Our Favorite Wedding Menu Ideas
- Traveling Seafood Station. Create an exciting interactive experience for your guests with a traveling seafood station. ...
- Wood-Fired Pizza. Rustic wedding couples, this one is for you. ...
- Comfort Food Shooters. Comfort food, but make it elegant. ...
- Dessert Truck. ...
- Dim Sum. ...
- Sushi Station. ...
- Fast Food. ...
- Picnic Basket Meal. ...
- Build-Your-Own-Brunch-Bowl. ...
- Charcuterie in a Cup. ...
Full Answer
What is the best menu for a wedding?
Wedding Buffet Ideas
- Brunch Bar. Whether your wedding is happening earlier in the day or you and your sweetie are big fans of brinner (breakfast for dinner), a brunch spread is sure ...
- Popcorn Table. Serve this classic snack with a twist during your cocktail hour or as a late-night snack. ...
- Ice Cream Bar. ...
- Waffle Table. ...
- Pizza Platter. ...
- Taco Table. ...
- Donut Station. ...
- Salad Bar. ...
How to pick your wedding menu?
- Are you going to use a caterer or what’s offered on-location? ...
- Figure out your guests’ preferences way in advance. This is important not only in terms of their dietary preferences but also for their potential allergies. ...
- The more choices you can offer – the better. ...
- Try not to skimp on the size of the portions. ...
How to make a wedding menu?
“Start with a clear budget for each item you’ll need to spend on for your wedding based on what is most important to the two of you, as well as having an overall figure to aim for,” she says. “This should help you track your spending on individual items without getting carried away.
How to plan a wedding menu?
Ahead, our experts dive in and share everything you need to know about planning a wedding on the water ... Smaller yachts will usually only be able to accommodate a drop-off menu. Keep in mind, too, that you’ll also be limited to the number of guests ...
What should be included in a wedding menu?
Feel free to get creative and have fun with your wording, but your menu template should include the following:Description of Courses (or List of Dishes Served)Main Ingredients in Each Dish. ... A Welcome and Thank You (Optional) ... Your Names and Wedding Date (Optional) ... Menu Sample Wording: Plated. ... Menu Sample Wording: Buffet.More items...
What foods are served at weddings?
Wedding Finger Food IdeasCaprese Cups. If you and your partner plan to feed your guests Italian cuisine, then these Caprese cups are the perfect savory appetizer for cocktail hour. ... Bruschetta. ... Sliders. ... Mini Tacos. ... Veggie Roll-ups. ... Meatballs. ... French Fries. ... Spring Rolls.More items...
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 standard wedding menu size?
Theme: Choose a menu to fit the theme of your reception and/or wedding stationery. From a sit down dinner to buffets and BBQs, this is your day so make the menu something special that reflects your style as well. Menu details: Our traditional menu size is 5" x 7", but we also carry 4.25" x 10.25" menus.
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.
How can I feed wedding guests cheap?
Cheap buffets emphasize filling, low-cost sides, such as:Potato salad.Mashed potatoes.Rolls.Steamed vegetables.Corn on the cob.Rice and beans.Cooking greens.Casseroles.
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 do you display menus at a wedding?
From calligraphing your menu on mirrors to scrawling it on tablecloths, these 12 creative menu display ideas are all the inspiration you need.A Vintage-Style White Window Frame.Wood Pallets.Calligraphed Leaves.Hanging Embroidery Hoops Decorated With Flowers and Greenery.A Tall Framed Chalkboard Sign.An Ornate Mirror.More items...•
How many entrees should you have at a wedding?
As it turns out, having at least two entrée choices isn't only polite, but it's also necessary in some instances. Suppose that you choose one set meal, such as grilled salmon with roasted potatoes and bread, for every guest.
What are menu cards?
Its purpose is to display the food your guests will be enjoying at your wedding reception. Menu cards are often displayed at each place setting or one at the center of each table. They can be used no matter what style of meal you will be serving, whether it's a buffet, one entrée or multiple entrée options.
What is a good size for a menu card?
Most menus are built to accommodate the standard paper sizes of 8.5” x 11”. If your menu exceeds 12” x 18”, consider having separate menus for wine, dessert, and kids in order to keep the size manageable. You don't want to overwhelm your guests.
What size are dinner menus?
8.5"x11"Here are some common sizes that restaurant owners use for their menus: Lunch Menu: 8.5"x11" Dinner Menu: 8.5"x11", 8.5"x14", or 11"x17" Drink or Dessert Menu: 4.25"x11", 4.25"x14", or 5.5"x8.
What should I do for my wedding menu?
It's still a special way to personalize your nuptials and make the day even more special. Work with your caterer to craft a wedding menu that' s as delicious as it is meaningful.
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 are some good breakfast foods to serve at brunch?
While brunch may call to mind stacks of pancakes and plates of eggs, there are other options. If you're looking for a unique spin on breakfast foods, consider serving açai bowls. They're basically smoothie bowls with a variety of toppings. Make the experience interactive by sweating up a station full of different toppings (think: fresh fruits, seeds, nuts and granola). While açai bowls are one option, you can take this in any direction you'd like. For example, you could set up a DIY breakfast bowl station complete with hash browns, eggs, and other yummy foods.
What to do at a brewery for a wedding?
