Caprese Salad
Ways to Tie Your Catering Into Your Wedding Theme
You may cringe at the term “wedding theme,” but having a general wedding theme can give you direction in almost every detail of your wedding: venue, décor, dessert, colors…even the catering.
Wedding Theme
You may cringe at the term “wedding theme,” but having a general wedding theme can give you direction in almost every detail of your wedding: venue, décor, colors…even the catering. To make the most of the latter—and make your theme as unforgettable as the food—use these tips to marry every detail into a fantastic wedding atmosphere.
Start with the menu
Your menu is more than just an opportunity to indulge in all your favorite dishes; it’s the chance to create an atmosphere with dishes that fit with your theme. For a lakefront theme, choose seafood dish (or a seafood food station) that makes your guests feel like they’re out on the water (like a cod with lemon butter or shrimp stir fry). For a seasonal theme, choose local and seasonal dishes that reinforce your theme. If you’re holding a winter wedding, choose a holiday menu with sliced beef tenderloin, crab stuffed tenderloin florentine, or another seasonal favorite.
Let your guests drink it all in
Don’t stop your efforts with your dish choices. Select drinks that back up your theme. Think champagne with fresh fruit and a unique lemonade for a summer theme. You can also include an interactive drink table as part of your wedding reception, such as a hot cocoa bar (for winter!) or a hot cider bar (for fall!) with all the fixings.
Choose a caterer that delivers good food and presentation
Wedding food is about more than just flavor; it’s also about the way the food is presented to your guests. Be selective about your caterer. Choose a caterer that can provide photos of past events so you can see examples of how they have coordinated their presentation with other clients’ events. Take note also of their staff presentation; an appropriately outfitted catering staff can add to the atmosphere you’re trying so hard to create.
Be creative with the dessert
If you want to add awe to an awesome wedding theme, ask your caterer about a really unique wedding dessert (ideas for non-cake wedding desserts here) that fits your wedding theme. Pies play an extraordinary part in creating an autumn-themed wedding, or a mason jar station with summer treats can make a great addition to a rustic-themed celebration.
Don’t end with dinner
Your wedding theme planning shouldn’t end with dessert. Choose a late night course that fits with your theme. A late night quesadilla food station may be the perfect end to a Southwestern themed wedding. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to include your caterer into your wedding planning (or to choose a caterer because they can provide event planning for you).
Things to Think About When You Plan Your Wedding Menu
Your Must Haves
When you think back to weddings or other events you’ve attended, what were your favorite dishes?
Guest List
Think about the number of guests you invited to dinner
Dinner Service
Dietary Restrictions
“Later” Course
