How to Choose Your Wedding Menu : A Guide for Foodie Couples
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times, however can also feel overwhelming without the right information and inspiration. Food is such a focal point of the big day and needs to reflect you as a couple and run seamlessly. Are you thinking of designing a great wedding menu? We are here to help.
At Thomas The Caterer, we’ve been crafting bespoke menus for weddings all across Leicestershire and the East Midlands for over a decade- and we know one thing for sure: when your food reflects you, it always works. From the first canape to the last bite of evening food, what you serve can tell your story and leave a lasting impression.
Our advice- start with the flavours. Once that is right, everything else (the timings, the structure, the logistics) will fall into place.
Start With Your Story, Not a Template
Your menu shouldn’t feel like it has been copied and pasted from someone else’s Pinterest board. Think about your favourite meals as a couple- what do you cook at home? What’s your weekend go-to for date night? Do you have an iconic family recipe or a dish that reminds you of your childhood? The beauty of food it is so personal and connects us together and this can be reflected on your special day.
We’ve helped couples build entire menus tailored to themselves. Want to see some real life menu’s? Check out some of our real wedding menu’s.
Start With What’s in Season and Close to Home
Seasonal and local food just tastes better. It’s fresher, more sustainable and often more cost-effective too. Here in Leicestershire, we’re lucky to have brilliant local suppliers from butchers to cheesemongers to greengrocers. So your menu can reflect not only your taste but where you’re getting married.
When it comes to designing your menu, one of the best choices is to build it around the seasons. Produce that’s in season is harvested at its peak- so it’s naturally fresher, more vibrant and full of flavour. Strawberries in June taste like sunshine, strawberries in January taste like disappointment.
Whether it’s ripe tomatoes in August or earthy mushrooms in October, you’ll notice the difference when the ingredients haven’t had to travel halfway around the world to reach your plate. By leaning into what nature is offering at the moment, your menu feels more connected – to the land, the season and the occasion.
Some More Seasonal Inspiration
Here’s some seasonal food inspiration based on real weddings we’ve catered – and drinks to get your dancing shoes on!
Spring and Summer :
- Grilled asparagus with lemon aioli
- Lamb rump with garden mint salsa
- Strawberry shortcake or elderflower panna cotta
- Fizzy cocktails with herbs, edible flowers or local gin
- Autumn & Winter
Autumn and Winter :
- Butternut squash and sage soup
- Pie with creamy mash, seasonal veg and lashings of gravy. Click here for our award winning wedding pies.
- Sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream.
- Mulled cider or spiced rum punch
Evening food can go seasonal too: summer might call for stone-baked pizza, while colder months are ideal for gourmet toasties or sausage rolls.
Think About Format: How Will Guests Experience the Food?
Once you have a sense of what you’d love to serve, it’s time to think of how you’ll serve it. The same dish can feel totally different depending on how it’s presented.
- Plated meals: Formal and elegant. Best when timing and seating are structured.
- Sharing platters: Great for social, family-style weddings.
- Grazing tables: Visually stunning and perfect for relaxed, informal settings
- Interactive food stations: Taco bars, burger stations, or DIY desserts add fun and flexibility.
Plan the Flow of Food Throughout the Day
Food ideas are locked in. Now you can shape the structure of the day around them. Most weddings include several ‘food moments’.
PRE CEREMONY / COCKTAIL HOUR
Keep guests happy during photos and mingling. This is where canapes shine.
- Mini Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish
- Steak wrapped chips with tarragon mayonnaise
- Mini hash brown bites with nduja mayonnaise
WEDDING BREAKFAST
Your main meal usually includes three courses: starter, main, dessert. Timing depends on your ceremony but we recommend around 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
EVENING FOOD
When the dance floor is buzzing and energy is dipping late night bites are key!
- Stone baked pizzas
- Loaded fries or gyros
- Gourmet toasties
Your wedding menu is more than just a list of dishes – it’s a way to share your personality and your story with people you love the most. If you’re getting married in Leicestershire or the surrounding areas and want help bringing your dream menu to life, we’d love to hear from you. At Thomas The Caterer we create bespoke menus full of flavour and fun! Get in touch to start your tasting journey.