How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Menu

Planning a wedding is no small feat, and one of the most important aspects of the event is the menu. After all, you need to make sure that there’s a good meal to keep your guests energised throughout the day. This article will guide you through the process of choosing the perfect wedding menu, from deciding on the type of service to accommodating dietary restrictions.

Decide on the Reception Menu

When it comes to planning your wedding menu, options are endless, which can overwhelm you. Think about the time of day and the overall vibe of the event. A daytime, casual wedding may call for a lighter menu, while a formal evening affair might need a more elaborate meal. Also, think about your own preferences and the cultural traditions you'd like to incorporate.

Plan Your Wedding Menu

Start by selecting the type of service you prefer – plated, buffet, or family-style. Each has its own pros and cons. For example, a plated dinner is considered more formal and allows you to control portion sizes, but it's also more expensive. A buffet offers more variety and allows guests to choose what they like, but it can be difficult to manage portions and may lead to longer lines. On the other hand, family-style service is a good middle ground.

When planning your wedding menu, you should consider the reception hall you’ve chosen for the wedding. If you are planning to host your wedding in another country, you might want to include the local cuisine in your wedding menu. For instance, if you want to host your wedding at a place like Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, which offers a variety of reception halls in Kandy, you should consider the upcountry food specialties in Sri Lanka.

Plated vs. Buffet Reception Menus

A plated menu is the most traditional and formal option, where guests are served individually at their tables. This option requires more staff and is usually more expensive. A buffet, on the other hand, allows guests to serve themselves from a variety of options. This can be a more cost-effective choice and offers more variety.

Traditional Wedding Reception Menu Ideas

For a traditional menu, consider classic dishes that are loved and easy to prepare in large quantities. Starters could include a salad or a soup, followed by a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian main course, and a classic dessert like wedding cake or fruit tart.

Formal Wedding Dinner Menus

A formal dinner typically includes multiple courses. You might start with an appetiser, followed by a soup or salad, a fish course, a meat course, and finally dessert. Wine pairings for each course are also a nice touch.

A Sample Traditional Wedding Food Menu

Here is an example of a traditional wedding menu:

Starter: Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Main Course: Choice of roast beef with gravy, grilled salmon with dill sauce, or vegetable lasagna

Dessert: Wedding cake and fruit tart

How Many Courses Should You Serve at a Reception?

The number of course that can be served at your wedding depends on your budget and the type of event. A typical wedding reception includes three to five courses, but you can certainly opt for more or less depending on your preferences.

Creative Alternative Wedding Reception Menu Ideas

If you are looking for something a bit different, consider serving a themed menu, like a barbecue, Mexican, or Mediterranean feast. Another option is to have food stations, where guests can create their own plates from a variety of options like a pasta bar, sushi station, or taco bar.

Accommodating Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

You should think about the dietary needs of your guests when planning your menu. Be sure to offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free choices. You should also label dishes with common allergens, like nuts and shellfish.