Compliments to the chef! Wedding menu thoughts and tips.

A lot of delicious wedding menus have crossed Something Kinda Cute's desk, but before we get a chance to add our special "zing" to your chef's specials a lot of prep has to take place. So here's a little taster of Wedding Catering 101. Bon appetit!

Something Kinda Cute's fun 50's diner design!

Appetizer

Before you begin thinking about your menu you have to decide on your caterer. Your choice might have to face some limitations due to seasonal, thematic or even bureaucratic considerations – remember, some venues will only work with certain caterers!

Salad

Allow yourself enough time to compare services, prices and more importantly, feedback - aka good old word-of-mouth! While meeting or contacting a caterer tell him what kind of reception you have in mind - a sit down or a buffet style cocktail, for example - as this will certainly determine the final price and overall logistics. Once you have your quotes and a short-list of your favourites, the fun part begins: tasting sessions!

Entrée

Whether fun or fancy, go for quality! A banquet doesn't need posh ingredients to be considered divine. In fact, simple and fresh always win over complex but stale. I know, on paper a nice home-grown chicken might not sound as impressive as wild langoustine but on the plate it will certainly be a winner!

Dessert

Be reasonable and stay away from extremes. Nobody wants to see starved or bloated faces at a party, so make sure your menu contemplates the different diets and tastes of your guests and make a realistic evaluation of the size of the portions.

When it comes to drinks, let's face it, everyone loves an open bar! However, a lot of couples make different drinking arrangements. If this applies to you I am sure your guests will understand it perfectly :)