Creating the perfect menu for your wedding can be a lot of fun, but it can also induce stress in even the most relaxed couple. The food is an integral part of every wedding, and trying to please the palates of all of your guests can seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be! Follow these simple tips to make menu planning for your wedding a breeze:
Set a Budget
Weddings can get expensive very quickly, so it’s always good to know your budget before meeting with your caterer. Once your caterer has an idea of your food and beverage price point, he or she can direct you to menu options and service styles that will fit comfortably.
Style
Every couple has their own style, so decide what kind of reception suits you for your big day. Do you want the meal to be the focal point of the reception? Then have multiple sit-down courses spaced throughout the event. If you want your guests to keep on dancing with few breaks, then plan for some inventive food stations to be available throughout the reception.
Customized Menus
Consider your personal style and preferences when planning the food to be served at your event. To create a unique menu, consider your favorite foods, dishes that reflect your culture and foods that have meaning to you, such as a first date meal, engagement meal or dishes from a favorite travel destination. Be sure also to alert your caterer to any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Consider Your Heritage
Make your menu an expression of your heritage using recipes and ingredients that you grew up with. Don’t be shy; talk to your caterer about creating a cultural or multicultural menu that you and your guests will never stop talking about!
Keep It Entertaining
Want to add a unique twist to your meal? How about serving breakfast for dinner or having a chef prepare fresh, warm donuts before your guests’ eyes? Other ideas include a liquid nitrogen station and a shaved ice station. The sky’s the limit!
Simple Meals, Prepared with a Twist
Love sushi? How about a sushi-inspired short plate made of brioche toast, topped with seaweed butter, halibut crudo, lime, red onions, peppers garlic and cilantro and garnished with a pickled radish? Have a favorite childhood meal that feels like “home” to you? Just ask! You may not be able to think about how to create a stunning and delicious meal from your favorite things, but a great chef will.
Keep It Local and Seasonal
The best flavors come from produce that is seasonal. Do you love peaches, but aren’t sure how to incorporate them into your wedding day? Try a fresh summer salad of grilled peaches, fresh baby arugula and goat cheese with lime vinaigrette. Now imagine how that will taste with peaches that were just picked—fresh, juicy and delicious! How about a custom farm-to-table display with homemade spreads and jams, cheeses, grilled and pickled vegetables and fresh honeycomb? Simple farm-fresh ingredients can be made into a stunning and delicious display.
Signature Cocktails
A signature drink is a great way to personalize your party. Work with your caterer to create the perfect cocktail, keeping in mind both seasonal and favorite ingredients. For a fun twist, create a whole personalized cocktail menu with drinks named after wedding party members or special spots with meaning to you (like where you met or got engaged).
Ready to start planning your party? Schedule a consultation with one of our event managers today!
Robert Ryan Catering and Design plans and executes over 400 events each year, boasts a five-star rating on WeddingWire and has received WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice/Bride’s Choice Award seven years in a row. Learn more about Robert Ryan Catering & Design and tour our venues. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for exclusive offers, up-to-date news and recipes from our executive chef.
