How to Choose the Perfect Catering Menu for Your Wedding or Event

Choosing a catering menu for your wedding or special event can feel overwhelming. With so many options and dietary considerations, it’s easy to second-guess every decision. At Eden Catering and Events, we understand this completely.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve helped countless couples and hosts create menus that delight every guest, while letting them enjoy their day without worry.

In this guide, we’ll share tips to help you choose a menu that’s delicious, stress-free, and memorable, while also touching on how to cater to guests’ dietary requirements with ease.

1. Start with the food that excites you

When selecting a menu, the most important thing is to choose dishes that feel like you. Your catering should reflect your tastes, your style, and your story. Don’t worry about trying to please everyone with every choice, that’s where we come in.

At Eden Catering, we carefully consider dietary requirements and guest preferences, so you can focus on what you love. Whether it’s a hearty share plate, a plated menu, or a buffet, we ensure everyone at the table has something to enjoy.

2. Consider your guests’ needs

Many guests have dietary requirements, from vegetarian and plant-based to gluten-free or allergies. Ignoring these can leave some guests feeling excluded, but planning ahead makes it simple.

During the planning of your menu, we’ll ask you to list any dietary requirements for your guests. Using this information, we create substitutions that are just as satisfying and thoughtfully prepared, so no one feels left out. We’ll also ask for your seating plan, allowing our front-of-house team to locate where each guest is sitting in advance. This ensures they receive the right meal seamlessly, and it becomes part of the overall service rather than a separate consideration.

3. Think about timing and format

The type of menu you choose can depend on your event’s timing and style, and the pacing of your meal can make a big difference in how relaxed your guests feel. If you’re unsure about how long each course takes or how much time to allow between them, your catering team can guide you. At Eden Catering, we always ask for your run sheet in advance so we can follow it closely, ensuring your event flows seamlessly.

• Casual or relaxed events: Share plates, roaming canapés, or buffet-style menus work well and encourage conversation.

• Formal or seated dinners: Plated menus allow guests to savour each course while maintaining a sense of occasion.

• Cocktail events: Canapés and small bites are perfect for mingling and keeping energy light.

By aligning your menu with your event’s format and timing, your guests will not only enjoy the food but also feel comfortable and at ease throughout the day.

4. Trust your catering team

Planning your catering/menu doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of your caterer as a trusted guide, someone who can advise you on flavour combinations, most suitable dining style, timing, and dietary considerations. Collaborating with your caterer ensures the best possible outcome, and at Eden Catering, we love working with clients this way.

From your initial consultation to the final course, we bring over a decade of experience to every event. Our team will guide you, answer your questions, and provide practical advice, helping you make confident decisions every step of the way.

We’ve worked with hundreds of couples and hosts, refining menus that balance flavour, presentation, and inclusivity. By trusting your catering team, you can focus on enjoying your day while we take care of the details. Every guest leaves satisfied, and every host can relax, knowing the food and service are in expert hands.