You’ve probably heard the adage that food brings people together. That’s especially true at weddings, where hospitality for friends and family includes a collection of delicious delicacies. If good eats are one of your passions, planning a food-focused reception is a great choice. Taking your wedding cuisine to new heights requires some planning and thought, but you can pull it off successfully with a few useful tips.

Food as the Star Player

Unsurprisingly, many engaged couples pay close attention to the food they’ll serve at the reception. After all, their gastronomical offerings do much more than just stave off hunger. Cuisine helps shape the mood of your celebration. Consider the sight, aroma, and flavor of beef Wellington versus seafood biriyani and you get the idea.

Yet a more intense focus on food takes this idea to the next level. Sure, your music and decorations are still important. However, your cuisine is one of the central attractions, and your goal is to make it as unforgettable as possible. This is true regardless of your wedding theme or whether your style is minimalist, rustic, eclectic, traditional, or completely out of the ordinary.

Presentation is also key. A sit-down five-course meal evokes a different atmosphere than family-style dinners, buffets, appetizer stations, or food trucks. These represent varying degrees of formality, so thoughtfully made choices are wise. A laid-back affair hosted in your sister’s backyard calls for a more relaxed presentation than a white-tie event at a ballroom or opera house. Many dishes can be elevated or done more casually through their presentation, as The Knot illustrates, with elegant takes on favorite comfort foods.

Know Your Numbers First 

The Knot spells out some important information that you must know when planning a food-focused reception. The first two important details are your guest count and budget. Reception costs, including catering, usually comprise around 50% of total expenses. For instance, a couple planning a $15,000 wedding would spend around $7,500 on the reception. A Practical Wedding’s Alyssa Griffith shows some sample budgets, with catering costs alone hovering between $4,000 and $5,000. This is where prioritization is essential. If food is high on your list, consider scaling back in other areas.

Finding the Right Caterer

Your catering professional will play an essential role during your wedding planning, so The Knot recommends booking one as early as possible. During your search, keep in mind that some venues such as ballrooms or banquet halls require the use of their in-house catering services. You need to find this out upfront and schedule tastings with their chefs. Restaurants may be your best bet for a food-focused wedding. Their physical spaces can be styled in any way you like as long as you don’t violate the establishments’ rules.

Designing Your Menu

Once you’ve selected your caterer or chef, you must work with that professional to craft your reception menu. When doing so, be mindful of the vibe you want your event to have. If your plans include music and dancing, for example, heavy appetizers can feed your crowd without weighing them down.

Choosing seasonal and locally produced food will help make your meals fresh and delicious. Your offerings should contain a variety of flavors to suit your guests’ palates, but don’t forget to accommodate for dietary restrictions. Finally, steer clear of dishes that tend to be messy or provoke allergic reactions. Martha Stewart Weddings lists common culprits such as tree nuts, splatter-prone sauces, and appetizers that require two hands to eat.

Unforgettable Cuisine on Your Special Day

Food and weddings always go together, but couples are now elevating their guests’ culinary experiences. Planning ahead, along with a thoughtful approach to selecting caterers and food, should help craft an unforgettable food experience at your event.