How to Choose A Wedding Menu

Planning a wedding is a lot of work and with so many things to think about, you may not have a lot of time to make all your decisions. But there is one decision you should take a lot of time making--what food will be served at your reception. The food is very important because your guests look forward to it and you want to satisfy their appetite. Bad food can kill a reception, as people will be grumpy and leave early. Take all the necessary steps to ensure you pick the menu that is right for you and your guests.

Instructions

1. Choose your wedding location first. You can't select food until you have a site because some places won't allow you to bring in outside vendors. Instead, they require you to use their chefs. Also, some caterers won't travel to certain places. So establish your site and date first, and then determine whether you have to use their chefs or can hire an outside vendor.

2. Go over the menu provided by the site or the catering company. Look at all the options and narrow it down based on price. If some of the entrees or options are completely out of your budget, just cross them out. Ask the coordinator about your choices, if you're allowed to select two or three options for guests, how the buffet works, vegetarian selections and so on.

3. Request a taste testing. Schedule a date when you can come in and taste several items from the menu. Bring your future spouse, a wedding party member or a family member to help you. Taste each selection with an open mind, remembering everyone has different taste buds. Take note of what you liked and didn't care for in your wedding planning book.

4. Review the menu again and narrow down your choices. Take into consideration that not everyone likes fish, some people are vegetarians and if there are kids present, they might want alternative options. You know your guests, so you need to figure out what they need and want. If going for a buffet, make sure you factor in the cost of beverages, additional salads and so forth.

5. Calculate your total for the maximum number of guests you expect to have. Make sure this is within your budget. Confirm your selections with your future spouse and then put in your order with the catering manager or chef so they can make sure to have your items in stock on your date.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you try a couple different entrees before making a decision. Consider everyone else's taste buds.

• Don't pick food without trying it first.