We know planning your wedding is supposed to be a fun and exciting time. But we also know that some things may be more stressful to plan than others. One of which, tends to be the food menu. Whether you invite 300 or 50 guests, figuring out a menu to accommodate and please everyone can be hard to nail down. Serving food that pleases your guests is something to consider, but making sure you (the couple/host) are satisfied, is very important as well! Here are some tips to help make selecting your wedding menu as stress free as possible.
Photo by Sarah Joy - Food by Portley Pig
Tip #1: Offer variety
Try to offer a little variety in your course options to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Consider if your guests are vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. This doesn't mean you have to change the menu you've always envisioned, but simply offering a few choices will allow all guests the chance to eat comfortably. So, if you want to serve tilapia as your main course, do it, but maybe offer a beef and chicken option as well.
Tip #2: Keep it simple
Sometimes offering too much food leads to unnecessary preparation and waste. Stick to a simple meal plan. Still offer a variety of main course options, but keep the side dishes and extras simple. In other words, only offer potatoes, grilled veggies and a side salad. They can choose their meat choice but those are their only options for sides. Less really is more.
Tip #3: Stay local
Sticking to a local food vendor gives you the opportunity to meet with and get to know the people catering your wedding. It also means that hopefully you've eaten the food before and really enjoy it. Unless you truly have your heart set on a caterer from out of town, do some research to find local food options that match the menu you're trying to create.
Tip #4: Make it personal
Keeping in mind everything mentioned before, make sure to create a menu that is personal to both of you. Something that is special and that you both enjoy eating. If you want to service messy, meaty, barbecue ribs because that's where you went for your first date, then do that! That first meal as a married couple is one you both should be looking forward to!
Tip #5: Desserts!
Photo by Sarah Joy Pies by - A La Mode Pies
This is where you can go crazy. There are so many fun and delicious options for desserts. Donuts. Pie. Smores. Ice cream. Choose your favorite dessert, unique as it may be, and share it with all your guests.
Tip #6: Late Night Snacks!
This is a fun one... because you can get creatives or keep it real simple. We've seen pizza being delivered, we've seen taco trucks appear... It's always a great idea!
So, offer some variety, keep the sides simple and personalize it. Planning your menu should be uncomplicated and enjoyable. After all, it is your wedding and you're allowed to make it about you!