Wedding Menu Ideas

-- Wedding Menu Ideas --

Creating a menu for your wedding is one of the best parts of your reception! Depending on your reception venue, you might have a lot or a little say in what can be served. Visit with your catering company and discuss your options well in advance, to make sure they are able to provide something to your tastes.

Vegetarian

If you and/or your partner don’t eat meat, it’s unlikely that you will be serving it on your wedding day. You might choose to go all-vegan, completely vegetarian, or serve some veggie plates and some fish or poultry plates to guests. If you plan to offer dinner options, you will likely need to send off a card with the invitations so guests can check off a customary “chicken or fish” box and send it along to you with their RSVP. Don’t be afraid to change this classic phrase: How about “Salmon or Vegetable Curry?”

-- Wedding Menu Ideas --

Surf and Turf

She’s from Maine; he’s from Iowa: Why not combine your personalities by serving a classic Surf and Turf on your wedding day? Seasoned steaks or chicken breasts topped with skewered shrimp and scallops will delight your guests! Feature a land and sea appetizer selection including goodies like a fresh oyster bar, crab legs, and shrimp cocktail martini glasses – along with beef Carpaccio, Thai chicken, and pork dumplings!

BBQ

Let loose and serve your guests classic BBQ fare on your wedding day! Your relaxed atmosphere will be reflected with the casual elegance of an outdoor meal. Serve it up buffet style and feature classic summer dishes like corn on the cob, potato salad, and burgers. Throw some steaks, vegetable skewers, and chicken on the grill, and set up a few coolers full of ice cold soda and beer for your guests to refresh themselves. Dessert? All-American apple pie, of course!

-- Wedding Menu Ideas --

Gourmet Cuisine

If you and your partner love to dine out in style, and delight in cooking modern, delectable meals, treat your guests to some of your favorite dishes. Work with a chef to create a menu that is all about you – perhaps inspired by a special meal, such as a first date, a memorable vacation, or an engagement. Goat cheese, sorbet, fresh tuna, and arugula are all modern staples to the foodie connoisseur. Required: fresh ground pepper and fresh ground salt on each table, and of course, fresh parmesan! To drink? A specialized wine pairing with each course, please!

A Special Course

Make your meal stand out by featuring a special course at your wedding. A wonderful cheese course after your meal (and perhaps midway through a round of long-ish speeches!) will surprise and delight your guests. Consider a chocolate buffet, or a midnight seafood presentation! A sushi bar or mile-long sub late in the evening is just the thing for dancing guests who are likely ravenous after a big meal. Consuming food late in the evening is also wise for guests who have consumed a bit too much alcohol and may be getting a little rowdy – food tends to calm the scene a little! These out of the ordinary dishes will add a personalized touch to your menu.

-- Wedding Menu Ideas --

Personalize It!

Add some customized items to your menu. If you are from different cultures, you may choose to combine dishes from each of your heritages in a fusion menu. Your caterer will likely welcome a recipe for Mom’s famous lemon chicken or Grandma’s meat balls- just be sure to discuss it well in advance!

Print It!

Providing each guest (or table) with a menu is the best way to let them know what they will be dining on. Have each dish described, and be sure to make note of any dishes that contain nuts, meat, or are Vegan. If you have guests with special requirements, find out in advance whenever possible, so you can alert the kitchen. Have your menus printed close to your wedding date in case there are any changes. Menus should be presented in the same style as your other written materials, and should feature your name, wedding date, and if you have one, your emblem for the day.

Have fun selecting the foods you will be serving your guests. The meal can be a simple celebration or an elaborate affair – whatever suits your taste!

-- Wedding Menu Ideas --