Savor the Seasons: The Ultimate Wedding Menu Ideas for Every Time of the Year
Just like the kitchen is the heart of the home, the food is the soul of a wedding reception (right up there with the dancing!). The right menu can set the tone for your entire celebration, leaving your guests talking about your big day for years to come.
From the first bite of the appetizer to the last sip of the signature cocktail, the food and drinks you choose play a key role in crafting unforgettable memories. In this blog, we’re serving up insider tips to help you create a wedding menu that’s not only delicious but also celebrates the best flavors of the season. Here’s your ultimate guide to wedding menu ideas by season—get ready to plan a feast that’s as perfect as your love story!
How to Choose Your Wedding Menu
Designing your dream wedding menu involves more than just picking a few dishes—it’s about crafting an experience! From appetizers and drinks to the main course and dessert, every bite counts. Here’s what you need to consider:
What’s in Season: The season you’re getting married in can greatly influence your menu. You wouldn’t want to serve heavy meat and potatoes at a summer wedding or miss out on fresh berries in spring! Choosing seasonal ingredients not only makes for fresher and more flavorful dishes but also enhances the theme and feel of your wedding.
Dietary Restrictions: Do you, your partner, or any guests have dietary needs or allergies? While it’s not practical to ask every guest about their preferences, make sure to consider any major restrictions, especially for close family and wedding party members. Here at Cornman Farms, we serve family style meals designed to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions so everyone has something they can enjoy on your wedding day!
Your Personal Tastes: This is your day, so let it reflect you! Whether it’s swapping cake for a donut tower, opting for a vegan feast, or going alcohol-free, your wedding menu should be a taste of you and your partner’s personalities.
Spring Wedding Menu Ideas
Spring is all about pastels, bright flowers, and light flavors! Leafy vegetables and berries often make their way onto the menu for a spring wedding.
Spring seasonal produce includes apricots, asparagus, beets, arugula, sugar snap peas, lemons, grapefruit and fresh herbs. Here are some ideas for a fresh and unique spring wedding menu:
Appetizers & Starters
Basil Madeleines
Pea and Mint Veloute
Main Courses
Lemon and Tarragon Roasted Chicken
House Cured Ham
Hot Smoked Salmon
Side Dishes
Roasted Aspargus
Warm Green Lentil & Cabbage Salad
Parsnip Puree with Fried Garbanzo Beans
Drinks
Pimm’s Cup
Lemonade in any flavor (we love our lavender lemonade!)
Summer Wedding Menu Ideas
Summer is the most popular season for getting married because there are so many options when it comes to decor, location, and food.
As you assemble your summer wedding menu, consider seasonal produce like watermelon, berries, stone fruits, cucumbers, eggplant, and tomatoes. Here is some inspiration:
Appetizers & Starters
Farm Fresh Kale Salad
Summer Fruit Gazpacho Shooters
Charcuterie Board
Main Courses
Jerk Chicken
Olive Oil Poached Whitefish
Corn & Polenta Cakes
Side Dishes
Pickled Watermelon Salad
Roasted Tomatoes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Drinks
Aperol Spritz
Iced Tea
Fall Wedding Menu Ideas
The wedding menu at a fall wedding should feel like a warm hug. With the beautiful season of fall comes a slight chill in the air that’s perfect for warm soups, root vegetables, and hot drinks.
The menu should have seasonal fall produce, including pumpkins, apples, brussels sprouts, squash, and mushrooms. Here is an idea for a perfect fall wedding menu:
Appetizers & Starters
Crookneck Squash Soup
Cured Pork Belly with Grilled Apples
Arugula, Parmesan and Apple salad
Main Courses
Walleye over Walnut & Pecan Lentils
Steak au Poivre
Chicken Schnitzel
Side Dishes
Honeyed Carrots
Cucumber Salad
Fall Roasted Vegetable Salad
Drinks
Old Fashioned
Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Winter Wedding Menu Ideas
Winter weddings are cozy, enchanting affairs. Is there anything more magical than getting married under delicately falling snow? We think not!
For a winter wedding menu, focus on warm and comforting foods with seasonal flavors like cranberry, apple, cinnamon, mushrooms, chocolate, and squash. Something like the following:
Appetizers
Pork and Apple Sausage over Tomato Coulis
Bacon Onion Jam Crostini
Main Courses
Burgundy Beef Pie
Porchetta
Chicken Cacciatore
Side Dishes
Tomato-Cheddar Bread Pudding
Creamed Spinach
Mashed Potatoes
Drinks
Mulled Wine
Hot Chocolate Bar
Check Food Off The List
Selecting a menu that reflects the season can enhance the overall experience of your wedding day. By using fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’ll ensure your dishes are full of flavor and complement your wedding atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a spring, summer, fall, or winter wedding, these menu ideas will help you create a culinary experience that’s as memorable as the day itself.
Food is the heart and soul of Zingerman’s Cornman farms. With our remarkable chef, Kieron Hales, you and your guests can expect an exceptional culinary experience. Learn more about our wedding packages and contact our team to tour our beautiful Ann Arbor property.