Setting the menu for your wedding reception is not a difficult thing to do in comparison to some of the other wedding tasks. However, for someone who knows little to nothing about catered events it can seem like a task that is insurmountable. Here are some suggestions to make it simpler for you to accomplish.
One of the most important decisions you need to make is to decide on the time of year and time of day for your wedding. For example, a summer wedding that takes place in the afternoon would have a menu that looks very different from a winter wedding that takes place in the evening. First, you must verify that the location you desire for your reception is indeed available. Then work from there.
How much does your wedding budget allow for? As a general rule of thumb, the more options you make available to your guests the more money you will be paying out. The good news is that today there are more options than ever before in this regard. If your budget is not as high as you would like it to be, then consider having an afternoon tea, a cocktail reception or one of the latest alternatives- a dessert reception.
Communicate effectively with the caterer you have hired. Keeping your budget in mind, ask him for recommendations on dishes that would delight. If his company has specialty dishes, then decide if that would work for you. You might want to add a favorite family recipe to the menu. If on the other hand, you decide not to hire a caterer and make all of the food yourself, then figure out what is popular and friendly to your budget.
Variety really is the spice of life (or in this case your wedding reception!). Offer different types of hors d’oeuvres, and make sure that some are cold while others are hot. Set up stations for hors d’oeuvres so guests can make their own selections but have other items served by waiters. In this way you will appeal to the tastes of all of your guests. Make sure you do not forget yourself in the mix. It is the bride and groom’s day after all, so include foods you will love!
