A Guide to Wedding Catering: What to Expect When Planning Your Reception

Planning a wedding comes with countless decisions, and one of the most important aspects is the food. Many couples don’t know where to start when it comes to wedding catering, and that’s completely understandable! At LemonCo Catering, we believe that a well-planned wedding catering timeline not only satisfies your guests but also enhances the overall flow of your big day. If you're wondering how to plan wedding catering, here’s what to expect and how to make the best choices for your celebration.

Starting with Cocktail Hour

After your ceremony, guests are eager to celebrate, and the best way to kick things off is with a cocktail hour. We recommend dedicating 1 to 1.5 hours to this portion of the event, allowing guests to mingle while enjoying delicious drinks and small bites.

At LemonCo, we offer mixology services to elevate the experience with craft cocktails that match your wedding’s theme. Alongside the drinks, we suggest either a stationary grazing board or passed hors d’oeuvres. This ensures that guests have something to snack on before dinner, keeping them satisfied without filling them up too much.

Transitioning to Plated Dinner Service

Once cocktail hour wraps up, guests move to the reception area for the main dining experience. While some couples opt for buffet-style catering, we typically recommend plated dinner service for a more elegant and seamless experience. Feel free to check out our buffet vs plated guide to figure out which service type is best for you!

A standard plated wedding dinner includes three courses and takes about :

Appetizer – A light, but flavorful dish to awaken the palate, such as a seasonal salad, gourmet soup, or a ethnic small bite.

Main Course – The highlight of the meal, often offering three or four choices for guests (e.g., steak, seafood, vegetarian, vegan options).

Dessert & Coffee Service – While the wedding cake is a classic, many couples also offer mini desserts, pastries, or a plated sweet course to accompany coffee or tea.

Essential Rentals for Your Wedding Catering

One aspect of wedding catering that many couples overlook is the rental component. Beyond food and drinks, essential rentals help create a seamless and visually appealing dining experience. Here are some key rentals to consider:

Glassware – Stemless wine glasses, cocktail glasses, and water goblets elevate the guest experience.

Plateware – Elegant plates that match your wedding theme add a polished touch.

Flatware & Silverware – High-quality utensils complement your plated meal or buffet-style dining.

Napkin & Table Linens - Durable, theme-specific fabrics for the aesthetic and practical use cases of your dinner service.

At LemonCo, we offer extensive decor and rentals services to provide our clients with a seamless experience.

Final Thoughts

From cocktail hour to plated dinner service, your wedding catering should be a reflection of your style and vision. If you’re just starting your wedding planning journey and searching for the best wedding catering options, LemonCo Catering is here to guide you. Whether you’re looking for expert mixologists, beautifully plated meals, or an unforgettable dining experience, we’ll help bring your wedding vision to life. To get a better feel of how LemonCo creates unforgettable experiences, visit our weddings page and contact us today to start planning your wedding catering!