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# Menu Planning

By [Angela Chan (@AngelaChan)](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan)

1092 views · 2 likes  
Published 27 December 2016 · Updated 27 December 2016

Category: weddings

Planning a wedding menu to WOW your guests? Stop worrying and check out our list for great advice, whether you're hiring a caterer or are going to DIY!

## Items

### 1. [Decide on Budget](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/15/decide-on-budget)

Item ID: `15`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/fv5ty9ehgmigdjneoyvf.jpg)
- What to Consider: DIY can still be pricey, especially without access to wholesale
- Link: -
- Completed: true
- Notes: 200 stacked tomatos & mozzarella, 150 decorated deviled eggs, 150 polenta toasts with herbed ricotta & bacon

### 2. [Plan to scale menu to size of wedding](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/14/plan-to-scale-menu-to-size-of-wedding)

Item ID: `14`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/zyepsffde2jrazyvrxbk.jpg)
- What to Consider: Higher the number, more time-consuming it will be (cost higher)
- Link: -
- Completed: true
- Notes: -

### 3. [Decide on buffet / sit-down meal](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/6/decide-on-buffet--sit-down-meal)

Item ID: `6`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hclvyup5b3y6b8cps5nu.jpg)
- What to Consider: Check prices for both and decide accordingly
- Link: -
- Completed: true
- Notes: -

### 4. [Tie in a theme and notify caterers](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/10/tie-in-a-theme-and-notify-caterers)

Item ID: `10`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ohwywgn72aaskbkanfau.jpg)
- What to Consider: Notify caterers of theme to ensure food fits the theme
- Link: -
- Completed: true
- Notes: -

### 5. [Check local and seasonal ingredients](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/11/check-local-and-seasonal-ingredients)

Item ID: `11`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/jlrndcljkyyauymladjg.jpg)
- What to Consider: Seasonal food tastes better and cost less!
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 6. [Introduce new food ideas](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/8/introduce-new-food-ideas)

Item ID: `8`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/gifac6jng5qcxegv26ls.jpg)
- What to Consider: Ideas includes unexpected twists on classic fare
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 7. [Provide a mix of dishes from rich to refreshing](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/12/provide-a-mix-of-dishes-from-rich-to-refreshing)

Item ID: `12`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/zodd1o3ltptn1zas4wzo.jpg)
- What to Consider: From rich and indulgent, to light and refreshing
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 8. [Decide on number of items per plate](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/9/decide-on-number-of-items-per-plate)

Item ID: `9`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vtbberwfod1csgju4fg0.jpg)
- What to Consider: Offer 2-3 mini servings of dishes on single plate
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 9. [Provide dietary restrictions options (optional)](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/13/provide-dietary-restrictions-options-optional)

Item ID: `13`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/joge72itwcblccwhkd0p.jpg)
- What to Consider: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 10. [Serve hot and cold dishes](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/16/serve-hot-and-cold-dishes)

Item ID: `16`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/tfn98mz58q4e3p5kmwqn.jpg)
- What to Consider: Depending how much storage is available
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 11. [Develop a food storage plan](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/17/develop-a-food-storage-plan)

Item ID: `17`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/cknv1kd11iaumc5rnfyp.jpg)
- What to Consider: Storage is often a forgotten cost and consideration
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 12. [Pick a venue that allows your own caterer](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/2/pick-a-venue-that-allows-your-own-caterer)

Item ID: `2`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/okxzqc9olpprg12ikmv0.jpg)
- What to Consider: Some venues may require you to use their catering
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 13. [Book caterer 6-12  mo. in advance](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/3/book-caterer-6-12-mo-in-advance)

Item ID: `3`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/kurvx8i8tdns6yvuidyz.jpg)
- What to Consider: Begin search for caterer 12 months before wedding
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 14. [Decide if cake is included](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/4/decide-if-cake-is-included)

Item ID: `4`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/s2bcy0kbvlrgdpgbzljh.jpg)
- What to Consider: Find separate cake provider if necessary
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 15. [Check for hidden fees](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/5/check-for-hidden-fees)

Item ID: `5`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/qlkvpk1jqddcjakcjnr0.jpg)
- What to Consider: e.g. Champagne toast fee, overtime costs, etc,.
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 16. [Stacked tomatoes & mozzarella](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/18/stacked-tomatoes--mozzarella)

Item ID: `18`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/h0egszdqu7jpe4yt7cls.jpg)
- What to Consider: Impress your guests with gourmet restaurant appetizer
- Link: [http://www.moneycrashers.com/favorite-quick-easy-appetizer-recipes-parties/](http://www.moneycrashers.com/favorite-quick-easy-appetizer-recipes-parties/)
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 17. [Decorated deviled eggs](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/19/decorated-deviled-eggs)

Item ID: `19`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/szcklrryurk8lsqw4dt8.jpg)
- What to Consider: Classic appetizer with a twist
- Link: [http://www.moneycrashers.com/favorite-quick-easy-appetizer-recipes-parties/](http://www.moneycrashers.com/favorite-quick-easy-appetizer-recipes-parties/)
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 18. [Clam dip](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/20/clam-dip)

