Reception Menu Decisions

antibride2013

I am having a really difficult time with making the menu choices for the reception.  So far, we have the normal entree choices: Steak, Chicken, Seafood/Fish.  Thanks to you lovely ladies, I have also added a Vegeterian, and a Vegan choice as well.  I hope that is good.  Anyway, now we have to tackle sides.  Not everyone likes potatoes, or carrots etc.  How the heck do I even attempt to chose sides that everyone will enjoy?  Thoughts?

GoodLuckBear14

Not everyone likes potatoes?? 

You solve it by having options.  Potatoes are actually a pretty safe choice.  Same with green beans and carrots.  Salad is always good.  You could also have a pasta side dish.

Angelface225

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-menu-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:d3df7451-ef8d-46eb-afe8-e1b24f970727Post:ac8f0840-d581-4b75-bcee-031f7be52a89">Reception Menu Decisions</a>:
[QUOTE]I am having a really difficult time with making the menu choices for the reception.  So far, we have the normal entree choices: Steak, Chicken, Seafood/Fish.  Thanks to you lovely ladies, I have also added a Vegeterian, and a Vegan choice as well.  I hope that is good.  Anyway, now we have to tackle sides.  Not everyone likes potatoes, or carrots etc.  How the heck do I even attempt to chose sides that everyone will enjoy?  Thoughts?
Posted by antibride2013[/QUOTE]



You're never going to be able to please everyone, so go for things that are crowd pleaders and that you like. I think that's why things like mashed potatoes, Parisienne potatoes, baked potatoes, etc are pretty common. We're doing a baked potato bar, with lots of different toppings (our meal is buffet style) and grilled veggie platters (peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc), I figure everyone can customize and choose what they like. Maybe go with a mixed vegetable, so people can always pick out what they don't want?

misshart00

Do you have a caterer? If you do, I would talk to them about what the majority of people seem to like. But you also can't please everyone. Even 5 entrees seems like you're giving plenty of options.

antibride2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-menu-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:d3df7451-ef8d-46eb-afe8-e1b24f970727Post:efcfaae8-4df0-4ac8-9699-f0df19af3fa8">Re: Reception Menu Decisions</a>:
[QUOTE]Not everyone likes potatoes??  You solve it by having options.  Potatoes are actually a pretty safe choice.  Same with green beans and carrots.  Salad is always good.  You could also have a pasta side dish.
Posted by GoodLuckBear14[/QUOTE]

We are having a plated dinner.  For cocktail hour, we have all the same types of food; steak, chicken, seafood/fish, veggie trays, cheese, etc etc.  How many choices should we stay in range?  4-6? I did not think of a pasta salad!  Awesome! 

I have been VERY involved with the menu.  I am a foodie!  <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />  I know I can't pelase everyone, but I am also trying to think outside the box.  What if someone is on a no carb diet?  Or is a diabetic?  Those sort of things. 

Angelface225

The food has been my favorite part of wedding planning!

Maggie0829

OP, I think you are over thinking this.  Have a nice veggie, a starch (potato or pasta) and a protein.  Pick what tastes yummy and run with it.  Like others have said, if someone has a dietary restriction they will let you know.  If someone is just choosing to be on a certain diet then that is on them to eat what they want on the plate and leave the rest.

Jen4948

It's gracious of you to be considerate of other people's needs, but don't overthink it either.  You are already offering 5 different meals, including vegetarian and vegan options.  That could cover a lot of different restrictions. 

I'd indicate that you welcome information on your guests' restrictions, but don't drive yourself insane trying to please everyone because it's not possible.

Angelface225

As someone with celiac , I would contact you when I RSVP'd to see if the caterer could accommodate me. Don't stress about it before I comes up. :-)

antibride2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-menu-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:d3df7451-ef8d-46eb-afe8-e1b24f970727Post:8c72ff01-b671-4584-8391-e3d4e781ac8a">Re: Reception Menu Decisions</a>:
[QUOTE]It's gracious of you to be considerate of other people's needs, but don't overthink it either.  You are already offering 5 different meals, including vegetarian and vegan options.  That could cover a lot of different restrictions.  I'd indicate that you welcome information on your guests' restrictions, but don't drive yourself insane trying to please everyone because it's not possible.
Posted by Jen4948[/QUOTE]

Yeah you ladies are right-I am over thinking this.  Thank you for the input! 

TerriHugg

You are definitely over thinking it. It's so nice of you to think of others. 

I have to admit that I don't like mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. I don't like the mushy texture of it. I've been several functions in which they were the sides. I just didn't eat it and move on. It's really not a big deal

TKzilla

You definitely can't please everyone. When my FI and I attended a wedding together, they listed the entree options on the RSVP card - I chose chicken, he chose steak. When we got to the reception, each plate had the same two sides - sweet potatoes and carrots. Unfortunately for FI, he HATES both. Luckily for me, I love both so I got to eat a little extra!

You are probably over thinking it. Hopefully people will come to you with dietary restrictions so you can plan for those, but talk to your caterer about their most popular sides and try to make a well-rounded menu. Happy planning (and tasting!)

lovesclimbing

My dad doesn't like potatoes. No real reason he just doesn't like the way they taste. However, he also knows that he's in the minority and most people do like potatoes. He would not mind if you had a potato side and would either eat a little bit of it or skip it altogether and make do with whatever else there was

Gumby68

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reception-menu-decisions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:d3df7451-ef8d-46eb-afe8-e1b24f970727Post:5ece2edc-8e30-4617-81ee-fa5b141e5a59">Re: Reception Menu Decisions</a>:
[QUOTE]As someone with celiac , I would contact you when I RSVP'd to see if the caterer could accommodate me. Don't stress about it before I comes up. :-)
Posted by Angelface225[/QUOTE]

<div>I do the same thing as someone with celiac disease. If it will be an inconvenience to accommodate me or it doesn't sound like the food will be safe for me, I simply make other arrangements. I always figure it's not someone elses fault nor is it their responsibility to accommodate my severe food restrictions. </div>