Take your table setting to the next level with a matching wedding menu at each place setting. Your guests will love seeing what's being served, and your one-of-a-kind wedding menu provides them with a wonderful keepsake. Learn more about creating your own, and see some standout options that will coordinate perfectly with the rest of your stationery suite.
You’re engaged! What could be sweeter? While you are likely mulling over the standard stationery suite needs—Save the Dates, wedding invitations and more—there might be one thing you have not discussed with your partner: what your wedding menu will look like. For us, food is a key part of the wedding experience, and your wedding menu should match the overall aesthetic of your paper goods and signage.
In this guide, you will learn all about our wedding menu templates and how to personalize your very own. There are simple and important steps to follow to craft your own wedding menu, and we are giving you access to all of our top tips and tricks. Plus, we will outline everything you need to “check” off your list prior to your wedding day and other considerations for your wedding meal plan. There is so much going on during this part of your engagement, and we are here to help you navigate through it all.
A wedding menu is the beautiful piece of paper that will get your guests excited for their delicious meal. Before the dancing begins, your wedding menu will greet guests as they take their places. Each place setting should have some sort of coordinated setup, including that all-important wedding menu.
In most cases, a wedding menu will feature each course. Of course, that typically includes a starter, entree and dessert. You will need to work with your catering company or the venue’s onsite chef to establish this and potentially set up a tasting beforehand. The catering company will typically have a dessert offering, but if you are working with a baker for your wedding cake, you will need to confirm the exact flavors prior to printing out your wedding menu cards. Even more, your wedding menu list can serve as a beautiful keepsake you, your partner and your loved ones can hold onto for years to come.
The standard setup for a wedding menu is a header at the top, with something like, “Adrian and Bridgette’s wedding menu.” Next, you will display each course, and generally there will be three. Most wedding meals include a starter, main course and the grand finale: dessert. You could have more or less, depending on your chosen catering experience, and we will cover that later on in this guide.
Our designers have created the most elegant, timeless wedding menu templates you and your partner are sure to love. All of these are part of our collections too, so you can match them to your Bliss & Bone Save the Dates, wedding invites, websites and more. You can look at each collection and scroll through the options for each piece of the stationery suite. These range from minimalist-modern chic to ornate and romantic designs. By choosing a collection to carry out for all of your stationery items, this allows you to create a cohesive setup that your guests will automatically connect and appreciate. Whether you want an incredibly elaborate or simple wedding menu, there are a plethora of options to choose from.
Below, learn more about some of our favorite wedding menu template ideas, which will perfectly coordinate with the rest of your stationery designs. All of these wedding menus start at $390 for 50.
Adrian Wedding Menu Template: With a color palette of blue, yellow and gray, this wedding menu design is where neutral meets pops of brighter hues. Of course, you can adjust the paper and text colors to match your dream wedding vibe.
Alyiah Wedding Menu Template: “Let’s eat!” says the Alyiah wedding menu template, which features a scripted font with the header and kicker (showing the couple’s names). This wedding menu sample also displays each course as “first,” “second” and “third,” and you can see how it looks to give your guests meal options.
Amber Wedding Menu Template: This is a prime example of how you can incorporate a wedding logo to your menu. Sold separately, your wedding logo can feature your and your partner’s first names, initials, wedding date—you name it! In this wedding menu sample, the first names and wedding date are encircled above the three courses. You can design your own wedding logo or monogram, and make sure to mention that in discussion with your Bliss & Bone designer.
Amelia Wedding Menu Template: An ultra-romantic approach to wedding menu templates, the Amelia design shows the couple’s first names at the top and bottom. Plus, we love how there is a combination of serif and script fonts to describe all four courses. This is the ideal complement to your floral wedding invitations, Save the Dates and more.
Angela Wedding Menu Template: There is just something beautifully simple about these wedding menu templates. With a black, white and gray watercolor-like background display, it adds a touch of interest and uniqueness—but does not feel over-the-top. You can, of course, opt for a different style and font in our paper wedding menu builder (more on that process later!).
Annabeth Wedding Menu Template: This is modern minimalism at its finest. For a simple wedding menu that creates a major impact, the Annabeth style features a serif font with a textured paper background. As we have mentioned, you can alter the paper and font colors to explore the customization options available.
