guests a choice between a chicken or beef dish. Unique catering ideas can help you personalize your reception and bring a little extra fun to the event. Here are three options you can choose to make your wedding meal one your guests won't soon forget.

Tiny Tapas For The Table

Instead of serving planned entrees, opt for tapas. These bite-sized options let your guests sample a variety of different of foods instead of having to commit to a single menu choice. Have your catering company put out platters of hot and cold tapas throughout the meal service to keep your guests guessing what will be served next. Some options for tapas include:

• Mini meatballs
• Stuffed olives
• Potato croquettes
• Bacon-wrapped dates
• Empanadas
• Brie tartlets
• Mini salads

You can also have your catering crew create a tapas-style dessert menu to carry the theme over to the final course of the meal.

Wedding Brunch

For a morning or early afternoon wedding, you might consider having a brunch reception. You can select pre-planned brunch entrees for your guests to choose from, or you can go big with a brunch buffet. If you opt for a buffet, be sure to include carving stations for ham and omelet stations to give your guests the true brunch experience. In lieu of a traditional signature cocktail, work with your catering company to come up with signature mimosa and bloody Mary drinks to serve to guests along with the brunch menu. Don't forget to include a few kid-friendly breakfast options, such as chocolate chip pancakes or a cereal buffet.

Build-A-Burger Bar

Casual weddings pair best with casual menu options. For an outdoor or laid-back wedding reception, consider having your catering team create a burger bar. Guests can choose from beef, turkey, chicken or mushroom burgers, and they can pile on the toppings to suit their personal tastes. Consider adding a few unique burger topping ideas, such as guacamole, goat cheese or fried eggs. The burger bar should also include several side dishes to choose from, such as loaded potato skins, grilled corn, potato salad and deviled eggs.

Talk to your catering company about your favorite foods, the theme for your wedding and any other information that might help you choose a unique menu for your reception. Together, you can create an inventive food theme that is just as exciting as the rest of your wedding celebration.