Your wedding menu is an important part of planning your big day. You know what they say: Your guests will remember your dress, they’ll remember your photos, and they’ll remember the food! But where do you start? While some venues and planners have pre-ordained vendors to narrow things down, there’s still a whole wedding menu to craft from there. Need some guidance? As a professional in this industry for more than a dozen years, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get started with my favorite wedding menu tips and trends!

Wedding Menu Tips

Start with the budget. There’s not much worse than coming up with the perfect wedding menu only to end up with it just out of reach. Knowing what you’re willing to spend on food heading into conversations, planning, and tastings can make things more clear from the very start, and give your potential vendors a parameter for what they should and shouldn’t present as options. 

Then choose a style. My advice? Choose a style that’s consistent with your wedding’s theme. Plated meals are both formal and traditional, and they take up less space in your reception area. A buffet is most cost-efficient, and gives guests the freedom to pick and choose their meal, or a family-style dinner could fit a more fun and friendly vibe. Food stations require some space, but they also provide variety and freedom of choice without giving up too much structure. Whatever you choose, make the choice before getting your heart set on any specific wedding menu items. 

Make it personal. Your wedding should reflect your love story in every way, from the date to the venue, flowers, colors… and food! If you and your fiance never eat cake, why have one at an event that celebrates the two of you? But if your families are traditional, a stunning multi-tiered cake might just be a perfect focal point. If you met at a restaurant, or if you have a favorite date night haunt, consider serving that style of food at your reception. Give some nods to your love story so the whole day tastes, looks, and feels like… you!

Things to consider: Personal tastes, seasonal availability, and dietary restrictions. One way to consider all three? Plan to offer options. Showcase your preferences (because who has just one?) and ensure you’ll be able to get what you need—and so will your guests!

Wedding Menu Trends

Interactive experiences. 2025-26 brides are all about creating unique hands-on experiences for their guests, including the wedding menu! Build-your-own taco bars, sundae stations, pasta bars, and burger stations are great ways to make your guests feel like they’re part of the special details, and help foster a real family/community feeling among your guests. 

Cultural celebration. Whether you’re native to your venue’s state, a transplant or even planning a destination wedding, the wedding menu is a great place to celebrate your family’s culture—or allow guests to fully experience the tastes of the celebration itself! Industry trends show an up-tick in themes like sharing locally-grown foods, dishes made famous in your wedding city, and even menus that share and celebrate family and ancestral heritage. 

Grazing tables. If the meal styles mentioned above don’t fit your wedding vibe, consider grazing tables instead. They’re huge for 2025-26 weddings! Instead of traditionally plated meals, create large table displays of assorted meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads for your guests to enjoy. Why stop at one? Keep things fun with tables for desserts and late night snacks, too.

Whatever you choose, be sure to set a menu and plate aside for your wedding photographer. Don’t believe me? Check out these dreamy detail shots! You’ve worked hard on these details. Let’s help you remember how special each one was forever!