You have the perfect fiancé, perfect date, perfect guest list, perfect wedding squad and perfect outfit. Your wedding is planned. But do you have the perfect wedding menu?
The food you serve at your wedding reception is very important, regardless of what others might tell you. That is why trying to plan a menu for many people might seem like an impossible task.
This is especially true when you realise that everyone has different tastes, food allergies and other dietary needs. So how do you plan a menu that you and your wedding guests will enjoy?
Below are some of the mistakes you need to avoid.
Going overboard
When planning your menu with your venue or caterer, it’s easy to go overboard and start adding more and more food to the menu. However, focusing on a few very high-quality choices helps you keep prices down, while also ensuring the food served is superb.
Even for buffets where you can serve multiple selections, keeping things to a minimum makes it easier on guests and your pocketbook. Too many choices also lead to waste.
Don’t hold back on the snacks
After the ceremony, the wedding guests will likely be hungry. As the organiser, you will have to provide enough snacks or hors-d'oeuvres for everyone to enjoy twice over, at least, so be sure that you do not skimp on the snacks.
Think of quirky options like mini burgers or sliders, doughnut holes, chicken wings, and other finger foods.
Keep these in good supply, especially if photographs will be taken after the ceremony.
Avoid out-of-season fruits and vegetables
Trying to stuff your menu with produce that is not in season is a really bad idea for lots of reasons. For starters, you’re going to spend a lot more money on fruits and vegetables that have passed their peak season.
It’s expensive to locate these items. Next, you’re not going to get the cream of the crop. Produce that’s past its prime could be overripe.
This will affect the taste and quality of your dishes. Instead, use the seasons to your advantage. There are plenty of great tasting options for each season of the year.
Not tasting the food beforehand
Don’t make the mistake of not tasting your chosen caterer’s food before your big day. Arrange a tasting appointment to confirm that everything is to your satisfaction and the quality you expect.
Not considering special diet needs
Today, more than ever, more guests will have special diet needs. Food allergies must be a priority, and you might also want to consider offering a vegan or gluten-free option for guests.
You can’t meet the needs of everyone with so many fad diets out there but you can at least provide options for people with dietary needs. The rest of your guests can simply push the potatoes or rice aside and eat the protein.