How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Menu
Serving the right menu is one of the most essential aspects of making your wedding day flow smoothly. If you’re throwing a rustic backyard do, a plated dinner might be too formal. On the other hand, if your reception is in a grand ballroom, buffets or sit-down courses are definitely appropriate. Below are some tips to make sure you’ll have the perfect menu for your wedding day.
Establish a budget
The number of guests, the serving style, the appetisers and the cocktails; every decision will impact cost, thus you need to establish a budget early on and make sure you stick to it. This will help you keep on track of everything.
Plan and start early
A superb menu always starts with the caterer, but to get your first pick, you’ll have to book early. Some industry experts suggest booking catering and venues around 12 months before the event. Keep in mind, some venues will require you to use their in-house caterer or they will have a short list of wedding professionals that they work with exclusively.
If you have the opportunity to choose your own caterer, look for a chef that is flexible and excited about trying new dishes and food ideas.
Know your numbers
Know how many guests will be attending and ensure your maximum budget can handle this amount. This will help you determine your menu. If you want to have an impressive spread, consider limiting your guest list. If you want everybody to be there, just cut costs in creative ways that will still provide an enjoyable and delicious spread for everyone.
Understand dietary restrictions
Vegans, people with peanut allergies or guest who prefer a gluten-free diet should be considered. Talk with your chosen caterer about these challenges in advance to prevent any delays when plating entrees and main meals.
Think of a style or theme
The couple’s personality should drive the theme of any wedding. Some weddings will have very traditional of formal themes, while others may be more casual. Your themes can be expressed through the attire of the wedding party, the décor, floral arrangements, the ceremony itself, the venue, the season and the type of food served at the reception.
Go for local and seasonal
Great chefs and cooks plan their menus around whatever is fresh that month or season. Ask your caterer what ingredients will be in season on the day of your wedding and request to have your menu made around those ingredients. Find the freshest options by choosing locally grown produce. Also make sure your caterer is familiar with the foods they are preparing. There is no worse way to make your menu memorable than getting your guests sick from badly prepared food.
Cover all bases with your spread by having beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Make sure you have something slightly salty, sweet and something savoury to cater to all types of palettes.
The caterer should also care for good presentation
Choose a caterer who cares as much about presentation as they do about good tasting food. First impressions will help make the day memorable. You can also add small touches of your own like a special signature cocktail, a special dessert or napkins in your wedding theme colours.
Do not skimp on the portions
Make sure that you have enough food for everyone. Even if you’re having a buffet, your caterer will still need an approximate head count.
These are some of the things that you need to remember when choosing your wedding menu.
Take a look at Laissez-faire's own 2017 wedding packages to see the delicious menus we can offer you on your wedding day. Just click the image below:
