Spring is a wonderful time to hold a wedding reception, with warmer days, longer nights and the beauty of nature coming back to life. It is also a time of year that lends itself well to exciting and original menu ideas, with a wide variety of seasonal food that fits perfectly with the theme of your special day. This changeable season gives you the opportunity to plan a feast that incorporates a variety of both heavier and lighter favourites, and allows you to take advantage of the more traditional elements of wedding reception faire or give your spread a contemporary overhaul depending on your personal preferences.
Nothing says springtime quite like a refreshing cocktail, so make sure that your guests are ready to raise a toast to your future happiness by serving up signature drinks that give your reception a truly personal touch. As the warmer weather will hopefully be setting in, you are probably looking for a beverage that is refreshing, cool and crisp as well as luxurious enough to capture the essence of your big day. Champagne cocktails such as a classic Bucks Fizz or a fruity Bellini are an ideal choice for your reception, or if you would rather conjure up the spirit of the Mediterranean and give a hint of the summer that is just around the corner, why not offer a delicious and tangy Limoncello? If you are serving cocktails with a top, frothy layer, why not monogram your drinks with your initial or a heart shape for greater personalised appeal. Don't forget the drivers and those who don't drink alcohol when arranging drinks for your celebration – a lemonade bar is a fabulous springtime choice, offering various flavoured lemonades in attractive glass jars which form an attractive centrepiece for your table.
Get your reception off to the best possible start with some hors d'oeuvres with a seasonal twist. Springtime is invariably associated with eggs, so why not incorporate them into your first course? Opt for the traditional devilled eggs or go for something a little more exotic such as a single poached quail egg served on a demitasse spoon. Alternatively, for something more subtle, why not serve up individual miniature egg souffles? If you are serving a salad course, this is the perfect opportunity to evoke your springtime theme. Forget classic iceberg lettuce and, instead, opt for mesclun or mixed baby greens for a fresh from the garden feel. You could even conjure up hints of warmer weather by adding fruity elements to your salad, such as a fruity raspberry vinaigrette or a few berries on the side for an extra seasonal vibe. Seafood appetizers are also a perfect choice for a spring wedding, whether you would prefer the traditional element of the classic shrimp cocktail or a more modern version of king prawns served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce.
For a spring-like feel, keep your main course light and upbeat, skipping the heavy fare that is more traditional during the winter. Popular foods like fish and chicken are ideal for a springtime wedding reception, but you should consider giving them a seasonal overhaul with hints of fresh herbs such as mint and rosemary, or tangy citrus marinades. Alternatively, why not consider serving your guests an entree of lamb? Lamb is one of Spring's most iconic menu items and is a flavoursome and rich option for your celebration. Another method of introducing spring-like touches to your entrees is to add attractive seasonal garnishes to the plates. Asparagus spears or baby vegetables are a perfect addition, while edible flowers such as orchids and pansies are not only delicious, but are beautiful too.
Spring lends itself perfectly to the dessert course, with a wealth of sugary treats that complement the season. Why not present your sweet-toothed guests with colourful French macaroons in colours that match your wedding theme? Or monogrammed petit fours with your initials would be an appealing treat to follow a delicious meal. Berries are an excellent springtime choice, but give them a romantic touch by dipping them in white chocolate and serving them with fluffy whipped cream. Avoid the heavy puddings and desserts that fit better with a winter wedding, and instead opt for lighter flavours such as lemon and vanilla. Springtime is synonymous with flowers, so consider swapping the classic iced wedding cake for a cupcake mountain, with each individual cake decorated with pink frosting swirls and a matching rosebud. Alternatively, if you are serving a buffet for your guests, why not consider having a Belgian waffle bar? Your friends and family, old and young alike, will love to help themselves to these chewy sweet treats, adding their own favourite toppings from melted chocolate to chopped banana and whipped cream.