Whether you're saying "I do" at a brewery or your go-to date night activity is to try out different brews at your local spot, this wedding menu idea is for you. Create a brewery experience at your nuptials by serving your guests a flight or food and beer. Whether you opt for hot dogs, sliders or other delicious bar food is totally up to you!
How to narrow down wedding menu?
Is there a particular family recipe you always have? You can serve them both to celebrate the joining of your families. Another idea is to base your wedding menu off of your relationship. Nod to your favorite date-night spots or the meal you had when you got engaged. Including these personal details into your wedding menu will make your guests feel more connected to your love story.
What to serve at a cheese station?
Ideas include crackers, freshly-baked bread, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Serve it buffet-style so everyone can build their own platter.
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.
What does a wedding menu consist of?
The first drink has a strong influence, so choose something popular but safe. Pimms, Iced Tea, and Sparkling Apple Cider would be an excellent way to kick off the festivities.
What to serve at a wedding brunch?
Include flavorsome options such as biscuits and gravy along with sweet jams and fruits to ensure that there is something for everyone.
What is a good snack for a wedding reception?
A bagel is an excellent wedding reception snack. Your guests will enjoy the chewy, delectable texture and flavors.
Why are cookies good for weddings?
Cookies can be an excellent choice for wedding desserts because they can be tailored to your specific needs. Moreover, they are the budget-friendliest dessert option.
What to serve at a winter wedding?
Soup is the perfect way to warm up your guests if you’re hosting a winter wedding. You can consider including a meat-heavy soup like a stew, a cream-based soup like broccoli and cheddar, and a brothy option like chicken noodle at your winter wedding reception.
What is a good buffet for a wedding?
Waffle buffets are an excellent choice for weddings at any time of day. You can include a few breakfast options for early celebrations and pair them with some iconic food items at your evening event. They can even be served during cocktail hour. To allow your guests to enjoy their drinks with the right snack, serve bite-sized varieties with some corn, cream, and cilantro.
Is fried chicken good for a wedding?
This tasty entree will fill your guests and bring back memories of home. Fried chicken is also a good option if you plan to serve the plated meal.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
When do guests pre-select their entrée choice?
Guests pre-select their entrée choice when they submit their RSVP.
What is the food for a wedding?
Surf and turf is a classic wedding food for a reason. It’s elegant, often expensive, and a real treat for everyone involved since guests may only have such a dish at weddings and other special occasions.
What to serve at a beach wedding?
Have a beach or seaside-themed wedding? Set up a station with lobster rolls. Large lumps of lobster meat in a light mayonnaise or butter dressing piled high in toasted buttery buns with or without lettuce .
What is Caprese salad?
A Caprese salad is just tomato, mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic dressing. To make it something a bit more special, turn the salad into skewers eliminating the need for a fork with a small cup of dressing for dip.
Is dim sum good for a wedding?
The social nature of Dim Sum, plus the comfort of Chinese wedding cuisine, makes this an excellent option for your wedding. Guests can choose the items they want from carts or mark them on paper to be delivered to them.
Do wedding menus have to be traditional?
Here’s your chance to be fun and remind your guests that a wedding menu doesn’t have to be traditional.
What to serve at a wedding in summer?
Oysters can be such a fun treat to add to a summer wedding, especially one hosted outside on the lawn or at the beach. Set up a bar for your guests with oysters on the half shell, paired with a variety of sauces for toppings.
What to do at a summer wedding?
“Summer always brings menus with fresh, seasonal food, incorporating more berries, melons, a lot of fresh herbs, ” explains O’Connor. “Whatever is fresh in season at the time, we definitely use a lot of.”
What to serve for dinner at a sit down dinner?
If you’re opting for a sit-down dinner, consider fresh, light options for your main course such as salmon or grilled chicken. Use the dish as a base to incorporate summer flavors like lemon or roasted red pepper.
What to serve at a charcuterie table?
Set up a table with your favorite meats and cheese, crackers, and fruits. Your guests will love the variety and the option to move around and make their own charcuterie plate .
What to serve with kale salad?
Who says salad needs to be simple? Offer a heartier salad option while incorporating the flavors of summer. Pair kale with farro, and opt for a topping of juicy strawberries to finish off this seasonal dish.
How to plan a wedding menu?
One of the first steps in planning your wedding menu is taking into account your budget and how many guests are attending your wedding. Next, determine if you want to serve appetizers at a cocktail hour, have a buffet-style meal or a multi-course plated dinner. From there, you can begin exploring menu options in your preferred cuisine while keeping your guests’ allergies and dietary restrictions in mind.
What is the knot invitation?
The Knot Invitations offers a wide range of styles and designs to help you customize your reception menu. Whether you want your menus to match the look and feel of the other wedding paper in your stationery suite or prefer to design menus that have their own unique look, we’ve got you covered. Browse designs by color or choose a specific style, like romantic, elegant, whimsical or rustic, to narrow down your search. Once you choose your favorite design, you can easily customize fonts, colors, design layout and more.
Do you need a wedding menu for a wedding?
While wedding menus are not required, they are a great way to communicate to your guests what dishes you’ll be serving at your reception. Plus, you can customize your wedding menu cards to match the look and feel of your wedding events for a delightful touch.
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 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 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 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.
When you're mingling at a wedding, do you feel better?
When you’re mingling at weddings, you just feel better with something to munch on. Whether you plan to serve hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour or throughout the night, your guests will appreciate each bite. Here are a few crowd favorites that will keep your guests happy all night long.