If you’re wondering what to put on wedding menu cards, you’ve come to the right place! We have the ultimate guide below. Read on + join the list for the latest FREE wedding tips, advice, and giveaways to your inbox!
What goes on a wedding menu, really? Today we’re tackling this Ask Emmaline question submitted to us from bride-to-be, Michele. She wants to know what goes on a wedding menu card at her reception. She writes,
“Hi Emmaline! I’m planning my wedding and need to make my cards for the menu. What do you include on wedding menu cards? Thanks!”
Fantastic question, Michele! I always appreciate creative wedding menus that are well-thought-out and beautifully displayed at the reception.
As a rule of thumb, you can include up to four things on your wedding menu: a list of the dishes served, the main ingredients on the dish, a welcome/thank you message to your guests, and your names and the wedding date. Let’s explore these in further detail, shall we?
What to Put on Wedding Menu Cards
At the top of your menu cards, you’ll find simply: “MENU”. Easy enough! Or you can include something like, “Let’s Eat” or “What’s For Dinner”. You can easily edit your wedding menu cards here.
For creative wedding menu cards, try on this wording: “tasty bits” at the top with subheadings such as, “just a taste”, “a little more”, and “the best part”. Customize yours to your liking. Love this design idea by Sara Hicks Malone.
1. A List of the Dishes Served
Every wedding menu card includes the dishes served, obviously! One key ingredient: put the dishes on wedding menus in the proper order of when they are served. Here are examples of three types of wedding meal options and how to include them on menus: plated meals, buffet, and family-style. Typically you’ll include the starter, entree(s), and dessert on wedding menu cards.
Plated Meals
If your dinner features plated meals, you will indicate the foods being served in the order of their arrival.
Wedding Buffet
If the wedding has a buffet-style dinner, you will list the main food items or meal options being prepared for the buffet. Guests love this because it gives a little more insight into what to anticipate at the buffet line.
Family-Style
If the meal is family-style (dishes are set on the table and guests help themselves), your wedding menu cards should outline the food items being served at each table.
2. The Main Ingredients of Dishes Served
You do not need to ask the chef to reveal his recipes (ha!) but you should indicate just a few of the main ingredients, especially if there are potential allergies (dairy, gluten, shellfish, nuts, etc.) If you’d like, you can include: “Please see servers for a list of allergens” if you are concerned. Here’s an example of this put on a menu card perfectly:
3. A Welcome/Thank You Message for Guests (Optional)
It is not mandatory, but we sure think it is great to include a welcome or thank you message for your guests on wedding menu cards. Use the cards to show appreciation to your guests who have come to celebrate your wedding. Keep this message short and sweet; you can include this information on the backside of the menu card (and even include a picture for further personalization).
Here’s an example of the front of a menu card:
And the message with a photo on the back:
4. Your Names and Wedding Date (Optional)
Personalize your cards by putting your names and the date on wedding menu cards. It is a nice touch!
Tips for Wedding Menu Card Wording
When you customize your menus, be sure to keep these tips in mind:
• Use clear, easy-to-read fonts
Your wedding reception will likely be dimly lit, so guests will already be trying to read the menu card without excess light. Don’t make it even tougher by including small, hard-to-read fonts and typefaces. Keep the fonts nice, bold, and use colors that make it easy to decipher exactly what’s for dinner. :)
• Display the menus properly
Many couples ask, how many wedding menus do I need to order? You can either place menus one per guest and put one on each place setting OR display a menu in a frame like this.
As a word of advice, use a double-sided frame like these so guests can see both sides. Place it in the middle of the table for everyone to read and, if tables are extra-large or long in shape, include a few more menus so guests don’t have to reach. :)
I’ve personally used these menu card holders multiple times and I’m always impressed by how they look. As a bonus, they fit most standard 5×7″ menu cards and they’re visible on both sides. This is extra helpful if you have a thank you message on the reverse side. Get them here in your choice of gold (shown below) or silver.
Don’t depend on propping up a menu card or leaning it against your centerpiece without a photo frame to hold it. Most likely, it will fall over, blow away in the wind at outdoor receptions, or completely go unseen — and what’s the point, really?
Now that you know what to include on wedding menu cards, get inspired! We’re sharing our top picks for wedding menu cards from Minted. These examples will give you ideas for what to include on wedding menu cards that match your theme, style, colors — you name it! Plus, they are available with coordinating pieces such as favor tags and place cards for a truly organized event.
I like how this menu includes, “Save room for cake” at the bottom. :) By Annie Clark.
Borrow an element from your wedding for your menu cards, like these blooming burgundy flowers for a fall wedding. Love this design!
This roses and greenery menu card is smaller in size but packs a powerful punch of design.
For a wintry wedding, menu cards like these featuring lush botanicals are an excellent choice.
For spring and summer weddings, this design is one of my all-time favorites!
Shop Creative Wedding Menus
Ready to get started designing your wedding menus? It’s easy at Minted: browse their collection of creative wedding menus here.
Now that you know what to put on wedding menu cards, what will YOURS say? Tell us which design you love in the comment box below!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a post in collaboration with Minted.