There are so many wedding menu examples to look through at Bliss & Bone, and they are incredibly easy to customize too. Look through our options and see which formats you and your partner are gravitating toward. With all of the ways you can showcase your special wedding menu, we are confident you will find the absolute best one for your particular celebration based on your style preferences.
As you think about your wedding menu, you will certainly have questions about catering. So, how much does wedding catering cost, exactly? For added context, the average cost of wedding catering is $75 per person, and catering accounts for approximately 23 percent of your budget. It should be noted that this is on the lower end of the national average, and based on the 2021 The Knot Real Weddings Study.
For many couples, food is a top priority. After all, you want to make sure your guests are well-fed and ready to dance the night away with you. If you feel the same way, it is understandable that costs may go up. There are so many factors that will affect your costs, and these include:
The type of cuisine and venue: Are you hosting your wedding at a Michelin-star restaurant? Or are you keeping it low-key with a food truck? A few meal styles commonly found at weddings are a served meal with staggered courses, buffet, self-serve food stations, family-style serving or a cocktail reception. You will want to make it clear how food will be served or displayed on your wedding menu. Your choice here will affect your catering cost and budget the most, so make sure you are prepared to pay what is needed for your dream setup. For example, you will pay between 10 and 30 percent more for a plated dinner because your caterer will need to order more than enough food to serve your guests.
Where your food is prepared: You might host your wedding in an outdoor tent, which will potentially require the rental of outdoor kitchen essentials. Your venue will have more insights on what is needed based on the space where your reception will be held.
Number of guests: How many people are celebrating with you? There is a vast difference between the amount of food needed for a microwedding with a handful of friends and family and a massive gathering with hundreds of your favorite people. Talk through this with your partner and other wedding stakeholders as you lay out your budget.
Other rentals and service fees: You need to factor in additional costs for certain catering options. For example, a food truck typically will not have more than the food and vehicle. So, you will need to pay for tables, tableware and seating, unless your venue offers that. And if you want a full bar, you will again need to pay extra or see if your venue offers that.
This hopefully shows you the wide range of cuisine and preparation offerings, which will determine how much your wedding menu will cost. You want to be authentic to you and your partner, as that is the only thing that truly matters. Depending on your budget and style, finding the best catering options is just a quick research session away.
Wedding menus are sold at a variety of prices, and the more you customize, the more your costs will go up. Some couples opt for custom illustrations and more, which will inevitably lead to an increase. That being said, your venue or catering team might offer wedding menus as part of the overall catering costs too.
Bliss & Bone’s wedding menu designs start at $257.50 for 25 No. 10 (3.875 x 9.25 inches) one-ply cards. Prices increase for additions like letterpress and metallic foil, but you can get real-time pricing as you create your own wedding menu cards in our paper builder. Keep in mind that this includes the designing and wedding menu printing process.
If you are at the beginning of your wedding planning process, it is more than understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed. To assist you in navigating through this journey, we are breaking down all of the steps you need to accomplish before you can start designing your own wedding menu. Keep in mind that there are many more steps involved, but we are highlighting the steps related to your wedding menu.
Establish your budget. This is the major first step after you get engaged. Meet with your partner, and anyone else who has offered to help pay for your wedding, and come up with a budget. You should have a maximum you plan to pay for your venue and each vendor, and that should include the stationer who will ultimately design and carry out your wedding menu printing.
Hire a wedding planner. Though this is an optional step, it is a highly recommended one in the wedding industry. Wedding planners are professionals who can handle all of the ins and outs, from the beginning to end of your planning journey. These experts keep everything organized and on-track, which is essential—especially for busy couples.
Find and book your venue. Now, you need to handle the obvious: Where and when is your wedding? A key piece of the puzzle, your venue and date can inform your design vision, stationery needs and so much more. Think through where and when you want to say, “I do” and get your research started. Your wedding planner can help you tackle this portion, and might even have some suggestions on where to start looking. Go on tours, see the dates that are available and submit your deposit. This is a record-breaking time in the wedding industry and demands are high, so it is important to book as soon as possible. When you book your venue, ask about onsite catering or if there are recommended vendors in the area. Around this time, you should book catering if it is not included in your overall venue cost.
