5 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Menu
From the celebratory toast after you say “I do” to the late-night snacks that will help fuel you and your guests on the dance floor, food and drink is a big part of wedding planning.
Over the years, we’ve seen culinary wedding trends come and go, but one thing remains – the menu on your special day should not only taste good, but also reflect who you are as a couple, and meet the dietary needs of you and your guests.
Here are 5 ways you can personalize your wedding menu:
1. Signature Pre-Batched Cocktails
As your reception begins, it’s always great to have bubbly available for guests to toast your happy union, and we recommend offering non-alcoholic bubbly as well. Another way to kick off the party that can get a drink in your guests’ hands quickly and add a personal touch is to offer a signature, pre-batched cocktail.
Serve a drink that represents a vacation you took as a couple, a cocktail you enjoyed on your first date, or a fruity punch that features local, seasonal ingredients from your hometown – and don’t forget to offer a non-alcoholic option for kids and those who prefer a zero-proof refreshment.
2. Inclusive Canapés
Cover all of your guests’ dietary restrictions by choosing mouth-watering canapés that include gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free, and nut-free options. You might be surprised at how many delicious options you’ll be able to offer that everyone can enjoy.
Between simple swaps like offering gluten-free crackers, to serving tasty one-bite vegetarian and vegan appetizers, all of your guests will enjoy a delicious start to the evening, and those with allergies and restrictions will appreciate the care you took to consider their dietary needs.
3. Sweet Treats Galore
Instead of a wedding cake – or in addition to one – why not offer a variety of desserts for your guests to enjoy that showcase different flavours or include offerings from your favourite sweet shops?
Wedding desserts we love include mini cakes, choux bombs, donut walls, cupcake towers, mini fruit tarts, DIY panna cotta parfaits, churros, and fresh fruit boards! The options are endless, and we love to collaborate with local bakers to help our couples design their dessert tables.
4. Family-Style Dishes
Make your wedding feel like home! Family-style dishes can help your guests connect, create a more casual, approachable vibe, and help you infuse some of your favourite ingredients into your wedding menu.
Our chefs love to celebrate the seasons when they devise family-style dishes, offering creative ways to enjoy the local bounty. Even something as simple as grilled corn on the cob can make your guests smile at your summer wedding.
5. Late-Night Nostalgia
Provide tasty late-night snacks for your guests as they take a break from the dance floor. Offering sweet and savoury treats that bring you back to early food memories or simply allow you and your guests to indulge will make your wedding menu even more memorable.
We love offering couples craveable treats and mouthwatering snacks like our mini Jamaican patties, chicken and biscuits, and mini pop tarts!
Are you getting hungry yet? Let’s start planning – we look forward to helping you design a wedding menu that is not only delicious, but also represents you as a couple.
Drop us a line: carley@theurbanelement.ca
Photos 2-5 by Gumption Studio.