When it comes to creating a memorable wedding menu that will have your guests talking long after the event, seasonality is key. Using fresh, in-season ingredients will not only showcase the best of local suppliers (and is better for your carbon footprint), but it ups the stakes in the flavor department too! So if you’re planning a summer wedding, it makes sense that you’ll want a summer wedding menu.

Summer is all about light, cooling flavors and dishes that are easy to serve and eat in the heat. It’s a great time to add a touch of nostalgia to your menu with foods that recall those long carefree days of childhood summers. And it’s also a good idea to choose a summer wedding menu that complements your venue choice. For example, seafood for a beach or tropical wedding or barbecue for a backyard celebration.

Here are some top tips to help you create the perfect summer wedding menu with your caterer.

Mediterranean bites. If any place knows how to do warm-weather eating, it’s the Med! Even if you’re not planning a destination wedding, the food will transport your guests to foreign climes. For example, Caprese skewers, flatbreads, fresh bruschetta, or chilled gazpacho. Delicious! An antipasto selection is also a great idea for a Mediterranean touch. If you prefer not to have grazing tables, individual charcuterie boards or paper cups are a good alternative option.

Summer food and drink combos. Mini versions of classic summer combos make for a cocktail hour! Not only do they taste great and bring back memories, but they’re also visually appealing. For example, teeny margaritas and fish tacos, or craft beers with miniature corn dogs. Or how about pulled pork sliders with mini glass bottles of soda?

Tutti frutti! Fruits not only look fresh and bright on the plate, but they add lots of sweetness and flavor to any course. They can be an unexpected and delightful summer element in savory courses. For example, crab mango salad or melon and prosciutto bites. Strawberries and grapes also make great additions to summer salads.

Summer seafood. Whether or not you’re planning a wedding by the coast, seafood immediately adds a bit of summer flair to your wedding catering. For appetizers, chilled oysters, crab cakes, ceviche cups, grilled shrimp skewers, and lobster rolls are always popular choices for a summer wedding menu. You could even have a sushi station during cocktail hour. For the main course, salmon makes a fresh, light option, or go all out with a seafood buffet.

Make desserts nostalgic. Dessert is the perfect time to roll out those long-ago favorites. Think ice cream sandwiches or mini ice cream cones, milkshakes, or fruit cups. You can give these an adult twist – for example, rosé wine popsicles. A sundae station or ice cream truck is also a great way to go, especially for an outdoor wedding.

I don’t know about you, but all these summer wedding menu ideas have my mouth watering! They’re sure to do the same for your guests!

xoxo,

Mindy

Image by Katie Levine Photo