Choosing and Preparing Your Wedding Menu

There are countless details to consider when planning a wedding. You’ll need to pick a theme that reflects your personality and budget, decide on a cohesive style—from invitations to favors—and dedicate significant attention to the menu. Table settings, centerpieces, place cards: all of it contributes to a memorable banquet. Above all, though, a wedding meal is about the dishes, the drinks, and ensuring everything is perfectly executed.

What time of year will you be tying the knot? Seasonality plays a major role in menu choices. A spring or summer wedding calls for light, fresh, easy-to-digest dishes. In cooler months, you can indulge in hearty creations inspired by tradition. Whatever the season, insist on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Be generous in spirit but selective with portions—abundance doesn’t always equal excellence.

Ask yourself where the celebration will take place. Location is crucial. If you’ve planned an outdoor ceremony by the sea, a seafood-focused menu almost makes itself. If you’re saying “I do” in the woods, highlight local foraged flavors and farm-to-table fare. Grounding your menu in its surroundings ensures visual and culinary harmony.

Will you host a buffet or offer plated service? For a buffet, prioritize cold dishes and consider live-cooking stations—maybe a seafood fry or a paper cone of mixed fried seafood inspired by the Neapolitan “cuoppo.” If guests will be seated, remember that dining is a social event. Spark their curiosity with a progressive tasting or a themed culinary journey.

Details make all the difference. If guests have allergies, intolerances, vegetarian or vegan diets, inform the caterer or maître d’ well in advance. A thoughtful, personalized menu shows respect for everyone celebrating with you. When you send out invitations, include a brief dietary questionnaire—or work with your wedding planner to gather the necessary information.

Dining well means drinking well. Match each course with the perfect wine: crisp whites pair seamlessly with fish, while reds or rosés complement meat dishes. Don’t forget the aperitif and celebratory bubbles—after all, it’s your party, so create moments of joyful sparkle.

Above all, trust your own tastes. You’re the stars of this event, writing a script that’s uniquely yours. While you’ll honor your guests’ preferences, your menu should reflect what excites you. Schedule a tasting in plenty of time—it’s the best way to finalize a menu that sings in harmony with your personal style.

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