Customize your wedding website. Look through the near-countless wedding website options available at Bliss & Bone, many of which also have coordinating wedding menu templates. This will serve as your communication hub for all things related to your wedding, and it will save you time and money to provide extra information here versus in your (optional) printed invitations. If this is where you start your stationery “journey,” remember its importance: Your website design could be the first item selected in a collection with matching Save the Dates and invitations.
Create your registry. In your website, you will want to include a link to your registry. Talk with your partner and think about what you really need for your home. There are the classics, like dinnerware and bedding, and more modern options, like a honeymoon fund.
Design and send your Save the Dates. Here is where the fun really begins: Informing guests about your upcoming celebration! Save the Dates are sent out about six to 12 months prior to your event. If you are hosting a destination wedding, you will want to send these out as soon as possible. By giving guests’ several months’ notice, you can allow them to take time off of work, arrange their travel and more. You can also add a link to your online or printed Save the Dates, and you should also match them to your chosen wedding website design.
Personalize and send your wedding invitations. About six to eight weeks prior to your wedding, you need to send out formal invitations. These can be printed or online invites, and they should match or coordinate with your Save the Dates and wedding website. These will include more detailed information about the event (or events, if you are hosting a welcome party or post-wedding brunch) and there should be a section to RSVP as well. This way, you will know exactly how many guests you will have. The number is important for a variety of decisions, including how many meals—and with that, how many wedding menus—should be prepared. The RSVP section will also provide you with more information about your guests’ dietary restrictions or meal preferences.
Plan your wedding menu. About five months before your event, you need to figure out what guests will be served at your celebration. Your caterer will want to discuss your dietary preferences and restrictions, and they may offer a tasting. Head over to your venue or the catering company’s hub to try out some delicious offerings, and then pick your favorites. In most cases, your wedding menu will depend on the season and what foods are the most fresh during the time of year that you are getting married. You will also want to decide on your dessert too. Your catering company may offer a classic cake or other dessert, or you might want to seek out a professional baker in the area. Either way, some incredible bites are in your future! Make sure the courses and menu information is confirmed before you order these wedding menus.
These are just a few of the many steps you should complete before customizing your wedding menu at Bliss & Bone. With so many decisions to make, you and your partner should stay organized with a detailed to-do list. When you have done all of them, it is time to get creative. The Bliss & Bone wedding menu builder is so easy to use, and we will explain all of it in the following section. As a bonus tip, you should make sure to order more than you need. So, if there is a mishap or you need an extra, you will not have to worry about ordering more later. Plus, you can have a few extras to hold onto as keepsakes..
Your wedding menu cards begin with operating the paper builder at Bliss & Bone. We make it easy and efficient to customize your own wedding menus, and in this section, we will explain every step of the process. Read on as we walk you through the must-haves for your wedding menu list.
Review our selection of wedding menu examples: Not exactly sure which one you love? Look at each wedding menu sample and see which one speaks to you and your partner. You can also browse through a specific collection that includes your chosen Save the Dates and invites for a cohesive look overall.
Start building your wedding menu: Once you have selected your favorite wedding menu sample, click on it and then hit the “Customize + Price” button. You will then be directed to the wedding menu builder.
Customize your wedding menu design: Name your project, select the card type and edit the text by clicking on the relevant buttons. To help you further envision your wedding menu, you can look at the preview to the right of your screen. Here, you can also adjust the quantity, page size and paper color, and you can decide whether you want a one- or two-ply style. Keep in mind that you will receive a full preview with your requested details about two to three business days after your purchase, in the form of a .pdf proof.
Decide on text colors and edge paint: When you click on the “Aa” tab, you will have the opportunity to come up with up to two text colors. Text Color 1 is the wedding menu title, subheads for each course and the text at the bottom. Text Color 2 is the wedding menu items for each course. Plus, you can add a differently or similarly hued border by toggling on the “Edge Paint” feature.
Select your envelope preferences: If you want an envelope for each wedding menu, click on the envelope icon. You can also adjust the quantity, paper color and you can even add a unique envelope liner to really set your wedding menu apart.
Review the cost of your wedding menu cards: Click on the “$” icon to see a full breakdown of the costs included in your wedding menu purchase. From there, you can go back and edit your design to increase or decrease your overall price.
