How to perfect a wedding menu for every guest
Many elements of a wedding are down to your style as a couple, from the wedding dress to the location and everything in between. However, when it comes to thinking about food for the guests, it is important to think about what everyone will enjoy.
If you’re expecting a particularly high number of guests, this can be tricky and so we have gathered some tips for the challenge of perfecting a foolproof wedding menu.
Traditional – Sit-down meal
For those looking for a more conventional wedding reception, a sit-down dinner is the route to go down. However, creating a menu that will cater to everyone, from vegetarians to meat enthusiasts, can seem tricky.
Typically, there is only one option for a starter – so to ensure no one is left hungry, it’s a good idea to consider all dietary requirements and choose something vegan. Bruschetta, a simple dish of bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and drizzled with olive oil, is a classic dish that never fails, and its burst of flavour is certain to keep the meat lovers happy until their main course. Alternatively, if you wish to give them their meat fix while playing it safe, you could choose vegan meatballs made with quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and plenty of herbs and spices. Remember, you may have some guests that require gluten-free dishes – so consider this for your starter!
When it comes to the main course, there are normally some options; the same dish is given to everyone, while one vegan alternative to those with dietary requirements. Guests can select the meal from a meat, fish, or vegan menu, or the meal is set before the wedding. Here, you have an opportunity to serve your guests completely different dishes. A porcini mushroom ravioli is a perfect option for vegans who also need a nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free choice. For those who aren’t restricted, chicken confit is a safe choice that will certainly keep the guests satisfied.
Simple – Food vans
If a sit-down meal isn’t quite your style, or you simply don’t want to face the risk of your guests not enjoying their meal, hiring food vans is your best bet. Plus, you can do so for different cuisines, as well as the dessert.
A pizza van will do the trick for the main course – after all, you can be as creative or plain as you like when it comes to pizza. So, whether a simple but effective margherita will be the go-to or your more adventurous guests opt for a meat feast, there are plenty of toppings you can choose to add. Better yet, pizza can even be vegan and gluten-free to suit those with dietary requirements.
To satisfy those sugar cravings, a dessert van is a saviour. From crepes and waffles to ice cream and gelato, there’s something for everyone, given the many different flavours and toppings to choose from. So, you needn’t worry about any unhappy guests!
Variety – Buffet
Having a buffet is a great way to cater to everyone’s needs, particularly if you’ve got plenty of guests – and you can infuse your own tastes and style with different cuisines, too.
A grazing board is not only a sophisticated way of implementing a buffet into your wedding reception, but thanks to the wide variety of Italian meats, cheese, olives, crackers, and fruit, you can rely on this to keep just about everyone happy. Plus, it makes a perfect option for a starter due to the snack size elements of the board.
If traditional English dishes are more up your street, set up a pie stand for your guests – whether you’ve chosen a wedding venue in the Lake District or even a beach wedding, there’s plenty to choose from. Steak and ale pies never go a miss, not to mention a creamy leek and mushroom pie for your vegan friends and family. Don’t forget to serve up some crispy roast potatoes along with vegetables and gravy for the ultimate comfort wedding reception buffet.
You may have selected the perfect wedding cake for your special day, but a cupcake stand is an extra touch that you can incorporate into the buffet so that your guests keep going back for more. With this dessert option, you can offer various flavours – from red velvet, salted caramel, white chocolate, and much more!
Your memorable occasion can still incorporate your taste as a couple while also considering the needs of all your guests. After all, you will undoubtedly want your wedding to be a day that goes down in history – so avoid disappointment by catering to everyone!
