Wedding Menu Examples

Wedding Menu Examples: putting a menu together is often a daunting task. It is the one thing that most couples reply heavy upon the caterer for advice. But how do you know if you are getting good advice? What are the basics for putting a menu together? How are you able to influence the caterer? What vital information does the caterer need to know from you.

Related links and sample wedding menus:

- Our wedding menu

- Arabian banquet
- Australian wedding banquet
- Chinese wedding banquet
- Greek wedding feast
- Indian wedding feast
- Irish wedding feast
- Japanese wedding banquet
- Kosher wedding menu
- Sumptuous Scottish feast
- Vegetarian wedding menu
- Welsh wedding menu

Wedding Menu Examples: Vital Information

I have already mentioned this before, but it is worth mentioning again: you need to be aware of your own and your bridal parties needs. For guests whose eating preferences you are not aware of then it may simply be a matter of providing a choice of food.

For your bridal party be aware of:

- any fatal allergies, e.g. nuts, gluten, seafood, MSG, etc.
- lifestyle commitments, e.g. if anyone if vegetarian, vegan, etc.
- religious commitments, e.g. if a Kosher menu is required
- medical conditions, e.g. diabetes, alcoholism, eating disorders
- the elderly are less tolerant to spicy food
- children will be quite happy and probably prefer pizza
- those with large appetites!

This information, along with the number of guests, should to be conveyed to your caterers immediately so they can determine whether or not they can meet your needs. This will obviously influence the menu choice.

Wedding Menu Examples: The Basics

In addition to the above, when planning a menu you should consider:

- flavours
- textures
- colour
- weight

It is necessary to balance these elements: lighter food with rich food, strong flavours with more lightly seasoned food, dry or crunchy with moist food (sauces). A crisp salad, for example, would balance a fried dish. Steamed vegetables would balance a heavily sauced casserole or stew.

The next step in planning your menu is to decide upon your main course (or main courses if offering a choice). Your starter and dessert will be planned around the main course to compliment it. Your main course should be versatile, i.e. vegetables accompanying a meat dish suitable in their own right for vegetarians. Forget relying upon cauliflower cheese, there are much more interesting things such as: ratatouille, mixed vegetable gratin, stir-fried vegetables with noodles.

Wedding Menu Examples: Caterers Challenges

If planning to host your wedding party at home, in a marquee, in a village hall, in an “old” building or interest – i.e. where there will not be a shiny new all singing all dancing stainless steel kitchen, bear in mind the caterers challenges:

- cooking in quantity
- manageable kitchen facilities including sufficient oven space
- cooking with fresh produce for large numbers (as opposed to pre-prepared)
- keeping food at the correct temperature
- space for food storage both before and after
- serving large numbers simultaneously
- hiring sufficient wait staff who are competent and practiced in silver service

I agree that it is not your problem, but the caterers, however this may influence your choice of menu.

Wedding Menu Examples: Receiving Good Advice

It is difficult to know whether or not you are receiving the best advice for your circumstances. Always approach more than one caterer. Always insist upon a menu tasting session. If the caterer has their own restaurant, always go and eat at there “under cover”. Do your research and find out if any of your friends have hired them for functions. Read any food critics articles. The more well informed you are the better decisions you will be able to make.

Wedding Menu Examples: Breaking With Tradition

Do not be afraid to experiment. Weddings are usually very traditional, so this may be one way for you to break with tradition. Create your own menu and let the food reflect your personalities. Do not be afraid to take wedding menu examples to your caterer and get them working to achieve your dream menu.