How to Plan Food for a Small Wedding

Some of the best menu ideas can be inspired by your favorite restaurant.

The best wedding reception menu is one that is well thought-out, providing enough food to satisfy the guests without overwhelming them. For a wedding event hosting 50 guest or fewer, the menu should be prepared no less than five months before the wedding. When the wedding is scheduled during the summer or during a popular wedding month, the menu should be prepared no less than nine months prior. Although wedding planners help with all aspects of the wedding plans, for a small wedding menu, you can accomplish the task just by being creative, taking your time and using money saving tips.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Create a list of your favorite entrees. One of the things that all guests look forward to at a wedding event is the food. A good entree helps in setting the tone of the gathering, which is why it's important to choose wisely. A good way to compose your list is by thinking of the last time you had a good chicken or beef dish. Remember how it was prepared and in what quantity it was served. Continue creating the list until you have at least five different choices.

   This step may take a considerable amount of time, and both the bride and groom should be a part of this process.

2. List simple appetizer choices. Appetizers add a touch of classic tradition to the occasion, and when served in a large quantity, they can complement smaller sized entrees. To keep this simple, consider choices that don't require silverware and can be enjoyed with or without a sauce.

   Remember, adding fruits or vegetables to the appetizer selection ensures that you accommodate guests who are vegetarians or those who simply want to eat healthy.

3. Create a drink list. Drinks are easy to forget about and are often last-minute considerations. A good wedding menu, however, doesn't just include a drink, it includes a signature beverage. Regardless of your budget, or your alcohol preference, you can give a tasteful impression by your drink selection. Consider flavor combinations that are unique and fruity. Imagine the type of glass that it should be served in for optimum visual appeal.

   A good resource for this step is a cocktail menu from a local restaurant; it can provide you with suggestions that can be created with or without alcohol. Some restaurants even offer online menus that you can view from the comfort of your home.

4. 

   Always taste a caterer's food samples before committing to their service provision.

   Find a caterer. Based on your listed menu choices, look for local caterers that specialize in your selections. When speaking with caterers about their service fees, be sure to find out how much of their price estimate is based on their serving staff; many times, a caterer can work with or without their own employees in an effort to help save you money.

   You also can save a considerable amount of money by presenting the reception food buffet-style or by asking family members to volunteer as servers.

   This step should conclude with a minimum of three choice providers and include a scheduled taste testing appointment with each.

5. Complete the process of elimination. Remove menu choices that are over priced; food items that may be pricey because of the season or special preparation techniques can be enjoyed at the rehearsal dinner when the dinner party is considerably smaller or avoided all together.

   Remove menu choices that contradict the reception theme. For example, a formal reception clashes with the casual food choice of saucy barbecue.

   When there are dishes that you just have to have, incorporate them into other parts of the wedding event; the bridal shower and family dinner can allow you to enjoy your desired dish without cluttering the wedding reception menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a local, small restaurant owner to cook for your reception. This is a good money saver technique that allows you the opportunity to enjoy a professional chef for a cheaper price than a caterer.

• When you want to make sure your wedding cake is an enjoyed feature of the wedding reception menu, avoid ordering additional desserts. Generally, desserts outside of the wedding cake is for wedding events with a guest list of 100 persons or more.