How to Plan a Menu for an Engagement Party
Most guests assume they'll be fed when attending a party. Whether this includes just appetizers or a complete meal, there's no doubt your guests expect they'll be eating at your engagement party. You'll need to plan an appropriate menu that reflects the mood of the party. A formal engagement party probably should have at least a three-course meal, while a cozy get-together might get by just on snacks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plan a Menu for an Engagement Party
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Plan your menu around the theme of your party. When you're planning to serve guests in a formal dining room or at nicely set tables, macaroni and cheese may be a bit out of place. Likewise, lobster is probably a bit over the top for a family-only, informal party.
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Decide whether you will have the event catered. Having the meal catered will mean less work for the host and hostess, but may be more expensive. Should you decide to go with a catering service, however, you will probably be presented with a choice of pre-set menus.
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Think about whether you want to serve only hors d'oeuvres or a full three-course meal. Having only appetizers will simplify your plans, but may not fit in with the overall theme of your party.
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Consider the preparation area of the venue should you be cooking on location. Even when you're having the party catered, you may need to provide cooking space for the chef. The absence (or abundance) of a cooking area may influence your menu greatly.
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Think of common allergies and diet restrictions. While it is probably impossible to please each and every one of your guests, you may want to make an effort to eliminate anything with peanuts or shellfish from the menu you plan. This is especially important when someone in the wedding party is suffering from a serious food allergy or restriction.
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Try having a potluck. Although not particularly glamorous, a potluck is a great way to have a diverse menu at an informal gathering and take some of the stress off the host and hostess. It also encourages everyone to get involved and is a wonderful icebreaker.
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Tips & Warnings
You may want to have a choice of entrees available to your guests. You might offer a traditional meal, a diabetic selection and a vegetarian choice. One way you can solve the dilemma of how much to serve is by asking each guest to specify her choice on the reply card. Once you've received all of your replies, you can notify the caterer, or get started on your own food preparations.
