Being open to food suggestions for your wedding reception, means considering all types of menus. From appetizers to after-dinner mints, you can offer wedding guests a delicious menu sure to please every palate.
Suggestions for Your Wedding Menu
Deciding what food to serve at your wedding reception is one of those choices many brides and grooms worry over, biting their nails, and hoping to please everyone. This doesn't have to be the case, however. Choosing your wedding reception menu can and should be enjoyable, just like every other aspect of planning your big day.
Appetizers
Because many brides and grooms choose to have their wedding photography taken between the ceremony and the reception, having appetizers is a practical choice to prevent guests from getting too hungry before dinner.
- Tea sandwiches
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Potato skins
- Apple or pear slices and brie
- Crackers and cheese
If you are having a reception that falls between normal meal times, it may be enough to serve several appetizers or small plates at the reception and nothing else.
Soups and Salads
For a formal affair, it's common to include a soup or salad starter before the main meal. A popular soup choice is Italian wedding soup, but minestrone, tomato, or your favorite soup will work as well.
Salads can be simple or elaborate. For a simple crowd pleaser, consider a simple Caesar salad. To impress, serve a goat cheese and cranberry salad with a tasty vinaigrette.
Pasta
Pasta is a great wedding meal, because your caterer can easily alter the dish to suit special needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free. Ask your caterer to indicate the specialty dish with signage.
- Alfredo
- Lasagna
- Spaghetti
- Penne with marinara sauce
Meats
Steaks, pork, and poultry are very popular main dish choices for weddings.
- Chicken piccata
- Prime rib
- Roasted turkey
- Roasted duck
- Pork ribs
- New York strip steak
- Fillet mignon
- Pineapple-glazed ham
Tip: If you are hosting a plated dinner, include menu choices in the invitation before the wedding. This allows guests to choose their own meat or non-meat options.
Sides
You will generally want to include a few sides with your meal. Steamed vegetables are a good alternative for your health-minded guests. However, there are dozens of choices, including:
- Wild rice
- Roasted red potatoes
- Steamed green peas
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fruit salad
- Glazed green beans
Bread
Bread is a tasty, yet inexpensive way to help your guests get full at your reception. A simple basket of rolls will suffice, but there are many other ways for your guests to enjoy their bread choice.
- Crusty bread with oil and vinegar dips
- Muffins
- Cornbread
- Fruit and nut breads
Desserts
The most common dessert for a reception is of course a wedding cake. Tiered cakes are synonymous with weddings and many people relish this tradition. However, there are many couples now choosing to forego this for more contemporary options.
- Decorated wedding cupcakes
- Biscotti
- Handmade chocolates or candies
- Mints
- Cookies
Cultural Traditions
Almost every culture has traditional foods associated with weddings. It can add a special touch to tap into your or your future spouse's culture when it comes to planning your wedding menu. The following are a few ideas.
- Southern comfort foods
- Italian foods
- Mexican foods
- Irish foods
Don't Stress Over the Menu
Your family and friends may also be able to offer you some helpful wedding food suggestions based on their own experiences. Whatever you choose, remember that the most important part of the day is celebrating with family, friends, and your new spouse.
