menu for wedding

What is the best menu for wedding?

Wedding Entree IdeasSteak and Salad. Source: Fannetastic Food. ... Kebabs. Source: Midwest Foodie. ... Fried Chicken. Source: Spicepaw. ... Shrimp. This seafood favorite can be paired with various sides to create the perfect wedding plate any time of the year. ... Salmon. Fish has been a wedding classic for years. ... Steak. ... Lobster. ... Lasagna.More items...

What is the typical wedding menu?

Traditional American Wedding MenuClassic Shrimp Cocktail. Fresh Lemon & Cocktail Sauce.Hot Artichoke & Red Pepper Dip. 4 Cheeses Dip with Fresh Bread.Deviled Eggs. Dijon, Paprika & Parsley. ... Green Garden Salad. ... Roasted Prime Rib. ... Grilled Chicken Americana. ... Creamy Whipped Potatoes.Sunburst Vegetable Medley.

What is the most popular meal at a wedding?

“Chicken, beef, and fish are the most commonly served main course items as they can maintain their heat when served to large groups and all work well with sauces,” says Strauss. So, don't go wild and ask your caterer for more obscure meats like quail, rabbit, duck, rack of lamb, or pork chops.

What is a good budget for food at a wedding?

Most couples spend between $1,800 and $7,000 on catering. Most caterers will include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as part of their packages. The average cost per person for a wedding in the United States is $40 for a plated meal and $27 for a buffet. Adding an open bar typically ups the cost by $15 per person.

How do you plan a wedding menu?

How to Plan a Wedding Reception MenuSet the average spend per person you're willing to spend, based on how many people are attending the wedding.Decide whether you're going to serve hors d'oeuvres, a plated meal, or a buffet.More items...•

What should you not serve at a wedding?

8 Foods NOT to Serve at Your WeddingAll meat, all the time. If you're a meat lover, it might be tempting to serve nothing but meat at your reception. ... Food that requires a big to-do. ... Raw food. ... Mini versions of everything. ... An eight-course meal. ... Overly complex dishes. ... Only exotic eats. ... Typical wedding foods.

How many food options should you have at a wedding?

Generally, you'll choose between two to three different options for each course. It's recommended that you choose between a variety of proteins like chicken, beef or fish to appeal to the tastes of your guests, along with an alternative option for those with dietary requirements.

How would you cater for 100 guests on a budget?

Wedding Menu- 5 Lunch ideas to feed up to 100 people for under $250Pizza and Breadsticks. Nothing could be simpler than pizza and breadsticks for a lunchtime reception- and you don;t even have to cook it! ... Tacos, Rice and Beans. ... Pasta and Bread. ... Burgers and Fries. ... Sub Sandwich Bar.

What do you serve at an afternoon wedding reception?

One great option for early afternoon weddings are finger foods and/or passed hors d'oeuvres alongside beverages or cocktails. Some food ideas include kabobs, bruschetta, specialty cheeses, and deviled eggs. Consider small plates of crab cakes, oysters, and shrimp if you're a seafood lover.

How much food do I need for 150 guests?

If there's going to be a main meal served at an event and the event itself is going to be two hours long, then you multiply 150 by 6. This means you'd need to serve at least 900 appetisers in total. If an event lasts two hours but it doesn't involve guests being served a main meal, you multiply 150 by 12.

How much food do I need for 100 guests buffet?

If you're offering catered appetizers, plan for about six portions per guest. For a party of 100 guests, this adds up to roughly 600 appetizer portions. You can also offer light snacks like nuts, fruits and pretzels to give guests something to munch on when they first arrive — stock up on these items in bulk.

What is the cheapest way to cater a wedding?

Arranging a set menu is the most affordable option. Set menus are often inexpensive choices, like barbecue, pizza, tacos, falafels or kebabs. A set menu will also help you avoid long lineups. If each guest has to order, then wait while their food is made, the lineup will be terrible.

How many food options should you have at a wedding?

Generally, you'll choose between two to three different options for each course. It's recommended that you choose between a variety of proteins like chicken, beef or fish to appeal to the tastes of your guests, along with an alternative option for those with dietary requirements.

What is the most popular service style at a weddings?

Plated/Table StylePlated/Table Style. Possibly the most traditional and popular way to serve your wedding reception menu is “plated” or “table” service.

What do you serve at an afternoon wedding reception?

