Your wedding menu isn’t just about food—it’s about creating an experience your guests will remember. From the first canapé to the final toast, every bite should reflect your personality, style, and love story.
But with so many options to consider, it can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the key decisions to help you build the perfect menu for your big day.
Internal vs External Catering
One of the first things to check when planning your wedding menu is who’s preparing the food. Some venues include catering in their packages, while others allow you to bring in your own caterer. Understanding your options early on can help you plan effectively. Compare services, prices, and flexibility before making a decision.
Ask your venue if they include in-house catering or allow external vendors.
Request sample menus and prices from both internal and external options.
Check whether external caterers must be approved by the venue.
Consider flexibility: external caterers may offer more customised menus.
Pick Foods You Like
It’s easy to get caught up in what your guests might enjoy—but don’t forget this day is about you too. Choose dishes you and your partner love, even if they’re not traditional wedding fare. Personal favourites will make the experience more meaningful. After all, your menu should reflect your unique taste as a couple.
List your favourite cuisines or dishes as a starting point.
Don’t worry about impressing everyone—focus on what feels special to you.
Share a story behind your menu choices during the reception.
Add a unique twist to traditional dishes to make them your own.
Consider Style and Budget
Wedding catering comes in many styles: plated meals, buffets, street food vans, and more. Each style creates a different vibe and impacts your overall budget. Before deciding, think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create and how much you're willing to spend. The right format will balance style with practicality.
Buffets and food stations tend to be more cost-effective than plated meals.
Plated dinners offer elegance but require more staff and higher costs.
Food trucks or casual options work well for laid-back weddings.
Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included in each package.
Think Seasonal
Using seasonal ingredients isn’t just a foodie trend—it’s a practical and delicious way to shape your wedding menu. Seasonal food is typically fresher, tastier, and more affordable. It also helps your menu feel appropriate for the time of year. Work with your caterer to build dishes around what's naturally available.
Choose light, fresh dishes for spring and summer weddings.
Opt for hearty, warming options for autumn and winter receptions.
Highlight seasonal produce like asparagus in spring or berries in summer.
Ask your caterer for a sample seasonal menu to spark inspiration.
Book a Tasting Session
Tasting sessions are your chance to experience your potential wedding menu in real life. They help you fine-tune dishes, portion sizes, and presentation. Some caterers include tastings in their package, while others may charge extra. Either way, it's a worthwhile investment that ensures confidence in your choices.
Use the tasting to try multiple options and finalise your favourites.
Take notes on flavours, textures, and how each dish is presented.
Bring your partner or a trusted friend to help make decisions.
Use the opportunity to discuss plating, portion sizes, and timing.
Don’t Forget Dietary Requirements
You’ll likely have guests with allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary needs. Planning ahead ensures everyone can enjoy your wedding meal safely and comfortably. A good caterer will offer alternatives that are just as delicious as the main menu. Collect information from guests early so nothing is missed.
Add a dietary requirement question to your RSVP cards or wedding website.
Discuss common allergens and intolerances with your caterer.
Make sure all alternatives are clearly labelled at the venue.
Consider offering a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free main as standard.
Confirm the Children’s Menu
If children are attending your wedding, they’ll need meals that are both suitable and appealing. Depending on your format, you may be able to simplify things with a buffet. But for seated meals, you’ll need to work with your caterer to plan age-appropriate options. The goal is to keep things easy and enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Ask your caterer about simplified versions of adult dishes for kids.
Consider offering crowd-pleasers like pasta, nuggets, or mini pizzas.
Keep portion sizes reasonable to avoid waste.
Provide options for picky eaters, especially younger guests.
Decide on Drinks
Your drinks menu is just as important as the food—it sets the tone for toasts, mingling, and dancing. If your venue includes an in-house bar, you may be limited to their selection. If not, you’ll need to plan your own drinks menu. Think about wine pairings, welcome cocktails, and the perfect bubbly for the big moment.
Choose one or two signature drinks that reflect your style.
Match wines to your meal to enhance the flavour experience.
Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for guests.
Don’t forget essentials like water stations and soft drinks for kids.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding menu is a creative and rewarding part of your planning journey. It’s about more than feeding your guests—it’s about telling your story through flavour, hospitality, and experience. By taking time to consider your options, talk to your caterer, and trust your tastes, you can build a menu that adds magic to your big day.
If you're ever unsure, go with your gut—literally. It's your wedding, after all.
