Go With A Theme – one easy way to get a jump on a creative menu is to develop a theme. Your beach party wedding is just perfect for a crab picking. Your elegant “Great Gatsby Soiree” would be perfect for a champagne and dessert reception.

Family Traditions – have a caterer or a family chef recreate cherished family dishes to incorporate into your menu.

Go Ethnic – Whatever your background, choose a food that fits your style. Think Chinese egg rolls, Spicy chicken and veggies, and fortune cookies or Italian pastas and pizza. Don’t be afraid to move away from the regulars – how about Indian curry and rice or Mediterranean hummus and olives? Create a Mexican fiesta with fajitas and tacos, rice and beans and, instead of champagne, margaritas.

Relish The Region – Think of your reception menu as a chance to show off the cuisine of a certain part of the country. Maybe where you or your partner grew up or where your parents grew up. Think Buffalo wings or Philly Cheese steaks.

Make It All About You – Your wedding is one of very few chances to make it all about you. So why not have that include the food as well? Plan the menu around whatever is special for the two of you. The food you were eating when he proposed, food that hints at your honeymoon destination.

Making the most of your menu will create wonderful memories for your guests. And you and your love might even remember what you ate on the big day as