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. You have some choices if you're on a budget.

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

There are lots of benefits to making your own wedding food. First, you can control the cost. Second, you can control the ingredients. When you make your own food and choose the ingredients, you can guarantee that all the reception food fits all the dietary guidelines of your choosing.

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

Enlist the help of your family and friends. 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. The possibilities are endless. Browse through some cookbooks at the library or bookstore. Borrow or buy some that have the most great ideas.

The best resources, of course, could be the internet. Dozens of great recipe sites boast thousands of recipes. A few hours' research could result in the perfect menu!

Some things to consider serving at your reception are tea sandwiches (cucumber & cream cheese, carrot, pimento, etc.), skewered meats with elegant sauces, dips with wedges of pita bread, crackers with smoked salmon, potato skins with out-of-the ordinary toppings, 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.