Small wedding and reception ideas? help?

we are getting married in late September- in Gatlinburg, TN. We only have about 35 people that are coming (family). Sat night- we are all going out for a big barbeque....so the night before is taken care of. the day of-is where i am drawing a blank! since it is very small- AND i have never actually been inside of this home (only pictures- and it is amazing- it is a HUGE cabin)- it makes it hard to think of decorating. I was thinking of small candles....flowers in mason jars (saw that on martha stewart) to keep with a "country" setting since we are in the mountains...hm....yeh- that's it! and the reception. i have already gotten the cake taken care of- but want a "sunday afternoon tea" kind of reception. any ideas on simple finger foods? plus- there are lots of nieces and nephews that will be there- so food for younger kids, too. uggh! haha! (this is a simple family wedding in the smokies- not a hick- redneck kind! just so we all know!) haha thanks for any ideas!

Small wedding and reception ideas? help?
Your wedding sounds beautiful!! Congratulations and I wish you many years of happiness.





Finger foods are a great idea. There are lots of things you can buy ready-made so you avoid having anyone (especially yourself) stuck in the kitchen all morning. Head to your local Costco or Sam's Club for some easy appetizers. Try to pick a wide range of foods, even some you don't really like, with different preparation methods. Some you can just defrost, some need to be warmed in the oven, some can be popped into the microwave. Offer a variety of colors, tastes and textures. Make sure you include some "basic" foods like fresh veggies or fresh fruit. They'll appeal to the younger kids, as well as anyone with food "issues" like dieting, or an unwillingness to try new things.





The key to making it a beautiful buffet, versus a redneck spread, is your presentation. You can rent serving pieces so all your dishes are the same. Then use a background for each one: paper doilies, large lettuce leaves, etc. Arrange the food nicely and your guests will literally eat it up.





Next year, when your guests think back on your wedding, they'll remember how beautiful you looked, how touching the ceremony was, and what fun they had. They won't remember what they ate, who they sat by or what they wore, and they certainly won't remember what they ate... unless it was horrendous or amazing.





Here are a few good websites for finger food ideas:


http://www.cookingvillage.com/cv/recipe/...


http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes/finger...


http://www.greatpartyrecipes.com/party-f...





Have a wonderful wedding!
Reply:there is finger food that looks like cake but its actually sandwhiches piled together its colored bread also. if you can find someone to do that its the best and most unusual thing to have done. in texas at heb stores do it but i know its exciting to eat tis and very good.
Reply:As far as food goes, I plan on doing just a dessert reception. It's cheaper and you get to eat more chocolate :).





Um, finger foods that come to mind would be little sandwiches, petit fours, perhaps mini quiches and cheesecake bites (Sam's club sells a box of 40+ assorted little cheesecake squares. Delicious and affordable!). Maybe some fruit, like melon balls, etc. Try looking up traditional tea foods.





As for the kids, have a special "kid's table" with chicken nuggets and other "kid friendly" food. You could even do a special "kids table" to sit at, with butcher paper table cloths and crayons. It's a lot of fun for them!
Reply:I would call a local caterer. If you will email me, I will suggest one or two to you. I will have to look at my vendor list from my wedding when I get home. There are several who are reasonable. If you dont want a caterer, I would check with one of the local resturants and see if they can do something. Again, email me and I will see if I can get you some names and numbers. Please let me know what type of food you like, so I can get you the appropriate resturant. I live in this area, and will be happy to email you info.

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