Truth be told, there is no magic formula for curating the ideal summer wedding menu, but just like your relationship the food you serve will be unique to you and your story. Planning a summer wedding allows you to lean into all of the joys of the season.  The summer can offer some fun and festive catering ideas; consider integrating some fresh produce that highlights the colors of the season,  fresh seafood, finger foods and light pasta dishes.

Taking the time to carefully think about your menu will make your big day that much more special for you and your loved ones. We all know the way to the heart is through the stomach, so make sure to pick choices that will invite your guests to indulge but also feel good about eating at your wedding. So if you are planning a summer wedding and need some yummy inspiration, read on for some “fan”tastic summer wedding menu choices we know you and your VIP’s will love.

Cocktail Hour

 Let’s face it, cocktail hour offers some of the best options…and most guests are ready to indulge after the ceremony! During the summer, when the weather is a bit balmy, guests are definitely looking for a menu with refreshing and light options.  There is a lot of creative freedom when it comes to cocktail hour and in the summer, it is easy to experiment with options that are a little less customary. Consider dishes that do well in the summer; focus on appetizers that offer a fresher feel rather than soups and fried foods.

Some options that we think will make a great addition to a summer menu include bite sized crab cakes drizzled in a buttery remoulade or spicy aioli, a mini burger bar or grilled vegetable skewers.  Guests will also love the idea of a colorful grazing table at their fingertips; select your favorite meats and cheeses and pair them with nuts, melon, berries and other in season options to create the perfect lineup.  A grazing table will give your VIPs the opportunity to snack as the day goes on and can eliminate any heavy choices. We also love the idea of mini tacos and margs or cajun shrimp guacamole bites for a little bit of flair.

Entrees

While your guests may have enjoyed the cocktail hour immensely, they will definitely begin to work up an appetite again once the dancing commences. Choosing entree choices for your wedding can be just as exciting as the cocktail hour options and offering a variety is definitely a possibility for summer weddings.  If a heavy sit down dinner is not in the cards for your wedding vision, there are other options that will keep your guests satisfied but also keep the party going.  A summer wedding is the perfect place to curate an “out of the box” menu! 

For a summer wedding, think about making “dinner” interactive.  Yes, we love an elegantly formal sit down dinner but in the summer the option for fun seems more fitting. If you are looking for traditional, then we highly suggest you stick with the customary sit down dinner but keep your options light and fresh; grilled chicken or salmon with lemon over seasonal vegetables or a pasta dish using spaghetti squash is not as heavy as your traditional pasta. Keep in mind, smaller plates are ideal because people tend to consume less in the summer.

If you are ready to kick it up a notch, then we love the idea of making your food interactive. Not only is the display unique and fun, but it gets your guests up and moving around while mingling with one another. Let’s talk about options, shall we? Think sliders, freshly prepared lettuce wraps, surf and turf skewers, lobster rolls (Connecticut style or Maine) charcuterie cones and dressed up hot dogs.  A wood fired pizza bar where guests can request their own toppings and have it prepared exactly how they want it.  You can have a sushi station, again made to order,  an italian inspired pasta station, a seafood station and even a made to order burger station. The world is your oyster when it comes to food stations, anything you like (even waffles) can become an option for your wedding menu!

Desserts

I don’t know about you, but I live for desserts! And while your wedding cake is a staple and should not be forgotten, offering guests some other options can be a great way to up the ante. If it’s hot (and we are sure it will be) guests will devour the idea of an ice cream bar. Be sure to include lots of options for guests with dietary restrictions.  Include gelato and sorbet to not only offer options but because aesthetically,  it is more pleasing. Another fun way to display your ice cream is  in mini cones that can be passed by servers.

A popcorn bar is another option for your guests who are looking for something different. Your guests can indulge in a variety of popcorn flavors. Boozy popsicles, a make your own smores bar and a donut station are more ways to add some fun to your sweet treats.

Food has become a major perk of weddings and we have really upped the value of offerings over the years.  What once was a boring meal that you half expected before even entering the reception has now become a foodie’s paradise. We love the idea that “guest experience” has become a major factor that couples consider when planning out every aspect of their wedding day. 

If you are looking for ways to increase your guest experience, take a look at our blog, It’s All in the Details for a fresh take on things that will make your guests ooh and aah!  Happy Planning!