What's For Dinner?

Choosing the Right Cuisine

Selecting the right cuisine is the first step in planning your wedding menu. Here are some popular options along with suggested dishes:

Greek Cuisine

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
• Spanakopitas: Spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough.
• Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice.
• Souvlaki: Skewers of grilled chicken or beef.

Japanese Cuisine

• Noodle Soups: Such as ramen or udon.
• Sushi: A variety of rolls and sashimi.
• Shrimp Tempura: Lightly battered and fried shrimp.
• Stir-Fries: Vegetables and meats cooked in a wok.

Mexican Cuisine

• Salsa Salad: A mix of fresh vegetables with a tangy dressing.
• Black Bean Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup.
• Tortilla Chips: Served with guacamole and salsa.
• Fajitas/Burritos/Enchiladas: Filled with chicken or beef.

Indian Cuisine

• Hummus & Fresh Pita Platter: A classic appetizer.
• Samosas: Fried turnovers stuffed with vegetables, beef, or chicken.
• Tabouli Salad: A refreshing salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, and herbs.
• Tandoori Chicken: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled.

Seafood Cuisine

• Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp served with cocktail sauce.
• Smoked Salmon: Thinly sliced and served with capers and onions.
• Steamed Oysters: Fresh oysters steamed to perfection.
• Grilled Rainbow Trout: A flavorful and healthy option.

Thai Cuisine

• Hot & Sour Soup: A spicy and tangy soup.
• Fresh Spring Rolls: Rice paper rolls filled with fresh vegetables and shrimp.
• Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with a choice of protein.
• Chicken or Shrimp Satays: Skewers served with peanut sauce.

Italian Cuisine

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic and butter.
• Minestrone Soup: A hearty vegetable soup.
• Chicken Parmigiana: Breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and cheese.

Additional Considerations

While the above cuisines are popular choices, you can always opt for classic dishes like Prime Rib Dinner or Roast Beef. It's also important to offer vegetarian options and be mindful of any food allergies your guests may have.

Interesting Stats

• According to a survey by The Knot, the average cost of catering for a wedding in the U.S. is around $70 per person (The Knot, 2022).
• A study by WeddingWire found that 72% of couples choose to serve a plated meal at their wedding, while 28% opt for a buffet (WeddingWire, 2021).
• The most popular wedding cuisine in the U.S. is American, followed by Italian and Mexican (WeddingWire, 2021).

Conclusion

Choosing the right menu for your wedding reception is crucial for creating a memorable experience for your guests. By considering various cuisines and dishes, and keeping in mind dietary restrictions and preferences, you can ensure that everyone leaves satisfied.

For more tips on wedding planning, check out The Knot and WeddingWire.

Sources:

• The Knot. (2022). "The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study." Retrieved from The Knot.
• WeddingWire. (2021). "WeddingWire 2021 Newlywed Report." Retrieved from WeddingWire.