One great option for early afternoon weddings are finger foods and/or passed hors d'oeuvres alongside beverages or cocktails. Some food ideas include kabobs, bruschetta, specialty cheeses, and deviled eggs. Consider small plates of crab cakes, oysters, and shrimp if you're a seafood lover.

Who gets served first at a wedding?

02. Arrivals. The newlyweds, their parents and the wedding party make their grand entrance to the reception. The bride and groom are introduced for the first time as husband and wife.

What to serve at a wedding brunch?

Host a brunch wedding or serve breakfast for dinner. Include pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon and any other morning munchies you love. Pair it with an espresso martini, mimosa or a Bloody Mary for a boozy brunch vibe.

What is dim sum at a wedding?

Whether the traditional Chinese meal is a nod to your cultural background, your love of travel or your personal taste in food, it's bound to be a hit at your wedding. Dim Sum typically consists of a variety of different dishes your guests can sample and choose from.

What are some Mexcican dishes?

One way to spice up a veg-friendly menu is to get creative with your presentation. Mexcican dishes like tostadas, veggie chips and stuffed vegetables feel elevated, creative and fun (plus they taste absolutely delicious).

What to serve with caprese salad?

We love this inventive spin on traditional Caprese salad. Rather than serving it on a plate, place mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil and balsamic on a skewer for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour.

What is the biggest dinner trend?

The biggest dinner trend we're seeing right now? Interactive stations. Couples are moving away from a sit-down three- or four-course dinner where the food is brought to guests by waitstaff, and instead, having passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hours or self-serve food stations. Guests still have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy their meal, but there's less table-time and more mingling time.

Can you have green salad at a wedding?

Green salads at weddings don't have to be boring. Work with your caterer to create a colorful mix of veggies that will entice your guests and keep them satisfied until the main course. Bonus points for tying the colors into your wedding's color palette!

Can couples have individually wrapped meals?

Due to the pandemic, many couples are offering individually wrapped meals at their nuptials too. Rather than passing plates or bites, couples are offering pre-packaged meals for each guest, creating a personalized and COVID-conscious experience. Serve up all of your courses in a decorative box or picnic basket.

What desserts are used for weddings?

Traditionally wedding cakes and cupcakes are used as wedding desserts; however, if you want to include some out-of-the-box desserts in your wedding, here are some great ideas. 36. Swiss Pastries. If you want your guests to remember the dessert they had at your party, choose a Swiss pastry.

What is a salad bar?

A salad bar is a fantastic wedding buffet idea, especially for your veggie guests. All you have to do is arrange for all the base ingredients and some exciting dressings and toppings such as fruits, vegetables, etc. Also See: Healthy Wedding Food Menu Ideas.

Can you tailor your wedding menu?

Of course, you can tailor your wedding menu to your preferences. However, it is always a good idea to discuss your food preferences with your caterer ahead of time. As a result, you will have a great wedding food menu and a stress-free wedding preparation. Happy Wedding….

What is a plated dinner?

The most traditional reception style, a plated meal is what the majority of couples choose. This is when all the guests are seated and served a formal dinner. Typically, it consists of two courses (an appetizer and an entrée), plus dessert if it’s served tableside. Everyone is usually served the same appetizer and then the main course is handled ...

What is family style meal?

A family-style meal is exactly as it sounds: Everyone is seated as big platters and bowls of food are passed around the table, just like you might do with your own family at home. This is a great option if you want to keep people seated at tables but don’t want something as formal as a plated meal. The first course is typically served with about one or two options and the main course includes as few as a protein and two sides or multiple proteins with multiple sides.

Why is a reception meal good?

It makes the reception meal feel more casual and laid-back. It's good for community building—when people are passing the food around their tables, they chat and engage with each other.

What is a station in a buffet?

Stations are very similar to buffets in that they give your guests a nice variety of food options. Stations typically have tables or areas specifically dedicated to certain dishes or types of foods. These are often more interactive and involved than a help-yourself buffet, so you will need people to staff these stations.

What is buffet style?

A buffet features long tables topped with a wide variety of food options. This meal style offers the most variety for your guests, making it particularly desirable if you want a wide range of cuisines or have picky eaters.

What is a cocktail reception?

A cocktail-style reception means no seating charts, no tablescape fuss… none of that. Instead, you and your guests can mix, mingle, and dance all night long and snack on small bites (either tray-passed or laid out on a grazing table in advance) whenever you feel like it.

