How to Create a Wedding Menu
- Determine the Budget. It sounded simple but before you decide on making a wedding menu, you should know your wedding budget.
- Consider the Wedding Theme. The over-all design and appearance of your creative menu should be aligned with the theme and mood of your wedding and reception.
- Know the Time and Location of the Reception. ...
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 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 foods are served at weddings?
Main courses:Pulled pork sandwiches.Grilled chicken with sweet summer vegetables.Brisket with mashed potatoes.Lobster mac and cheese.Shrimp and grits.
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 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 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.
What is the cheapest food to cater?
The cheapest food to cater is any rice or noodle-based cultural cuisine. Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes are delicious and affordable. Or, if you're hosting an event during the day, serve brunch and breakfast items.
How do you self cater a wedding?
DIY Wedding Food IdeasSet up food stations for your guests.Cook or order food for a buffet.Order meals from a restaurant.Set up a no-cook buffet with salads and sandwiches.Plan a simple reception without a full meal.Serve only easy to prepare appetizers.Serve only make ahead desserts and cakes.More items...•
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 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.
How do you make a wedding buffet elegant?
#1: Hire a Wedding Planner. ... #2: … Then Hire an Experienced Full-Service Caterer. ... #3: Make it a Sit Down Dinner. ... #4: Ask for Full-Service for the Head Table. ... #5: Make it Personal. ... #6: Don't Want Fingers in the Food? ... #7: Ditch the Double-Sided Buffets. ... #8: Design Your Table Settings As If It Were a Plated Dinner.More items...•
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 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.
How to make your wedding meal unique?
Adding personal touches to your menu is an easy way to make your wedding meal unique! There’s a lot to consider when thinking about the foods and drinks to feature during your wedding. To ensure a successful and stress-free wedding planning process, make sure to keep key planning tips in mind.
What is the best food for a winter wedding?
Winter. Comfort food is the perfect staple of a winter wedding menu, as cold-weather events provide an opportunity to serve heavier fare than you typically would during other seasons. Warm up your guests from cold temperatures with a delicious hot meal and cozy cocktails.
What to do when getting married in spring?
Spring. If you are getting married in the spring, play up the bright flowers, pastel colors and light flavors that the season is known for. Make sure to incorporate the many fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are in season this time of year, like asparagus, melons, apricots, lavender, and mint. Celebrate the warmer weather by choosing foods ...
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.
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.
Everyone will be asking for seconds
Molly Allen is now a freelance writer focused in lifestyle, travel, food and beverage.
Sushi Bar
Sushi. Bar. Need we say more? Work with your caterer to set up a gorgeous, refreshing option everyone will love.
Caprese Skewers
Nothing screams summer like bright tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. Caprese skewers offer a great, filling option without weighing down your guests.
Salmon Entrée
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.
Fresh Flatbread
Thinking about doing a spread of pizzas but worried it might be too heavy? A simple flatbread with prosciutto, greens, and lemon can be a great, lighter alternative.
Bright Berry Cups
Fresh berries are the perfect touch for warm weather. Opt for bright fruit cups with a mixture of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to capture the flavors of the season.
Seafood Bar
Nothing says summer like fresh seafood. Set up delicious, light options with an array of sauces for a fun, interactive station.
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.