Wedding Catering: Menu Planning & Service Guide
Food is one of the most memorable aspects of any wedding. Your menu sets the tone, reflects your culture, and creates lasting memories for your guests. This comprehensive guide covers everything about wedding catering.
1. Understanding Catering Options
**Full-Service Catering:**
Professional teamEquipment and staffingSetup and cleanupCustomized menusPremium pricing**Venue In-House Catering:**
Convenience of single vendorPackage dealsLimited customizationOften more expensive**Independent Caterers:**
Flexibility and customizationCompetitive pricingQuality variesVerify licenses and insurance2. Menu Planning Process
**Timeline for Menu Planning:**
**3 Months Before Wedding:**
Decide cuisine typeCreate preliminary menuIdentify dietary requirementsBudget allocationSchedule tastings**2 Months Before:**
Complete menu tastingsFinalize selectionsPlan cocktail hour optionsConfirm special requestsReview plating and presentation**1 Month Before:**
Finalize guest countConfirm final menuReview service timelinePlan dietary accommodationsDiscuss bar service**1 Week Before:**
Final headcount confirmationLast-minute dietary adjustmentsService timeline reviewDelivery and setup coordination3. Choosing Your Cuisine
**Indian Cuisine:**
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian optionsRegional specialtiesFamiliar to most guestsTraditional presentationHigh acceptance rate**Continental:**
Western/European dishesSteak, chicken, pastaSophisticated presentationModern platingPremium feel**Fusion Cuisine:**
Blend of Indian and ContinentalModern, contemporary feelUnique, memorableTrendy and Instagram-worthyCreative presentation**Specialty Cuisines:**
Chinese, Italian, ThaiAdds varietyMay limit guest comfortFun for adventurous couples**Multi-Cuisine:**
Multiple options availableAccommodates all tastesHigher costComplex execution4. Menu Structure Planning
**Cocktail Hour (1-2 hours):**
Appetizers (6-8 pieces per person)Cheese and charcuterieFresh fruitVegetable plattersCocktails and beverages**Main Meal:**
**First Course (optional):**
Soup or saladSoup option (vegetable, cream-based)Salad with dressing options**Main Course:**
2-3 protein options (minimum)Vegetarian proteinStarch/rice optionsVegetablesProfessional platingHot delivery**Dessert:**
Wedding cakeDessert optionsChocolate fountainPastries and treatsCoffee and tea**Late Night Snacks (optional):**
Samosas, pakorasChaat itemsKebabsIce creamAdds to experience5. Dietary Accommodations
**Common Dietary Needs:**
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut allergiesReligious restrictionsMedical conditions**Plan Accordingly:**
Ask guests about dietary needs on invitationConfirm 1-2 weeks beforeEnsure caterer can accommodateSeparate plating to avoid contaminationClearly label dishesCommunicate with service team6. Beverage Selection
**Alcoholic Beverages:**
Beer selectionWine pairingSpirits/cocktailsQuantity planning**Non-Alcoholic Options:**
Soft drinksJuicesCoffee and teaWater optionsSpecialty drinks**Bar Service Styles:**
Full bar (all options available)Limited bar (select options)Beer and wine onlyChampagne onlyDry event (no alcohol)7. Service Styles
**Sit-Down/Plated Service:**
Each course served individuallyElegant and formalLonger duration (2-3 hours)Higher costBest for formal events**Buffet Service:**
Self-service stationsQuicker serviceMore casual feelGood for large groupsLower costMore buffet stations = shorter wait lines**Family-Style Service:**
Dishes placed on tablesGuests serve themselvesInformal and socialGood for intimate weddingsModerate cost**Cocktail-Style:**
Appetizers and finger foodsStanding/mingling formatGood for receptionsVery casualNo formal meal**Food Stations:**
Multiple preparation stationsLive cookingInteractive elementModern and trendyHigher costGreat photo opportunity8. Pricing & Budgeting
**Typical Per-Plate Costs:**
**Budget Catering: ₹800-1,500 per plate**
Simple menuBasic preparationLimited service staffGood quality possible**Mid-Range: ₹1,500-3,000 per plate**
Diverse menuProfessional serviceGood presentationQuality ingredients**Premium Catering: ₹3,000-6,000+ per plate**
Customized menuPremium ingredientsExcellent serviceSophisticated presentation**Factors Affecting Price:**
Guest countMeal complexityService levelVenue requirementsStaff numbersEquipment rentalsTravel distance9. Professional Catering Checklist
**Pre-Event Planning:**
✓ Signed contract with terms✓ Menu confirmation✓ Guest count (final)✓ Setup and cleanup included✓ Service timeline✓ Dietary accommodations✓ Bar service specifications✓ Equipment rental (if needed)**Week Before Wedding:**
✓ Final headcount✓ Dietary confirmations✓ Service timing✓ Special requests✓ Contact information**Day-of Coordination:**
✓ Early arrival and setup✓ Equipment testing✓ Staff briefing✓ Temperature checks✓ Service timeline adherence✓ Guest comfort monitoring10. Special Requests & Add-ons
**Popular Additions:**
Premium alcohol selection: ₹5,000-10,000+Cocktail hour: ₹10,000-20,000Late-night snacks: ₹3,000-7,000Dessert upgrade: ₹2,000-5,000Premium service: ₹5,000-10,000Bar upgrades: ₹5,000-15,000Chef-attended carving station: ₹10,000+11. Food Presentation & Plating
**Professional Plating Techniques:**
Color contrast on plateProper portion sizingArtistic arrangementHeight variationClean plate rimsProfessional garnishesHot food temperatureAttention to detail12. Common Catering Mistakes
❌ Not doing menu tastings❌ Choosing menu based solely on cost❌ Inadequate headcount management❌ Ignoring dietary restrictions❌ Poor communication with caterer❌ Unrealistic menu expectations❌ No backup plan for issues❌ Forgetting beverages❌ Inadequate staff for guest countConclusion
Your wedding menu is one of the most memorable aspects of your special day. Invest time in menu planning, taste multiple options, and choose a professional caterer who understands your vision. Great food creates great memories.
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