Wedding Menu
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting experiences a couple can share. With so many details to cover, however, it can, unfortunately, be a stressful time as well. At Cornerstone Weddings, we handle a lot of events including wedding, receptions, and more. We’re also proud to be the caterer of choice for the Canmore Nordic Centre.
When it comes to planning a Rocky Mountain Wedding, our team fields all sorts of questions, particularly during the summer months. One of the biggest topics we cover with couples is planning their wedding menu. Our staff is happy to help answer any questions. To help you get off on the right foot, here a few topics to keep in mind when it comes to wedding catering.
Budget
If you follow our blog, you’ll notice that budget is a recurring theme. Why? Simply put, your budget can be one of the biggest sources of direction for your event. It’s not necessarily about having the biggest pile of cash to spend; it’s more a matter of making sure you’re able to make the most of what you have. A good caterer will know how to do this, and even surprise you in the process! Having a set number, complete with built in wiggle room, will make things easier for everyone.
Start early
You probably know to book your venue well in advance (up to 18 months), but did you know that catering should be included in those first steps of planning as well? Ideally, you want to be contacting your top choices at roughly 12 months in advance. Some venues will require that you use their in-house catering, but even if you’re able to bring an outside company in, you may face an additional charge. It’s worth taking this into consideration when location scouting, as well as giving the in-house team a tasting early on. That way you’ll have plenty of time to decide and build from there.
Know your headcount
Having a strong idea of what your final guest count is will help both you and your caterer plan the best type of menu for your reception. A smaller soirée will be better suited to a more intimate menu, whereas a large guest list will have different needs. Having your number sooner than later will expedite the process!
Disclose any dietary restrictions/allergies
As with above, sharing any significant food concerns up front will save everyone a headache (and empty stomach).
Plan your portions wisely
No one likes to leave a reception with a grumbling stomach due to insufficient food allotment. While you certainly don’t want to have an excessive surplus that gets tossed out at the end of the night, it’s best to consider factors like type of food being served. Anticipate how long the reception will last (later events may require a late-night snack), and overall general appetite of your crowd. Your caterer can help you find the appropriate serving style to accommodate your food choices, making sure everything is distributed seamlessly.
Allowing your menu choices to conform to seasonal and local cuisine will not only make it easier to find the right ingredients, but to also ensure they’re the best quality. Summer dishes simply won’t be as delectable in the winter, and as much as you may love the taste of fresh lobster, that may be a little tricky to pull off in a landlocked province. Ask your caterer what’s in season as well as what local foods are best suited for your wedding date, and you can build a menu that’s fresh and delicious.
These are just a few of the many details you’ll want to keep in mind when planning the food for your wedding. For more information on these topics, as well as other top tips, give us a call today!