WEDDING FOOD: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

You want wedding food ideas that aren't outdated and predictable when it comes to constructing an enticing wedding reception menu. Depending on the time of year, your setting/venue/theme, and your wedding budget, picking the correct selections can be difficult. However, your wedding planner has come up with some fantastic menu planning advice and wedding food ideas to whet your guests' appetites and make your wedding cuisine a source of pride!

Budgeting is the first thing to consider before nailing down specific wedding cuisine ideas, as it is with everything else related to weddings. Certain goods, such as chicken, pork, and pasta, will be less expensive. Local sourcing and seasonal ingredients will also help you save money. Providing vegetarian dishes will not only please your non-meat eaters, but it will also help you save money. Instead of writing "choose: chicken, beef, or fish" on your RSVP cards, prepare duo or trio dishes that are the same for everyone (like a surf-and-turf for instance). You can always choose for a buffet or a food-bar instead of personalized portions. Don't forget about the booze: instead of a full bar, provide a specialty drink from both the bride and groom, as well as a variety of wine and beer. When it comes to desserts, stick to a cutting cake and instead set up a candy bar or sweets station.

Choose a caterer well ahead of time, according to most experts, roughly a year in advance. Also, don't count out a venue that offers catering: is it something you're interested in? Whether not, find out if there are any additional expenses if you bring your own. You'll need to give your caterer a general idea of how many people will be attending your reception so that they can give you a more accurate price quote. The number of guests will also influence which items are the most convenient to offer. For example, you may not be able to make made-to-order egg soufflés for 300 people due to the time required to prepare them. In addition, the kitchen and appliances accessible at your wedding location must be considered while planning your wedding meal menu. Your ideal protein is 200 freshly seared beef filets, but your church's four-burner stovetop won't (easily) lend itself to a successful service.

When it comes to the cuisine, there are numerous places to start and many factors to consider, but don't become overwhelmed. Consider the following when finalizing your wedding meal ideas:

• Vegetarians? Vegans? Gluten-intolerant? Learn about your guests' dietary requirements and prepare a substantial amount of food for them. These meals are equally as wonderful as the rest of your menu, so don't forget to provide them to non-vegetarians as well.

• Change it up! Serve small appetizers and decadent main dishes. Make some bite-sized things and others that will satisfy your hunger. Serve easy-to-eat cocktail snacks as well as knife-and-fork options for those who like to sit.
• Is it hot or cold? Both? When selecting on hot food, cold food, or a pleasing mix of both, keep in mind your venue's appliances and storage/cook space.

• Make a decision about the type of wedding you want. A sit-down supper with courses is entirely appropriate for a truly formal affair. The ideal wedding meal ideas, on the other hand, will be based on movement and simplicity of eating if you want people to get up and move.

• Serve foods that you've created! What was the happy couple's first dinner together? What was that one home-cooked meal you tried and failed to create from scratch? Recreate it (without the flaws, of course) and share a memorable experience with your visitors.
• Consider how your food appears. Taste is vital, but perfecting your wedding meal ideas for Instagram and Pinterest will make them even more amazing. Choose a caterer who is innovative and creative. For late-night nibbles, there's a taco bar; for a sweet treat, there's a make-your-own s'mores station; and for the first course, there's pumpkin soup served in a small pumpkin! Here, the choices are virtually limitless.