Wedding Guide: Choosing a Menu

Planning a wedding menu is more than picking dishes you love—it’s curating an experience. For luxury weddings, every bite should feel intentional, from the first canapé to the final truffle. Here’s how to design a menu that reflects your story, delights your guests, and stays within budget.

• Define “luxury” for you: white-glove service, rare ingredients, or a chef-led tasting menu.
• Establish guest count, service style, and per-person spend to guide decisions.
• Would you rather prioritize premium champagne, caviar canapés, or a late-night gourmet snack?

• Plated Dinner: Elegant pacing and presentation; ideal for formal luxury weddings.
• Chef Stations: Interactive, high-end action stations (e.g., sushi, truffle risotto).
• Family-Style: Elevated comfort with abundance; pair with refined tableware and service.
• Tasting Menu: A multi-course culinary journey with wine pairings for intimate receptions.

Tip: Consider accessibility for older guests and timing with speeches and entertainment.

• Draw From Your Story: Destinations you’ve loved, heritage dishes, or seasonal influences.
• Select a Flavor Profile: Coastal Mediterranean, modern Japanese, classic French, or farm-to-table luxe.
• Keep it Balanced: A mix of light, rich, savory, and fresh elements across courses.

• Canapés: 1–2 bites per person. Mix warm and cold, vegetarian and seafood options. Add a signature luxe bite (e.g., oyster with champagne mignonette).
• Starter: Seasonal and elegant—think burrata with heirloom tomatoes or scallop crudo.
• Main: Offer two proteins and a refined vegetarian entrée. Consider wagyu, lobster, duck, or wild mushroom pithivier.
• Sides: Elevated classics—truffled pomme purée, charred asparagus, confit potatoes.
• Dessert: Beyond cake—mini pâtisserie, gelato carts, or a chocolate and cheese tableau.
• Late-Night: Gourmet sliders, fries with truffle aioli, or bao buns to refuel the dance floor.

• Champagne or sparkling on arrival; consider a grower champagne or prestige cuvée.
• Signature cocktails that mirror your menu’s flavors; offer one spirit-forward and one refreshing option.
• Wine pairings curated by a sommelier; include a premium red, crisp white, and a non-alcoholic pairing.
• Non-alcoholic options such as craft mocktails, cold-brew bars, and premium teas.

• Book a menu tasting about 8–12 weeks out; bring notes on flavor, presentation, and portion sizes.
• Learn about and try various wine pairings and mocktails during the tasting.
• Confirm final counts, timing, and backup plans (weather, delays).

ready to craft the menu for your special day?

A menu for a luxury wedding isn’t about excess; it’s about intention, craft, and hospitality. Choose dishes that feel like you, elevate them with seasonal ingredients and impeccable service, and your guests will remember the experience long after the last toast.

Ready to design your menu? Consult with an experienced planner at The Starting Gate At GreatHorse in Hampden, MA to share your vision and guest list, as well as book a tasting date—and build from there. We look forward to helping you curate the perfect menu for your special day!