Couples often fret over what to serve their guests at the reception, and rightfully so. Reception costs can comprise a majority of the wedding-day budget.

When spending $100 or more per guest, you want to ensure you're getting what you paid for and that guests enjoy what they're eating.

Filet mignon may be a good choice, but steak tartare is probably best avoided. Find out which foods to avoid serving your wedding guests.

. Exotic cuisine: You may be a risk taker when it comes to cuisine, but others may not share your zeal for exotic foods. Now is not the time to introduce guests to the wild and wacky. If you've seen an exotic dish on the Food Network or the Travel Channel, give it a try another time.

. Anything on fire: Why risk an accident for a spectacle? Baked Alaska, cherries jubilee, apples flambé ... these are foods that might provide a show, but the cost of that show may not be worth it in the end.

. Raw food: Clams on the half shell or sushi-grade tuna may seem like good ideas, but keep in mind that it is hard to ensure quality when feeding 200 people at the same time.

Foods that require special refrigeration or immediate service for freshness are best left for other occasions. Don't risk food poisoning on a room full of people unless you want your wedding to be remembered for stomach cramps.

. A long, sit-down meal: Two or three courses is fine, but if guests have to sit through a never-ending parade of courses, that limits their ability to mingle and have a good time.

. Anything too elaborate: The faster servers can get food out to guests the better. If they have to sit there piping mashed potato roses on dishes or assemble intricate canapés, the delay might not be worth the presentation.

And remember, the more bells and whistles, the higher the price tag.

. Fast food: This is your wedding, and you want the food to fit with the scale of the day. A formal wedding generally includes a formal meal.

Although it may be alright to include some fast food inspired dishes at the cocktail buffet, steer clear of burgers and fries for the main meal.

. Themed food: Don't dye that baked potato purple because you want the wedding to be a plumcoloured affair. Also, it's best to avoid themed food, unless it is part of a cultural wedding.