A good wedding menu feels generous without being wasteful, and it suits the function, the time of day and the guests. Plan each function separately rather than repeating one menu everywhere.
Morning ceremony
Morning muhurat weddings usually call for a lighter, traditional meal. In Maharashtra, a pangat with varan bhaat, a couple of seasonal bhajis, koshimbir, puri or chapati, masale bhaat and a sweet such as jalebi, shrikhand or basundi is a classic choice. Guests eat after the ceremony, so serve quickly and keep water and buttermilk ready.
Haldi and mehendi
These are relaxed, family-only events. Snacks and chaat work well: vada pav, misal, pani puri, sandwiches and fresh juices. Keep the food easy to eat with hands, as many guests will have mehendi on.
Reception buffet
The reception is where most families add variety. A balanced buffet might include:
- two or three starters, one of them a live counter,
- a paneer dish, a seasonal vegetable and a dal,
- rice and a choice of breads,
- one regional speciality from each family's side,
- two sweets and an ice cream or kulfi counter.
Think about your guests
- Mark Jain, no onion-garlic and vegan dishes clearly at the counter.
- Keep a mild option for children and elderly guests.
- Remember guests who are fasting on special days.
Balance and timing
Too many heavy dishes make guests tired. Mix dry and gravy items, fried and steamed, sweet and tangy. Ask your caterer to keep food hot until the last guest eats, which may be well after the stage photos.
Share this menu idea with verified caterers on Wedding Events and ask them to suggest their best dishes for each function.
