A wedding's reception is a moment of celebration, with the food at the heart and soul of the festivities. Shared in an atmosphere of deep connection and pure love, the wedding dinner is more than just a meal — it’s a culinary journey inspired by the couple’s tastes, traditions, and the unique setting of the celebration. The perfect menu and dining experience can take your reception to new heights, becoming a highlight that guests will fondly remember for years to come.
Consider Dietary Requirements
The health and wellbeing of your guests comes first! So, before planning your wedding menu, make sure to gather all the important information on their dietary restrictions and allergies. It’s important that your menu caters to different needs with a variety of options for vegans, vegetarians or gluten-sensitive guests. Your special day should be enjoyed by everyone without compromising on their health.
Incorporate Your Favorite Dishes
Tell your love story through foods and flavors that have a special place in your heart. For example, you could include time-honored family recipes to reflect your beautiful heritage. These could also be dishes and flavors reminiscent of your special moments as a couple: your first date in a French restaurant or that first family dinner you had on Christmas day. Add your colors and personality - let your guests see YOU!
Source Seasonal & Local
We're seeing more and more couples going sustainable for their wedding day - and this cannot make us anymore happy! Some are sending digital invites instead of physical ones, others are choosing eco-friendly venues and second-hand decor. Your wedding menu, too, can show your commitment to sustainability by featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients for a farm to table style dining experience. They’re fresher, healthier, tastier, and, what’s important, have a lower environmental impact and support small growers and the local community. A big combo! It's also a fun way to enchance the experience of a destination wedding by featuring produce that the region is known for - such as macadamias for a Byron Bay wedding, olives or aubergine for a Sicilian wedding, or fish for a coastal European wedding. Be sure to do your research and partner with a caterer who is known for their use of local produce and seasonal dishes. Also, don’t overlook regional foods and specialties - they will add an extra layer of flavor and authenticity to the menu.
Create Balance
Whether it's a 3 or 5 course menu, aim for a nice balance by mixing proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Make sure there are both rich and light foods, familiar dishes and adventurous options on the table to create a well-rounded dining experience.
Perfect Food & Drink Pairings
Great food and great drinks are a heavenly combination! Thoughtfully chosen, the right drink can significantly enhance the palette and flavor of food, so make sure your beverages go well with the menu and vice versa. If you're not too sure, don't hesitate to ask a sommelier for assistance if serving wine, or your bartender for tasty seasonal cocktail recommendations that'll work throughout all courses.
Plan Multiple Tastings
Schedule several taste tests to be sure that your menu is everything you and your guests could dream of. Don't worry if it doesn't meet your expectations right away — it may take a few attempts to get everything just right, and that's completely normal. Perfection comes with patience and a bit of trial and error!
Tiberi Club, La Table by Celine
It's All About the Presentation
The perfect wedding menu goes beyond high-quality foods and great flavor combinations. The presentation, dinnerware and serving style - all matter to create a cohesive and memorable dining experience. Consider if you would like a more modern, formal approach with a gastronomy inspired experience, or a more casual, banquet style with shared plates and grazing tables. Add personality to your menu with unique wording: use name puns, include meaningful dates or come up with descriptions that are more playful and engaging.
Consider a Kid's Menu
If you are planning a child-friendly wedding, you’ll most definitely need a separate menu. Ask your caterer about customizing a kid’s menu with simple foods that are both healthy and fun. These might be colorful fruit trays, pizza with vegetables or bite-size chocolate chip cookies with milk. But just like with the adult guests, it's good to check if any of the little ones have specific dietary needs or restrictions to keep in mind.
