Planning a wedding is fun and exciting. Between choosing your outfit and sending out invitations, there’s a lot to take care of. However, one of the most important preparations you’ll need to make is the wedding reception menu. But if you’ve never had to select dishes for a major event before, you might not know what to do. To make the process simpler, follow the helpful tips below. 

Book a Caterer

Before you can begin planning your wedding reception menu, you’ll need to select a caterer. Don’t put this off—you should book the company between six to 12 months in advance. Although this may seem a little overzealous, caterers are often booked quickly. Securing someone you like early on will ensure there’s time to go over all the necessary details and create the perfect menu.

Discuss Specifics

Dietary Restrictions

Before selecting any menu items, find out what your guests can eat. Some may have food allergies, diseases that merit certain restrictions, or religious or moral considerations. To give the caterer an accurate idea of what the menu should entail, take a poll. You can do this either by asking guests to note their dietary restrictions with their RSVP cards or by getting in touch with everyone directly. This information will ensure the caterer takes all the necessary precautions to avoid cross-contamination.

Style

Next, consider how you want the food to be served. Wedding receptions can take many forms, but the two most common menu options are buffet or sit-down dinners. Generally, a sit-down dinner is ideal if you have 100 guests or more, as it involves less foot-traffic. In these cases, it’s better to opt for a more structured menu, with a set salad, main course, and dessert. You can get creative with the offerings for each course, but these types of wedding receptions can be a bit more limiting.

For weddings with less than 100 guests, a buffet will likely suffice. This option is perfect if you want to include a lot of variety in your menu. You can feature different stations with unique themes—for example, one area for Filipino cuisine and one for barbecue. Try to vary the options in terms of flavor—for instance, instead of making them all spicy, have some sweet, starchy, and savory options, as well.

If your idea of the perfect wedding reception involves traditional Hawaiian or Filipino cuisine, look no further than Four Sisters Kitchen Catering in Wailuku, HI. Their menu is extensive, with everything from American favorites to island staples, and their offerings work well for many reception styles, including formal indoor dinners, casual outdoor barbecues, and everything in between. Visit them online to browse their menu, and call (808) 242-1135 to discuss your needs today.