Creating an Impressive Wedding Reception Menu

Want to know the secret to an impressive wedding catering menu: delicious food and a spectacular presentation. Here, a list of catering trends to keep your guests talking long after the wedding reception wraps.

Sustainable sustenance
the green movement can be found everywhere you turn, and weddings are no exception. To create an environmentally friendly reception menu, look for caterers that source local or use only organic products.

Another clever way to reduce your carbon footprint in one meal? “Go utensil-less,” suggests Perfect Wedding Guide expert Susan Southerland. Serving finger foods “eliminates the need for knives and forks,” which helps with water conservation (fewer dishes to wash!).

Ethnic entrees
International foods are a big hit at today’s receptions. Wedding catering services are spicing up reception standards like poultry and beef by infusing them with Pacific Rim and Mediterranean recipes. Not only are some international cuisines generally less expensive to prepare, guests will be impressed by nibbling on exotic sounding foods like ginger garlic prawns or beef samosas with mango chutney.

Bar none
“For some, it’s all about the top shelf bar,” says Amanda Gall, Social Sales Manager for Bold American Events & Catering in Atlanta. If your reception budget allows for only one really big wedding catering splurge, Gall suggests “spending more on the bar area and creating fun, eclectic cocktails” for guests to enjoy.

Comfort cuisine
back to basics by serving the comfort foods we all know and love. Mashed potatoes, French fries, and mac and cheese are just a few of the foods that are making a comeback on the reception menu.

Smaller (sometimes) is better
For more of a laid back, party like atmosphere, replace seated meals for passed hors d’oevres. To offset smaller portions, spotlight your wedding planning presentation by serving items on uniquely shaped platters or in barware like martini and shot glasses.