It's likely that you won't have your food choices decided on yet when you're ordering invitations, so it's difficult to think about ordering menus at the same time as the invitations. Making the wedding menu cards yourself is a breeze if you have the right tools. Consider making several sample wedding menus to see what look you like best.
First decide on the paper and size of menu you are using. Thick card stock, in white or ecru, would be the most traditional choice, or you can use colored paper with numerous embellishments such as wax seals or ribbon. Or use a rubber stamp to stamp the couple's initials at the top of the menu card. A vellum overlay adds a nice, romantic feel.
A traditional size for a wedding menu card is 5 x 7 inches, but skinny, vertical menus are popular, too. These generally run about 4 by 8 inches. You can use a word-processing program such as Word on your home computer to make your menus. There also are wedding menu templates available online for purchase. These may have added fonts and selected clip art. If you have downloaded clip art for use on your invitations and wedding programs, certainly make use of it for your wedding card menus, as well.
On the top of the wedding card menu, the couple's first names are generally printed in large lettering, followed by the last name(s) in smaller print. The last name(s) are sometimes omitted altogether. Under the names, you can print the date, and then, simply, Wedding Menu.
The courses follow, starting with the appetizer, and then the salad, main course and dessert. A note of what beverages are offered, and whether there is a host or no-host bar, may be added either before or after the course list. Display each wedding card menu in a decorative frame if your budget allows. The frames can be taken home by the guests as a memorable wedding favor.
Following are some of the most common dishes severed for each of the wedding courses. Consider this a sample wedding menu designed to inspire your own unique menu based upon your personal tastes and the theme of your wedding.
Appetizer Stuffed Mushrooms Cocktail Meatballs Shrimp Cocktail Won Tons Cheeses and Breads Fresh Fruit
Salad Pasta Salad Mixed Greens Caesar Fresh Fruit
Main Dish Chicken Marsala Prime Rib Vegetarian Lasagna Stuffed Chicken Breast Grilled Salmon Lobster Steak
Side Dish Rice Pilaf Herb-Roasted Potatoes Baby Greens Medley of Steamed Vegetables
Dessert