Calling all foodies!! Planning the perfect food menu to incorporate the bride & groom's favorites along with accommodating the wedding guests? Food is one thing that guests will remember the most, so it's important to have fun with your food and drink menus! How do you get started with planning food for your wedding? Let's take a look!

First and foremost, step one is to allocate an appropriate amount of your budget to the food and beverage sector of your wedding plans. Food costs can become expensive quickly depending on guest count and the type of food you are wishing to serve; start with a thorough conversation to determine the best monetary amount in your budget

Now to the fun part, choosing the perfect menu. Let's start with the appetizers for cocktail hour. Starting the guests off with small bites to eat is the best way to ease into the reception and get the party started. Keep in mind the different eating tolerances of your guests if you are aware of food allergies or if children will be attending. I suggest having a lovely mix of meats, veggies, and breads to satisfy all hunger desires. Have fun with the appetizers and embrace the mini bites! Here are some popular bites for cocktail hour:

• Sliders with a Signature Sauce (tie it to the couple's name)
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Caprese Salad Skewers
• Spicy Mango Shrimp
• Spinach Artichoke Dip on Crostinis
• Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Mini Fried Chicken and Biscuit Sandwiches
• Mac & Cheese Cups
• Pretzels with Cheese Dipping Sauce

With a satisfying mini bite to eat at cocktail hour, now let's move to the main course during the reception. Food is one of the most memorable elements of a wedding, and to all who love to dance, it's the fuel you need to tear up the dance floor all night long! Dinner menus need to fit the overall theme and atmosphere of the wedding. For couples seeking a sophisticated and elegant setting, plated service is a great choice to set the formal tone from the start. This also allows the couple to have more control over the meal presentation and how it fits into their overall wedding vision. Of course, plated service keeps the dinner flowing efficiently and keeps the reception running according to the timeline. On the flip side, couples looking for a less formal and more cost-effective meal might want to choose a buffet. This provides the most variety for your guests as they can choose what and how much they would like to eat.

Spice up your wedding planning process by getting creative with your menu planning! Make it memorable, make it fun, and make it enjoyable for your big day! If you have any questions about food for your wedding, or any other wedding questions, contact us today at Hello Productions!