How to Plan a Wedding Menu that Complements the Season

Let your wedding menu take a cue from the seasons. Plan your catering with these creative wedding menu ideas for spring, fall, winter, and summer weddings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Fall Wedding Menu Ideas -
   
   Bring out the rich and comforting tastes of autumn…
   
   - Traditional favorites – you cannot go wrong with seasonal standbys: turkey, red potatoes, corn bread dressing, green beans, and honey glazed carrots.
   
   - Family style – re-create a traditional thanksgiving feast by incorporating your family recipes into your wedding menu and serving the meal family style (if your guest list is small).
   
   - Hearty proteins - Choose a hearty meat that will pair with heavier side dishes – turkey, roasted quail, rib roast
   
   - Keep it elegant – you can serve traditional fare in sophisticated, creative ways – present soup or veggie puree in mini shot classes or hallowed out gourds, or warm apple cider in glass mugs with cinnamon sticks.

2. Wedding Wedding Menu Ideas -
   
   Warm up to a decadent winter menu with these cool ideas to reflect the season…
   
   - Hearty dishes – serve heartier fare in sophisticated, creative ways – such as colorful butternut squash puree or warm pumpkin soup in ramekins or shot glasses.
   
   - Wintery beverages – warm guests with eggnog, spiced wine or mixed coffee drinks.

3. Spring Wedding Menu Ideas -
   
   Summon the taste of spring with light flavors and delicate textures…
   
   - In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb
   
   - Fresh produce – round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes
   
   - Elegant sides – serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat
   
   - Bar favorites – a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

4. Summer Wedding Menu Ideas -
   
   Use your summer menu to invoke warmth, sunshine and fun…
   
   - Serve lighter fare – think fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables like berries, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and corn, seafood and lean poultry like chicken. Between courses, serve a light sorbet.
   
   - Spark up the grill - serve traditional picnic and grill fare like barbeque, burgers and potato salad
   
   - Head to the tropics - feature tropical signature cocktails like margaritas, sangria, or mojitos.

Resources

• Wedding Menu Ideas
• Wedding Catering

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on 10/29/2009 GREAT IDEAS! plan a wedding menu that complements the seasons. 5* recommend