Tips for Selecting Your Wedding Reception Food
Kick off your wedding reception deliciously by providing a top-tier meal for your guests before they dance the night away! Use these tips as you select your wedding reception menu to ensure that your guests are both impressed and satisfied.
Create a Budget
How much money are you willing to spend feeding your guests? Based on how many folks have confirmed that they’ll be attending your wedding, consider how much you’re willing to spend per plate. This will give you an idea of how much to set aside for food.
Consider Dietary Needs
Will you have loved ones in attendance who have dietary restrictions or allergies of any kind? Many couples planning their wedding include a note in the official invitation for guests to write down any specific dietary needs they have. Whether kosher or vegan, keto or halal, make an effort to have a variety of food options so that everyone can eat something of substance.
Hot Tip
“Substance” is the keyword here. Even if you only have a few vegan guests, they’ll want to eat something more significant than a salad before a night of drinks and dancing!
Prioritize Your Favorites
Is there a meal that holds special significance to you and your spouse-to-be? Maybe the two of you went out for sushi on your first date, and you want to represent that at your wedding dinner. Or perhaps you love to cook Italian food together and wish to share that memory with your guests.
The reception meal is ultimately for your guests, but don’t let that stop you from adding a bit of your personality to the menu.
Plated vs. Buffet-Style
How do you want to serve your guests their meals? Many traditional weddings go the plated route, offering a choice between two meals with three courses each (appetizer, main, dessert).
But if your wedding is a smaller, more relaxed affair, talk to your wedding food vendor about setting up a buffet table! Buffet-style dining is a great way to let your guests create their own meals by choosing a little bit of everything.
Pleasing Presentation
If you do go for a plated multi-course meal, talk to your caterer about how they’ll present the food on the plate. Yes, you want it to taste delicious, but guests will “eat with their eyes” before they taste anything! Use your wedding’s theme as inspiration for appealing plating ideas—it’s those little touches that everyone will remember when the day is over.
Are you in the process of selecting your wedding reception food? Use these tips as you choose your menu, finalize the serving style, and accommodate the unique needs of your treasured guests.