Add a note to the designer: Click “Next” and you will be taken to the “Details” section. In most cases, you will only want to fill out “Your Text” and a note to the designer. “Your Text” is what you want on your wedding menu cards, so include each course and any other details you want to add. It is unlikely that you will need to include an address or insert or reply cards to your wedding menu, but that can be selected in this section too. The most important part here is the note to your designer, which is optional and available at the bottom. Include anything here that your designer should know about your wedding menu list, especially if you want to change something significant on the existing sample.
Confirm your wedding menu order: Take a final look at the cost and design of your project. If you are happy with your wedding menu cards, you can head to the checkout section by clicking “Next.”
Checkout: For the wedding menu printing to begin, you need to add your billing and shipping information. When everything is in place, hit the “Buy Now” button and get excited for your upcoming wedding menus.
Receive a digital proof of your wedding menu: Within two to three business days, you can expect to receive a digital .pdf proof with your wedding menu design. Every purchase comes with two rounds of digital proofs, and after that, each additional proof will cost $35. We do not offer printed proofs of your design, but you can order a sample pack prior to placing your order. Feel free to contact us at hello@blissandbone.com for more details. When you are ready to confirm your proof, the production process will begin.
Wedding menus are produced and shipped: At this point, things are out of your hands and your wedding menu will arrive at your door about 12 to 15 business days later. Rush or lightning orders can also be placed for faster return times, but they come with upcharges of 25 and 50 percent, respectively.
When your super special package has arrived, you can look at them and get ready for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. This is a memento you will hold onto, and it is definitely something you want to tell your wedding photographer about. After all, you want to make sure your wedding menu is well-documented!
There are some concerns you might have regarding your wedding menu. Beyond creating a beautiful display of the delicious food, some guests (or even you and your partner!) might be more particular when it comes to the food they eat. Here are a couple things to keep in mind while planning out your wedding menu:
The number of courses: Do you want your guests to experience the ultimate fine dining experience, or do you want to prioritize hitting the dance floor as soon as possible? Most of the time, a formal wedding will include a starter, main course and dessert. But if you want more or less than that, you will need to confirm that with your venue, caterer and band or DJ.
Dietary restrictions: A simple wedding menu comprises the courses and description of each one. This helps guests know what they will be served, and is also a keepsake everyone will love to bring home. But what if you, your partner or guests have specific dietary restrictions or preferences? One particular consideration is to speak with your venue or caterer about guests who have allergies or dietary restrictions that will affect the wedding menu. Some will offer alternatives, and you could even create a special wedding menu for those guests. This may lead to a higher cost for your catering total, but it is of the utmost importance to ensure your guests’ safety and health during your event.
Kid-focused menu items: If you are hosting kids at your event, you might also want to consider creating a specific wedding menu for them. Typically less adventurous eaters, there might be a more simplified (not to mention, cheaper) offering for the tiny tots at your celebration. Again, it is best to chat with your caterer or venue to discuss kids’ wedding menu items.
To monitor this and keep a record, you may want to ask about this in your RSVP. This way, guests can respond “yes” or “no” about attending, and they can also provide their nutritional needs. To make things even easier, you can also include a multiple choice question about whether your guests would prefer beef, chicken, fish or a vegetarian meal. Other venues, especially those with fine dining experiences, might have a different way of managing these preferences. Be sure to have a conversation with the catering provider before sending out your invitations with RSVPs.
Of course, your wedding menu is a tasty highlight of your super special day—but it is just one part of your reception table setup. The tablescape design can be determined in collaboration with your planner and florist or floral designer, and you should have a few essentials confirmed. These are the needs for your tablescape:
The table or tables: Choose between a rectangular or round table for your event. Some couples may choose to have a sweetheart table, for just the two of them, while others might opt for a long table to hold their entire wedding party. This will also inform how you set up and decorate the table, so think critically about this part of the process. For another idea, some couples prefer to eat privately during the first part of the reception. This allows them to have extra alone time to properly soak in this incredible day.
A runner or tablecloth: You can either rent a runner or tablecloth, or your venue might have a selection to choose from. These should match your wedding aesthetic, so keep the colors in line with your overall design.
Dishes, silverware, glasses and napkins: Similarly, these other essentials can be purchased or rented, or your venue could offer a selection you can use.
