Creating A Wedding Menu

Weddings are all about you, the bride: true of false?  Well, it’s actually a gray area!  Yes, it’s your special day but the needs of your guests, friends, and family must also be considered.  This is especially true of your reception menu.

It is virtually impossible for you to know the tastes and desires of all of your guests so you need to stick with some general rules.

Rule Number 1: Well known allergens should not be on the menu.  Sorry, but a menu that includes Peanut Satay Sauce over various types of shellfish boiled in cows milk just isn’t going to work – and not just because that’s an awful combination.  Nuts, shellfish and dairy are the top three things to look out for.  If you want those items on the menu, regulate them to a side dish and make sure they are clearly marked with allergy alerts.  Nothing spoils a wedding faster than a guest collapsing with anaphylactic shock and having to be rushed to the hospital.

Rule Number 2: Consider the vegetarians.  They are out there and they are becoming more and more popular.  One of your main dishes or a couple substantial side dishes should be meat free.  Not only is this considerate for your meat-free guests, it also helps those actively pursing a lighter-eating lifestyle.  Your thoughtfulness in this area will be greatly appreciated by the group that usually winds up feasting on nothing but salad at social events.

Rule Number 3:  Caviar is a matter of taste.  Sure, it’s fun to show off with a lavish dinner.  However, when it comes to things like caviar and other wildly expensive imported delicacies, you may find it cheaper in the long run to wad up your money and toss it out the window.  Not everyone enjoys the lavish life of delicate foods; most of it may wind up going to waste.  If a mind-blowing spread is what you are after, you can do that with dishes most people will enjoy and save money instead of dispensing cash on dishes that only a few will truly appreciate.

Rule Number 4:  There are not enough napkins in the world to justify serving lobster.  Okay, it can be done, but remember you and your guests are in their best clothes here.  Saucy, soupy, drippy, and anything that requires manual dexterity to break into and eat are probably not the best ideas – unless you are planning to spring for the dry cleaning bills.

A big part of the wedding is the feast, so it’s only right that both you and your guests enjoy it.  Your menu should reflect your taste, wedding theme, and personal style.  It should also have a little something for everyone that said yes on the invitation.

Cheers!