Planning a wedding is difficult, and planning the wedding menu can be stressful. There may be competing demands from your guests—some of whom may have dietary restrictions—and your budget might cause you to rethink some of your menu options. On top of that, you want to be sure the food you’re serving up is attractive, unique, and delicious!
Luckily, it’s easy to create a wedding menu with flair while still accommodating everyone and keeping your wallet happy. Here are some delicious wedding menu ideas to get you started.
1. Comfort Foods
Who doesn’t love a big bowl of macandcheese? Comfort foods are almost universally beloved, from the grilled cheese to the ubiquitous macandcheese, to Mom’s homemade chicken soup. Often, comfort foods are those that got served up to you as a kid, and you associate them with home, love, and warm, fuzzy feelings.
What could possibly be better for your wedding? Most people love these foods, and they evoke good vibes—which is exactly what you want on your wedding day. Comfort foods are most definitely one of the most delicious wedding menu ideas you can find. They may not be fancy, but your guests will most certainly appreciate this menu option.
2. Dessert Stations
Dessert is possibly everyone’s favourite course. While wedding cake is traditional, why not consider branching out and trying a few different desserts? S’mores, pies, cookies, donuts, macarons, and cupcakes are all treats that can accompany the traditional wedding cake. If you want to offer multiple desserts, try a dessert buffet or dessert stations, where guests can scope out a variety of different offerings.
Better yet? Offer guests a chance to DIY! As’mores station allows them to create their own gooey treat, while a sundae bar might evoke a little bit of nostalgia. You can’t go wrong with desserts as part of your wedding menu ideas!
3. A Signature Cocktail
Professional bartenders can add a bit of flair to your wedding as they mix up drinks for your guests. While some of your guests might be content with the old standards, why not consider a signature cocktail for your wedding? Your caterer can work with you to create a unique sipping experience for your guests—one that will remind them of you and your partner, both now and forever after!
And don’t worry—a cocktail doesn’t have to include alcohol. Virgin versions of any drink can be created, so don’t take this off your list of wedding menu ideas just because there will be kids at your wedding or because you’ve decided on a dry event.
4. Pick a Theme
You’ve already decided on a theme for your wedding, right? The food should follow suit! While some people shy away from making their food “fit” into their themes, it can be a great way to reflect you as a couple.
If you’ve been dreaming of an island getaway or you and your partner met on vacation, think about flavours that reflect those places. What dishes could you serve your guests? Or maybe you two both enjoy camping—a camp-themed menu is not only delicious, it’s unique and fun!
5. Go Mini or Go Home
“Bigger is better” is an oft-heard refrain, but when it comes to wedding menu ideas, the opposite seems to be true. Mini foods are a huge trend right now, and with good reason. First and foremost, you and your guests may not be very hungry! All the excitement and nerves of the Big Day might mean that everyone would prefer some light grazing, versus a heavy sit-down meal. Mini foods allow you to keep things light.
Better yet, mini portions of everything allow your guests to sample and experience more flavours than they might otherwise—no more asking “chicken or beef.” Instead, mini foods allow your guests to try both!
