A themed wedding can be a great way to show your personality and interests. The theme can also be a way to showcase your local area. Here are five menus for a themed wedding.
Beach
A beach themed wedding calls for fresh seafood and food that is easy to eat outside. Appetizers such as fresh oysters, fresh lobster, and salmon rolls are a great way to get the beach reception going. For dinner think fresh seafood, such as whole lobster, branzino, tilapia, or a locally sourced white fish.
If you have access to a grill, you could add steak or other meats for a surf and turf option. Fried seafood such as fish and chips is a good idea if you have access to a deep fryer. Keep the sides light such as salads or fruit. In lieu of a cake, which may not be best outside, offer desserts of fruit salad or fruit skewers.
Country
Country or southern cuisine is iconic, and guests have an expectation for down home cooking. A sideboard with cured meats, cheese, and fruits are a great way to start the reception. Mini pork or beef sliders are another great appetizer for a country wedding. Barbeque is a staple in the south; pair your favorite meats with a great sauce for your main course. Traditional southern sides are mac and cheese and corn bread. Collard greens are also a popular southern side.
Add homemade pies or tarts to go with the wedding cake. A smore’s station is a fun way to add a southern dessert to the menu.
Cost Effective
Everyone is looking to save money, and you can save money on the wedding meal. A layout of local meats and cheeses is a good cost effective appetizer. Add local breads and crackers and some seasonal fruit to add some additional variety. For main courses consider pork, chicken, or a less expensive cut of beef with side sauce. Cost effective sides are salads or potatoes, with desserts using a sheet cake, cookies, or fruit.
Sports
Think of different ways you can elevate your favorite ballpark or stadium eats. For starters, consider chicken nuggets, seasoned fries, and soft pretzels. Or include a ”ballpark hotdog” station. Woodfire pizza is a way to incorporate a stadium classic into your wedding menu. Grilled kebabs are a great way to use steak, chicken, sausage, or other favorite stadium mains. Food trucks with small plates are another good to include local stadium eats.
A wedding cake with a sports design (shaped like a football or baseball), cotton candy station, and an ice cream bar will give that stadium feeling.
Garden
A garden wedding menu focuses on fresh, beautifully plated food. Salads, fruit, and seasonal ingredients are a great first course. When it comes to mains, focus on simply prepared foods like steak, chicken, or seafood that pair well with vegetable sides or a vegetable-based pasta. A carrot cake is a great choice for a wedding cake as they can be made lighter than a traditional cake. Fruit is another great option for dessert.
No matter what your wedding themes, consider this list as you’re making your wedding menu plans. Check out our bridal collection if you’re in the market for a wedding dress.