As brides and grooms continue to forgo traditional weddings, one style of reception gaining popularity is the afternoon tea wedding. Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to spend time with your guests without the extravagance of a full meal. Pairing a daytime wedding ceremony with afternoon tea can help reduce the cost of your wedding as well. You’ll no longer need plated dinner service and have more flexibility in your venue choice because your menu won’t require as much space to prepare or serve.
An informal afternoon tea wedding reception menu can borrow from other styles of reception without losing its charm. Frittatas and biscuits from brunch and hors d’oeuvres from a cocktail hour blend nicely under the umbrella of afternoon tea.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
While your reception doesn’t need to perfectly replicate British afternoon tea, these traditional menu items will be welcomed by guests.
- Scones in lemon, pumpkin spice, cranberry and other seasonal flavors.
- Tea sandwiches with delicious fillings, such as smoked salmon and cucumber.
- Biscuits on a buffet of flavored butters and homemade jams.
Complementary Dishes
Make your afternoon tea wedding reception menu more substantial by adding easy-to-serve dishes you and your fiancé love.
- Appetizers, such as fruit, cheese and traditional hors d’oeuvres.
- Small gourmet pizzas made with pesto or olive oil.
- Quiche or frittata with seasonal vegetables.
- Bruschetta featuring fresh tomatoes and basil.
Add Something Sweet
In addition to your wedding cake, add a few other sweet treats to your menu that pair well with your favorite tea.
- Tarts offer customizable flavors, colors, textures and sizes.
- Shortbread finishes a meal in a way that isn’t too sweet.
- Coffee cake with warm icing over top.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
You’ll need lots of tea options on your drink menu! If you forego a full bar, consider providing a few liquors that can be added to the drinks you serve.
- Hot tea in black, green and herbal varieties is essential.
- Iced tea, both sweetened and unsweetened, will be welcome in warmer weather.
- Lemonade is perfect for kids (and adults) who don’t like tea.
- Coffee will be missed if you choose not to serve it.
