A menu at each place setting does more than list dinner. It welcomes guests to the table, adds texture and height to your tablescape, and gives your photographer one of the prettiest detail shots of the night. If you're wondering what to put on a wedding menu, this guide covers what to include, example wording for different dinner styles, and tips for making your menus look beautiful on the table.
What to Include on a Wedding Menu
Most wedding menus have the same core pieces:
- A heading. "Dinner," "Menu," "Dinner Is Served" or your monogram.
- Your names or initials. Often with the date, so the menu doubles as a keepsake.
- Each course. List starters, mains and dessert in the order they're served.
- Short descriptions. One line per dish is plenty. Mention key ingredients rather than full recipes.
- Dietary notes (optional). Mark vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options with a small letter or symbol.
- Drinks (optional). Signature cocktails, wine pairings or a toast with champagne.
Example: Plated Dinner Menu
Dinner
[Name] & [Name] · [Date]
First Course
Burrata with heirloom tomatoes, basil and aged balsamic
Main Course
Filet mignon with red wine reduction and roasted fingerling potatoes
or
Pan-seared halibut with lemon beurre blanc and spring vegetables
Dessert
Wedding cake and a selection of petite sweets
Example: Family-Style Menu
To Share
[Initials] · [Date]
Warm focaccia with whipped ricotta and honey
Little gem salad with shaved parmesan and citrus vinaigrette
Herb-roasted chicken with charred lemon
Braised short rib with creamy polenta
Seasonal roasted vegetables
Something Sweet
Wedding cake
Example: Buffet or Station Menu
For buffets and stations, guests serve themselves, so a menu at each seat is a lovely preview of what's coming. Keep it short and list the stations by name:
Tonight's Dinner
The Garden Station · The Carving Station · The Pasta Station · Dessert Bar
Menu Wording Tips
- Ask your caterer for final dish names. Confirm spelling and wording before you finalize your design.
- Keep descriptions consistent. If one dish lists three ingredients, aim for about the same on the others.
- Use a short, warm heading. "Dinner" or your monogram feels more elegant than a long title.
- Add a personal note. A line like "Thank you for celebrating with us" at the bottom is a sweet finishing touch.
- Proofread twice. Check every dish name and the date carefully before you send your final wording.
Styling Menus at Each Place Setting
Linen menus bring a softness to the table that paper can't. A few ways to style them:
- On the plate. Lay the menu across the dinner plate or charger, with a napkin folded beneath it.
- Tucked into a napkin. Wrap a napkin around the menu and secure it with a ribbon or napkin ring.
- With a place card. Layer a name card or a ribbon name tag on top so the menu doubles as an escort card.
- With a sprig or bloom. A single rose, olive branch or herb sprig on top photographs beautifully.
For a black-tie garden styled shoot at Chateau de Lis, our hand-frayed linen menus sat on black plates with blush roses and acrylic name cards. See the styled shoot here.
Why Linen Menus?
Our custom linen wedding menus are printed on soft, natural linen, and each one is individually hand-cut with frayed edges. The texture adds warmth and dimension to your tablescape, and guests often take them home as a keepsake. You can order a single sample or anywhere from 10 to 500 menus, and send us your design or ask us to help create one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a menu at every place setting?
Not necessarily. Some couples place one menu per seat, others one per couple or one large menu sign per table. A menu at every seat looks the most polished in photos.
Should I list every dish?
List each course and the main options. You don't need to list sides, bread or condiments unless they're special.
When should I order wedding menus?
Order once your caterer has confirmed your final menu, usually a few weeks before the wedding. Allow time for production: [production time]. Let us know the date you need your menus by when you order.
Can you design my menu for me?
Yes. Share your menu wording and we can help design it, or send us your own finished design.
Ready to Set the Table?
Explore our custom linen wedding menus, or message us with your menu and date. We'd love to help you create a table your guests will remember.