Planning your wedding menu involves several steps to ensure that you create a delicious wedding breakfast for your guests. Here's a guide to help you plan your wedding menu:
- Once you have booked your venue or marquee you should then be looking for a caterer, this will give you the best chance of your preferred supplier being available on your date. Cast your net across 4-5 caterers to get a good cross section of quotes. Look at their sample menus and socials to find companies that have a style that suits your vision for the day. Once you've narrowed down your menu options, schedule a tasting session with your caterer. This allows you to sample the dishes and make any necessary adjustments or refinements to the flavours and presentation.
- Determine your budget: Begin by establishing a budget for your overall wedding expenses, including the catering and drinks. This will help you make decisions about the types of food, the number of courses and the level of crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen you can afford.
- Choose a style: Consider the overall vision of your wedding when deciding on the menu. For example, if you're having a formal evening wedding, an elegant plated dinner may be suitable. If you're having a casual outdoor wedding, you could opt for family service dishes or food stations.
- Consider dietary requirements: Take into account any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have. This could include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or nut-free options. Ensure that your menu offers a variety of choices to accommodate these needs.
- Select the courses: Determine the number of courses you want to serve. A typical wedding menu includes canapes during the drinks reception, I would recommend a minimum of 4 per person. As a bit of a canape thief here are my 5 five recommendations!
- Tempura prawns with chilli, kaffir lime and sake dip
- Leek and gruyere tartlet, crème fraiche, crispy leeks
- Porcini mushroom arancini
- Roasted chorizo, sun dried tomato and sweet potato tian
- Sesame and honey glazed cocktail sausages - always a crowd pleaser
A classic wedding breakfast would have a starter, main and dessert. Others go all out and incorporate an amuse-bouche or palate cleanser. A professional chef can guide you in selecting dishes, suggest seasonal ingredients and provide valuable insights into the logistics of executing your menu.
- Consider your preferences and guest preferences: Consider your personal tastes and preferences, as well as those of your guests. It's essential to strike a balance between offering dishes you love while also providing options that will appeal to a wide range of palates.
- Plan for beverages: Alongside the food, consider the drink options for your guests. Decide on whether you'll have a full bar, signature cocktails, a wine selection and non-alcoholic choices. Don't forget to include water, soft drinks and coffee or tea. Most caterers will offer a per head cost to serve your own drinks or can provide drinks packages on consumption.
- Consider evening food options: the most popular option is pizza, you can select a variety of toppings to cater for all tastes and the carbs are great after a few drinks! I am also a big fan of cheese stations and street food trucks.
Remember to communicate with your caterer regularly, keep track of any changes or dietary requests. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a memorable wedding menu that will delight your guests.
Shout out to Greens Catering for their help and guidance in creating this blog. Based in Oxfordshire with over 20 years experience in the weddings and events industry. Working from their 5 star kitchens they build delicious bespoke menus and serve fantastic food. Check them out here Green Catering
