The right wedding menu takes time to build. With dozens of options from various venues, selecting the perfect combo can be the biggest challenge of wedding planning, but we’re here to make it a little easier. Here are 10 foods you should probably leave off the menu, and 10 you should seriously think about. 

1. Long Noodles

When it comes to pasta dishes, be mindful of which noodles you choose. Long noodles are usually a wedding no-go on account of their mess, and with so many other options available, you can easily skip the spaghetti.

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2. Ribs

Overly saucy foods are usually a bad idea. For example, a rack of ribs sounds good, but it’s a meal best left to restaurants—the last thing guests should worry about is getting their hands and attire covered in sauce.  

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3. Fancy Meals

As tempting as it might be, avoid super fancy menu items. Your goal is to keep everyone fed and happy, and the odds of that happening are far slimmer if you choose escargot over grilled chicken. Not only that, but you're looking at a way higher food bill, too. 

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4. Fried Foods

It’s not that fried foods are a “bad choice,” it’s that they can spoil sooner than other dishes. It’s better to serve menu items that can be kept fresh, not ones that grow dry or chewy over time—and lots of little hiccups can happen during a wedding, so you don’t want fried foods sitting around.

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5. Soup

Soup is only a great idea if you know how to serve it. As big of a staple as it is, soup goes cold quickly, which means it’s better to either avoid it or serve it in a smaller size—especially if your guest list tips over 100 people. 

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6. Garlic-Infused Dishes

Garlic bread, garlic chicken, garlic noodles…these dishes are heartily enjoyed at home, but that’s where they should stay. No one wants to hit the dancefloor in a cloud of garlic breath, and certainly not when that cloud comes from 80 mouths. 

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7. Raw Food

A wedding is the last place you want to see raw food. Items like steak tartare or sushi are polarizing enough (not to mention expensive), and when there are over 50 people in the room, you can bet someone will avoid the plate. 

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8. Certain Greens

Certain leafy greens fare better with salad dressing than others. Speak with the caterer about which greens they recommend so you don’t serve a salad that’s soggy by the time it hits tables.

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9. Just Meat

Unless everyone on your guest list is a meat-eater, have at least one vegetarian option available. It’s far easier to include a simple pasta dish than it is to leave someone out of the festivities.  

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10. Nothing

Just about anything would be better than nothing. Guests will be mingling, on their feet, dancing, or taking photos with you, so you best keep them fed with something to avoid hungry stomachs and upset people. 

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Now let’s dive into which foods make the most sense for your big day. 

1. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a simple appetizer that won’t cover people in grease or sauce. They’re flavorful, can be made vegetarian, and are an easy crowd-pleaser.

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2. Sliders

No one says “no” to sliders, and for good reason! They’re the classic burger’s little brother, which is exactly the size you need at a wedding. Sliders hit the spot without any fuss or being too filling—and they can easily be ham and cheese, chicken parm, or cheesesteak. 

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3. Caprese Skewers

Skewers can be whatever you make them, and a Caprese one tops all others. Convert this traditional salad to a portable skewer so guests can mingle and get their fill, all without any mess. 

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4. Mini Tacos

You’d think tacos are a bad choice given how easily they fall apart or how sloppy they can be—and while both of those things are true, wedding guests can still indulge! A quick sidestep around these pitfalls is simply to serve a smaller version. 

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5. Pasta

Long noodles may be a wedding dress’s worst enemy, but not all pasta is off the table. Tortellini or ravioli are great options for flavor, and they’re stuffed noodles that won’t drip all over attire. They’re also filling and can be made vegetarian.

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6. Stuffed Chicken 

Chicken is a traditional (and affordable) option often sought after at weddings, and it’s one we fully support. This dish comes with all kinds of variety from different cheeses to fresh vegetables, making it the perfect choice for even sensitive palettes.  

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7. Salmon

Just about every wedding opts for a salmon dish of some kind, however, it’s so much more than an entree—it can be made into ceviche, mousse, or served smoked alongside crackers. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box because salmon allows all kinds of creativity. 

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8. Chicken and Waffles

Rather than fried foods offered in a buffet or passed around as appetizers, chicken and waffles are a crowd-pleasing comfort that can be kept fresh as an entree. Don’t worry about the syrup either because you can eliminate potential mess by serving shooters instead. 

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9. Cookies

If you need something to tide guests over later on, cookies are a solid option. You can better avoid allergies and keep guests happy at a low cost. Not to mention, they’re not sticky or covered in icing, which is a huge plus for guests.

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10. Fresh Fruit

Speak with your caterer about which fruit is in season—you’ll want to avoid anything but to ensure affordable costs and a wide selection of fresh items. You can also make fruit skewers! 

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