If you have never done a menu for a large event before, the prospect can seem quite daunting. Don’t worry - here is an easy step-by-step guide to planning your wedding reception menu with some money saving tips included.

Here’s How:

1. Time of the Wedding Reception Think about the time of year & the time of day when you will have your reception. Will you have a delightful meal on a summer’s afternoon or an elegant feast on a winter’s evening? This decision will be important & will also depend on the availability of your chosen venue.

2. Cost Refer to your wedding budget & make sure your meal choices are within it. Fillet steak may not be an option if your budget is restricted. Remember the more dishes & choices you include on your menu the more expensive it will be. If you are working with a very tight budget, you may want to consider a cocktail party with trays of hors d’ oeuvres or an elegant afternoon tea party with sandwiches, cakes & fancy pastries.

3. Caterer Recommendations ask your caterer what they would recommend. Work with them to produce a menu that is within your budget yet to your liking & that of your guests. If you are catering your wedding yourself, choose recipes that are a sure crowd-pleaser.

4. Offer variety Set out tables laid with finger foods including both hot & cold. Also have some waiters walking around with trays of hors d’oeuvres. This will give your guests the option to help themselves from the tables or simply wait for the waiter to pass by, particularly if they are deep in conversation!

5. Special Touches Your menu should reflect something of your own tastes & personality, so you may like to ask your caterer if they can include dishes you both like or if they can incorporate a family favorite or recipe.

6. Heritage If your wedding is bringing together different cultures then try to include dishes from each culture within your menu. It will help guests to bond over shared experiences & bring in a touch of your own cultural heritage. If the cultures involved are so distinctly different that they couldn’t possibly share a menu together, consider dividing dishes between the main meal & cocktail hour or the evening buffet.

7. Change Things Up Think about providing something different for your reception meal. In recent times, there has been a trend towards having a dessert buffet rather than a formal sit down meal. This is great for guests with a sweet tooth & is a great budget saver.

8. Try It Out Always arrange a tasting. It will help you refine the menu with the best dishes & it won’t mean any nasty surprises on the day. Most caterers will provide this free to the bride & groom, but ask if other members of your wedding party can attend too, such as your parents. They can give their opinions on the dishes & can help you finalize your menu.

9. Be a Considerate Host Some of your guests may have certain dietary requirements, which you should find out about prior to finalizing your menu. Check that your caterer can provide dishes to these requirements. In many cases couples add in vegetarian options to the menu, but check that the vegetarian option is not just a bland nut roast or mushroom soup!

10. Double Check Get you menu written out in it’s entirety before you finalize it. This way you can see if anything is missing or if you have perhaps included too much - for instance how many side dishes do you really need? Do you really need to offer so many options for dessert or starter? Be sure to meet your caterers deadline when it comes to making the final decisions or you could find yourself increasing your costs & with a very stressed caterer on your hands!