Item ID: `20`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/kdnbjggtk98lfarskb0l.jpg)
- What to Consider: -
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 19. [Cupcake cake](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/21/cupcake-cake)

Item ID: `21`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vwrzdzfvulyhqhbgqby5.jpg)
- What to Consider: Serve tiered display cupcakes instead of an expensive cake
- Link: [http://www.moneycrashers.com/cheap-wedding-reception-food-drink-menu-ideas-budget/](http://www.moneycrashers.com/cheap-wedding-reception-food-drink-menu-ideas-budget/)
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 20. [Polenta toasts with herbed ricotta & bacon](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/24/polenta-toasts-with-herbed-ricotta--bacon)

Item ID: `24`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/yznx9y6paqzz8hh8fwsa.jpg)
- What to Consider: Wonderful gluten-free appetizer can be made well ahead
- Link: [http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-polenta-toasts-with-herbed-ricotta-bacon-recipes-from-the-kitchn-204630](http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-polenta-toasts-with-herbed-ricotta-bacon-recipes-from-the-kitchn-204630)
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 21. [Wedding singature cocktail](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/26/wedding-singature-cocktail)

Item ID: `26`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/rtb9nrewcvml4mjg1esr.jpg)
- What to Consider: See link for "Dancing in the Moonlight" recipe
- Link: [http://jojotastic.com/2016/08/18/recipe-full-moon-martini/](http://jojotastic.com/2016/08/18/recipe-full-moon-martini/)
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 22. [Cheese selection served on silver forks](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/27/cheese-selection-served-on-silver-forks)

Item ID: `27`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/yymsfmb9g39k6xp1kuzp.jpg)
- What to Consider: Easy to make stylish cheese selection of your own choice
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 23. [Estimate serving quantities](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/25/estimate-serving-quantities)

Item ID: `25`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/l2qbwxmgsfdnefihhdmj.jpg)
- What to Consider: Bites per hour, per guest (calculation depends on situation)
- Link: [http://www.thekitchn.com/how-i-calculated-the-quantity-of-food-needed-to-feed-200-people-at-a-diy-wedding-reception-gatherings-from-the-kitchn-204905](http://www.thekitchn.com/how-i-calculated-the-quantity-of-food-needed-to-feed-200-people-at-a-diy-wedding-reception-gatherings-from-the-kitchn-204905)
- Completed: false
- Notes:
  > e.g. 100 guests x 2 hours x 8 to 10 bites = 1600 to 2000 bites 
  > 
  > 4 dishes for 2000 bites = 500 qty / dish

### 24. [Create Food Prep Plan](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/22/create-food-prep-plan)

Item ID: `22`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/rpxjh81wokhjx9yakcvq.jpg)
- What to Consider: Depending on whether time/storage is tighter
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 25. [Prepare as much in advance as possible](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/23/prepare-as-much-in-advance-as-possible)

Item ID: `23`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/i5omthfughddfpovupho.jpg)
- What to Consider: Create a list of make-ahead items and prepare in advance
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 26. [Avoid making anyone sick](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/31/avoid-making-anyone-sick)

Item ID: `31`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/gygveb0z74rajckm1kwj.jpg)
- What to Consider: Avoid really spricy food, raw meats, exotic animal products, etc.
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 27. [Assign tasks to helpers](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/35/assign-tasks-to-helpers)

Item ID: `35`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vt9hupp8tbiexkmct1dj.jpg)
- What to Consider: Make sure everyone knows what they are responsible for
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 28. [Complete groceries shopping](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/32/complete-groceries-shopping)

Item ID: `32`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/cwv4h8lbjbvpth4xcijx.jpg)
- What to Consider: Store all ingredients in storage and prep according to plan
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 29. [Drinks can be organised to pick up/purchased later](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/33/drinks-can-be-organised-to-pick-uppurchased-later)

Item ID: `33`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/sp1onf4hfh6i8dwk9lbc.jpg)
- What to Consider: If storage space is tight then pick up on 1-2 days in advance
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 30. [Deliver food and drinks to venue](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/34/deliver-food-and-drinks-to-venue)

Item ID: `34`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/d56up8iyt64rhs5twngf.jpg)
- What to Consider: Allow a few hours for the process depending on wedding size
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 31. [Ensure all equipment needed are available](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/37/ensure-all-equipment-needed-are-available)

Item ID: `37`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/cd8ll9dahkhscnw1uif4.jpg)
- What to Consider: Equipment for heating food / consult venue manager in advance
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 32. [Prep food and drink](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/36/prep-food-and-drink)

Item ID: `36`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/s4slxiuyjrmg1tigglmk.jpg)
- What to Consider: Present food nicely on plates/bowls
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -

### 33. [Clean up and pack leftovers](https://listium.com/@AngelaChan/5164/menu-planning/38/clean-up-and-pack-leftovers)

Item ID: `38`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/wnccsnozhoi20fwdlgjw.jpg)
- What to Consider: Ensure cleaning equipments and containers are available
- Link: -
- Completed: false
- Notes: -