Health - Family - Food

When it comes to planning a wedding, the food can be the most costly part of it. You're fortunate if you can get food for your guests for less than $50 a person. So you have a choice when you're on a budget.

Do you have fewer guests, or do you simply not feed them? Instead, how about you break out a cookbook and find some wedding recipes to make your own food for the reception?

Making your own wedding food comes with plenty of benefits. You have more control over the cost, first of all. Second, you can control the ingredients. If you want to follow specific dietary guidelines for your reception, making your own food and choosing your own ingredients is a guaranteed way to do that.

But you'll need plenty of time to plan ahead, because your wedding day is going to be busy. Be sure to test all the recipes first. You also want to choose recipes that can stay fresh in the fridge for a few days, or freeze well.

Involve your friends and family. Many of them will probably be happy to devote a few days to helping you with the big day by helping you make some wedding recipes-- if you give them plenty of notice.

Choosing the recipes to serve your guests could be the toughest part of the plan. You have thousands of choices. Browse through some cookbooks at the library or bookstore. Borrow or buy some that have the most great ideas.

Don't neglect to search the internet, which could be your best resource. Dozens of great recipe sites boast thousands of recipes. A few hours' research could result in the perfect menu!

There are lots of things you might consider serving at your reception. Consider skewered meats served with fine sauces, tea sandwiches (carrot, pimento, cucumber & cream cheese, etc.), potato skins with unusual toppings, wedges of pita bread with dips, crackers with smoked salmon, etc.

It's important to find wedding recipes that are both tasty and not your typical Saturday night party fare. You want to serve food that will stand out in the memories of both you and your guests.