Flowers and greenery: Work with your florist to decide on which florals will work with your tables. Pro tip: You may be able to repurpose flowers from your ceremony for your tablescapes! This will help you save significantly on the cost of your flowers. Think about whether you want low-profile arrangement or high-looming installations that add an extra “wow” factor.
Candles: These are another popular option for tablescapes, and your venue or floral designer can add these to your order. Whether they are long-stemmed or in small votives, they quickly add warmth and brightness to the table. And if you want to take things into your own hands, there are plenty of candles and more wedding decor available on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Etsy.
Your wedding menu: Now, for the main event, your wedding menu should be displayed on the plate. Because it plays such a central role, you should make sure it coordinates with the rest of your tablescape decor. You can find ways to match everything with the color of the runner or tablecloths, plates and more.
Guests’ name cards: If you choose to have assigned seating at your wedding, you will want to add name cards to each seat. Your reception place cards can simply have guests’ first names. Your seating information should be displayed clearly during the cocktail hour, directing guests to their respective tables. If you only assign guests to a table, their escort cards on the seating chart display can double as their name card and each guest can bring it over to their selected seat.
Your tablescape welcomes guests to the second portion of your special day: the reception. This is a creative part of the designing aspect of your wedding, and we encourage you and your partner to have fun with it. Make sure to stay consistent and connect your ceremony decor and theme with the reception setup.
When talking about your wedding menu and the reception, the conversation is not complete without discussing your guest list. Arguably one of the most challenging parts of the planning process, deciding who sits where is not always easy. For example, what if you have specific table number requirements, or one of your friends does not know anyone else invited? We will go over a few of the key tips and tricks to tackling this part of your wedding:
Getting the RSVPs: You need to ask guests to submit or send over their RSVPs about two months prior to your wedding. This will give you enough time to confirm your exact guest count, which is useful information for all of your vendors. From the number of seats you need to food prep that is required, knowing your guest list is essential.
Grouping friends and family: Next up, you need to decide who is sitting where. If you have a larger wedding party, you may want to have a long table for you, your partner, bridesmaids, groomsmen and their plus-ones. And if you opt for no wedding party or simply want to spend some alone time with your new spouse, you can decide on a sweetheart table that accommodates just the two of you. From there, you can choose whether you want your loved ones to be seated in round or rectangular tables. You can group together friend groups, immediate family members or keep it random. If you plan to move around and greet your guests, you can even add a few extra seats to each table so you and your partner can comfortably sit down and chat from time to time.
Design your wedding seating chart: After you have done the logistical part of the seating chart, you can get creative with how it will be displayed at your wedding. The key elements you need are the name of each guest and the table number or name of your choosing. The table numbers could simply be the number one through however many tables you have, or you can assign table names like the cities where you and your partner have traveled together or your favorite ice cream purveyors. This is one way to really show off your personality and immerse your guests in your creative thought process.
Coordinate with your planner and/or venue coordinator to set each table: When you have finally finalized your guest count and know who will be seated where, you need to give that information to the people in charge of setting up the table. That could be you and your partner, or you could leave it up to the pros. For many, staff at the venue can be assigned to arrange this or your planner might want to put the finishing touches on each one.
As you can see, there is a lot that needs to be prepared before guests can gawk at your lovely wedding menu design. Your seating chart and table decor are two of the main aspects of your reception meal, so carefully make decisions with your desired aesthetic in mind at all times.
Your reception includes quite a few segments, and traditionally there is meal, speeches from loved ones and dancing. You will want to work with the necessary stakeholders— including your band or DJ, venue coordinator, photographer and videographer—to schedule this timeline. Some couples prefer to split up speeches from parents, the maid of honor and best man between each course, while others might want to have them go one after the other.
Once you have confirmed the timeline, you want to send it out to all of your vendors. For instance, your photographer and videographer will need to know the time speeches will start, because they need to prepare for the photo ops. Plus, your band or DJ will want to know who to introduce and hand the mic off to for each speech.
By now, we hope you are feeling informed and empowered to start getting creative with your wedding menus. With so many moving parts, your wedding day should be seamless and cohesive. And when it comes to your stationery needs, Bliss & Bone is here to support and guide you through everything. From your Save the Date to wedding menu, we are ready and excited to create a line of stationery you and your partner really love. To seek further assistance and learn more, feel free to contact us online or email us at hello@blissandbone.com. We are thrilled to help you plan the best day of your life.