The task of planning a wedding reception and dinner menu can be daunting—especially when you have an extensive guest list. When it comes to making your big day menu a memorable one, there are seemingly endless options and ideas. Proper planning is key to ensuring your wedding reception is a success. Here are some tips to simplify the process:
Cocktails: Champagne is the classic choice to “cheers” your nuptials. To add flair to the classic cocktail, opt for pink champagne such as Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose. For a less pricey version, try Yellowglen Pink Sparkling Wine (roughly $14 a bottle).
Tip: To add a personal touch, serve a signature cocktail for the big day by combining your favorite juice with champagne.
Appetizers: A nice way to incorporate favorite foods into your reception is to serve appetizers from tasting stations. This allows guests to pick and choose what they want while allowing you to serve some of your favorite dishes. Having both circulating and stationary appetizers is also a good idea so guests engaged in conversation can nibble, too.
Tip: When selecting appetizers, stick with no-mess foods that won’t leave guests with sticky fingers.
Menu: Having trouble deciding between chicken and fish? First, consider your budget. Chicken tends to be cheaper than fish, and steak is cheaper than lobster. It’s helpful to have a price list from the caterers to compare. Second, consider what foods are in season and local. This will help narrow down your options.
Tip: Don’t forget to include an optional vegetarian dish. For the caterer’s sake, it’s helpful to find out beforehand how many guests are vegetarian. Pasta is a standard option. However, don’t make the mistake of simplifying the dish to death—vegetarians deserve a delicious meal, too!
Wine: When choosing which wine to pair with your meal, Chris Losh of Understanding & Enjoying Wine has a good philosophy: light food needs lighter wine; hearty food needs bigger wine. Simple. Next, look at the type of food that is being served. For instance, beef tenderloin works well with a Cabernet or Merlot while a roast chicken should be paired with a light Chardonnay.
Tip: It’s a good idea to pair the meal with two wines: one red and one white. Serve both at the table so guests have the option.
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