How much more to pay for plated dinner?

Expect to pay 10 to 30 percent more than a plated dinner since you will likely have more menu items and less control over how much people eat, according to Parragué. You absolutely don’t want to run out of food, so always order more than enough here.

Tips On How To Choose The Menu For Wedding Reception Food

Before you get carried away with your favorite dishes, you’ll need to figure out what makes financial sense for your wedding budget. Food gets expensive, so hopefully, without having to resort to fried chicken for the mains, you need to determine if you can afford to have filet mignon on your wedding menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

For US weddings, the usual flow of the reception is as follows. After cocktail hour, the bridal party including the bride and groom will be announced into the banqueting hall for dinner. Next, there might be the first dance and then dinner will be served.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read through these tips about how to choose the menu for wedding reception food, you’ll hopefully be a little wiser when selecting a catering company.

Delicious Wedding Food Ideas

Here are 27 different wedding food ideas that you can use at your wedding reception to make the meal even more memorable.

How To Choose a Wedding Reception Menu

Choosing the wedding reception food will require some brainstorming of ideas first. However, before you make too many decisions consult your venue about catering to see if they need catering to be done in-house or allow an outside business to step in.

Final Thoughts

Planning the menu for your wedding is important – you want your guests to be well-fed and satisfied! Use these wedding menu ideas as inspiration for your wedding food, whether you opt for a few main meals with cocktail hour appetizers or for tapas-style stations.

What to serve at a summer wedding?

Steak and salad is the perfect option for summer weddings when you don’t want to weigh your guests down with heavy sides. , talk to your caterer about infusing some fruit in the salad or dressing for a pop of color and flavor. 12. Kebabs. Kebabs are convenient entrees If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding.

What to put in a salad bar for a wedding?

Place your basics, such as spinach and romaine, alongside toppings like rice, fruits, vegetables, and dressings.

What are some good things to serve at a taco buffet?

Taco buffets are a great way to serve crowds of any size. Make sure to combine classic favorites, like guacamole and pico to gallo, with unique additions, like mushrooms and mango, to make your spread tasty and memorable.

What is a wedding dessert?

Traditional wedding desserts consist of wedding cakes or cupcakes. While these classics are still a staple in many weddings, couples are starting to use the dessert table to showcase their favorite sweets instead. Whether you and your honey want to keep it classy or think outside of the box, these wedding dessert ideas will be the talk of the event.

What desserts are good for a hot summer wedding?

Popsicles are an ideal dessert for hot summer weddings to help your guests cool down. Try experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients like the edible flowers and liquor in these boozy pops!

What is a waffle buffet?

Waffle buffets are the perfect option for weddings at any time of the day. Add a few breakfast options for early celebrations or the iconic fried chicken and waffles pairing for evening events .

What are some good desserts for a wedding?

Cookies are a great choice for wedding desserts because you can customize them to fit your big day perfectly. Add edible flowers for a romantic theme or use your alma mater logo to excite the super fans.

Fresh Vegetable Station

From: A Yellow Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Maple Valley, Washington

Craft Pickle Bar

From: A Nature-Inspired, Spring Wedding at Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, New York

Rustic Wagon Dinner Station

From: A Homey Outdoor Wedding at The Barn at High Point Farms in Flintstone, Georgia

Fresh Fruit and Cheese Bar

From: A Traditional Italian Inspired Wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California

Sushi Station

From: A Romantic, Whimsical Wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts

Caprese Salad Station

From: A Rustic Outdoor Wedding With a Touch of Sparkle at Gale Vineyards in Durham, California

What is the importance of food and drink at a bridal shower?

After all, food and drink aren't merely important; they're absolutely essential for such a milestone event. They help set the mood and establish a theme, in addition to keeping guests sated. So from elegant canapés to sharable punches, these bridal shower menu ideas will pave the road to a lifetime of happily married bliss. Start Slideshow.

Why do brides have showers?

And while weddings can often be overwhelming and less than intimate, a shower offers an opportunity for the bride to gather with her closest friends and relatives in order to open gifts, reminisce, and celebrate a future — which brings us to the bridal shower menu.

Is bruschetta a sweet or savory?

Traditional tomato bruschetta is beautiful, but basic. Sunny strawberry bruschetta, on the other hand, toes the line perfectly between sweet and savory, and it makes a festive, springtime-friendly addition to any bridal bash.