The wedding: you will remember. The food: people will remember!
There are many things that guests will remember about your big day. The happy couple smiling, great music, and, of course, the food. If only creating a mouth-watering menu for your reception was as simple as offering either a chicken or a fish.
How do you manage your mate who only eats kosher food or a sister-in-law who's allergic to gluten? Will Aunt Louise be offended if you serve prawns for the main course? How do you even pick the right chef? Also, how far can you stretch your budget and still provide an incredible culinary experience to everyone gathered to honor you?
In short, planning a wedding menu is a tastefully complex task. Not only do you have to decide what kind of culinary exhibition you want to bestow upon your guests, but you also need to consider a variety of different tastes, specialty diets, potential food allergies, etc. Very stressful indeed!
We know; wedding menus can drain you, but we're here to share some of our favorite tips on how to plan the best - scratch that, MOST AMAZING wedding menu. Shall we begin?
#1 Pick The Best Caterer
This is a massive deliberation and one that's near and dear to our hearts for many reasons.
When considering catering services, keep a few things in mind. Do your options have the expertise and experience to achieve the vision you have for your reception meal? Are they both cuisine and service-focused? Have they ever catered to a crowd as big as your guest list? Do they offer an assortment of food choices?
All of these details can help you pick the best wedding caterer, especially if your big day is in your hometown and you have a list of recommendations from friends and family. However, suppose you're planning a destination wedding in an exotic locale, such as Naples, Florida. In that case, it's possible that the overwhelming availability of options can rattle you. There's one option: Prestige Catering. It's the best food catering Naples FL for when you desire a combination of class and taste.
#2 Sort Your Budget
Before you start to run wild in a field of wedding caterers carelessly, make sure your budget is flexible. You don't have to narrow it to a perfect dollar figure. But be prepared to outline how much you are willing to spend per head.
Once you have that digit in mind, work with your caterer to design a menu that suits your funds. That may include some bordering along the way. Still, a reliable catering service provider should be not only able to roll deep within your budget but also provide plentiful alternatives if a preferred dish is going to destroy the bank.
#3 Ensure A Wedding Tasting
Not all grooms and brides decide to take up the proposal of joining a wedding tasting. Not surprisingly, they are sometimes disenchanted by what ends up on their table when it comes to the actual day. Therefore, a proper, full menu tasting before the event is mandatory. At the very least, you should know what your guests put in their mouths tastes like!
#4 Add Some Seasonal Effects
Are you planning your wedding for this fall? Then consider drawing inspiration from the season's signature tastes with accessories such as butternut squash ravioli (everyone's delight) or a warm apple crumble with ice cream. If you're having a summer wedding, add some local produce to it by stacking your menu with loads of veggies and fruits.
Remember that using seasonal, fresh ingredients also enhances the zest of virtually any dish and can help reduce catering costs. Opting for a seasonally-inspired menu brings added culinary credibility and flair to your menu.
#5 Consider Dietary Needs & Food Allergies
It is tradition to give your guests a choice between two dinner options for gilded meals.
Suppose you are serving family style or hosting a buffet. In that case, it is essential to design a menu with various unique foods to accommodate your guests. If there's a guest with a food allergy or sensitivity, you can request the food caterer to offer some options. It is always a good idea to comprise a note in the invitation for your invitees to contact you for special dietary requests.
#6 Opt For An Aesthetically Pleasing Presentation
Of course, you want your tablecloth linens and plates to be laden with scrumptious food. But you also want the food to look enticing. Ask your caterer how the items will be presented and if they can shake their talent with your wedding theme. The perfect presentation adds a special touch that makes for an unforgettable impression and culinary experience. Mulberry market designs is a Florida-based business that handmakes unique acrylic and wooden wedding signs.
#7 Always Over-Provide
Communicate your guest list with your caterers at all phases of the menu selection process. Undoubtedly, catering is one detail of your wedding day that needs to be allocated a significant section of your budget. From an assortment of hors d'oeuvres to a five-course dinner, ensure your catering company has overplayed. Regardless of what you choose to budget on, your guests shouldn't go home feeling unsatiated.
The Takeaway
In the end, be prepared for the "thank you" and the "I couldn't stop licking my fingers."
We hope these tips help you pick a delicious wedding menu that gathers rave reviews. There's a lot to consider when thinking about the drinks and foods to feature during your wedding. To ensure a wonderstruck and stress-free wedding planning experience, keep all of our planning tips in mind.
Also, don't forget to sprinkle a little bit of your "creative dust" onto the menu and add seasonal elements to make the meal stand out!
