Offering too many options

Most of the time, the bride and groom will need to provide head counts and dinners orders to the caterer or wedding venue ahead of time. When you select your menu, the price per person will be more expensive if you’re offering more options, because the caterer has to prepare a larger variety of meals, necessitating more time and manpower. If the budget is unlimited, that’s not a problem. But for most couples, it’s more than enough to offer three options — one should be beef or pork, another should be a chicken or seafood dish, and something vegetarian (vegan if necessary) — in order to satisfy all of your guests.

Trying to satisfy every possible dietary restriction

Nowadays, people are allergic to food with gluten, dairy, nuts, certain fruits, and a variety of other things. There is no way brides and grooms can plan their wedding menus to cater to each individual guest’s dietary needs and preferences. In fact, trying to do that will make you a little crazy, and likely blow your budget. Reality check: People with allergies and dietary issues know what they can, and cannot, eat. It’s your wedding. Choose the food that most appeals to you, and offer that to your guests on your big day. Just be sure to offer a vegetarian option because that’s a common preference.

photographs by lawrence braun