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PHOTO BY NORMAN & BLAKE, PAPER GOODS BY Lotus & Ash
Menu designs are arguably one of the more underrated wedding décor details. It seems a trivial aspect in the midst of a beautiful tablescape that is so artfully and painstakingly planned, but it’s really anything but. So much attention goes into what’s on the menu that an equal amount of detail should go into giving guests a sneak preview of what’s in store. Besides, no table setting is really complete without a styled menu to provide a finishing touch to its look.
The ways you can jazz up a traditional paper menu are endless—elegant calligraphy, watercolor hues, gold embossing, and hand-painted illustrations all can add a personal, beautiful touch. You can also play around with shapes to lend it a specific style—geometric triangles or hexagons create a modern vibe, while a round outline isn’t without some whimsy. And don’t feel you have to be confined to paper—acrylics, paper bags, cutting boards, and even the table itself can offer a unique look.
But the table isn’t the only way to display the night’s fare—a large, single sign looks just as great and doubles as an unexpected décor statement. Try a wooden slab for some rustic goodness, a mirror for a regal effect, or a cascading banner topped with florals for a romantic feel. While opting for one menu is the perfect choice for a self-serve dinner—think food bar, food truck, or buffet style—that’s not to say it doesn’t work just as well for a sit-down dinner.
The unique wedding menu card ideas ahead promise to drum up some inspiration.
Go Rustic With a Wooden Canvas
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Photo by Jenna Henderson Photography; Menu by Designs in Paper
From a wooden canvas and twine to husky greens and florals, refined rustic romance is quite literally written all over this menu, with an elegant but simplistic hand-written font.
Tuck Baguettes Into Calligraphed Paper Bags
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Photo by Hunter Ryan Photo
A paper bag boasting hand calligraphy and baguette takes on Tuscan inspiration—the perfect way to send guests off to a cheese and wine cocktail hour.
Combine Acrylic Menus With Pressed Flowers
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Photo by Michelle Roller
Acrylic dinner menus feature hand-pressed wildflowers for a bit of retro ‘70s inspo with a contemporary twist.
Choose a Material That Can Pull Double Duty
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Photo by Jenna Joseph Photography; Calligraphy by Twinkle and Toast; Event Design by Kelsey Rae Designs
This cutting board incorporates one of wedding’s hottest trends right now—marble. Featuring gilded calligraphy, it doubles as both a creative menu and plate charger.
Mix Black and Gilded Gold
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Photo by Hazelwood Photo
Black may not be an immediate choice for paper goods, but when paired with gold scripted lettering, it’s all moody elegance.
Look at Leather Laser-Cut Menus
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Photo by Jose Villa; Design by Amber Moon Design
Square leather laser-cut menus have a masculine edge and rustic charm.
Consider Cooper and Rose Gold Details
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Photo by Jessica Cooper
Copper and rose gold details shine with a metallic finish, but none look quite as pretty as the sleek, modern menu taking center stage on a simple white plate.
Opt for a Unique, Table-Top Design
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Photo by Lilly Red Creative
Eco-friendly and unique, a menu printed directly on a wooden table has bohemian charm.
Mirror, Mirror Menu
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Photo by The Marions; Design by Kate Mullins Design
An opulent gilded mirror boasting the night’s fare is rich in vintage romance.
Select Unexpected Shapes
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Photo by Heather Roth Fine Art Photography
An accordion style shape takes the traditional printed menu for an elegant spin, featuring a course per pleat.
When In Doubt, Go for Simplistic-Chic
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Photo by Jessica Kay Photography
A simple white frame housing a linen board with graceful script makes for a timeless menu design.
Engrave Raw Wood
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Photo by Greg Finck
It’s back to basics with this simple menu design of raw wood, engraving, and angular shape that provides a contemporary edge, complementing the minimalist setting of organics and copper flatware.
Don't Compete With Your Tablescape
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Photo by Tiffany Roohani; Florals by The Little Branch; Tabletop Rentals by Casa de Perrin
Plum decadence and grand opulence are written all over this majestic tablescape created by Orange Blossom Special Events. A humble disc-shaped menu clever in messaging adds simplicity without distracting from the contrasting layers of plates and rich tablecloth by Luxe Linens beneath it.
Prop It Up on an Easel
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Photo by Laura Murray Photography; Design by Casa de Perrin
Easels are meant for works of art, and this wooden menu sign is just that. A swag of husky hued flora and hand-drawn designs come together for soft elegance.
Get Inspired by Fresh Fruits
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Photo by Mikaela Marie Photography
Fruits are big for tablescapes right now, so why not use it as menu inspiration? This creative piece takes its cues from a sweet peach, with a round shape, soft pink-orange watercolors, and artfully placed leaves.
Incorporate Natural Elements
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Photo by Stephanie Sorensen
A tree stump transforms into a chalkboard for a hand-lettered woodland wedding menu. Paired with a weathered barrel and wild branches, it’s full of rustic charm. And can we just take a moment to revel in the idea that is a wedding taco bar!?
Look to Linens for a Romantic Vibe
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Photo by Sawyer Baird
A linen menu with scrawling calligraphy adds a dreamy touch to this tablescape, where bohemian meets old world romance in organic beauty and brass details.
Go Big With Banner Menus
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Photo by Autumn Cutaia Photography; Design by Whimsy Design Studio
A slender banner menu display gracing a wooden door and topped with a rose garland makes for one eye-catching statement piece.
Use Complementing Geometric Shapes
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Photo by Heather Roth Fine Art Photography
Geometric shapes always make things more fun. A triangular menu brings a modern touch, complementing polygon plates.
Wooden Planks Add a Relaxed, Rustic Charm
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Photo by Anna Kim Photography
This DIY menu of wooden planks and tropical flora has a laidback charm.
Think About the Style of Cuisine
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Photo by Heather Waraksa
An artisanal style menu of engraved wood is only the perfect choice for an artisanal cheese menu. Did we mention how much we love the idea of a cheese station for a Tuscan-inspired wedding?
Add Tropical Details at a Destination Wedding
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Photo by Katie Hoss
A jewel tone print of palm leaves and king protea lends this menu a splash of tropical whimsy and Palm Springs vibes.
Select a Sophisticated Color Palette
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Photo by Millie Hollman Photography
Shades of grey have a gorgeous effect in watercolor swirls, splashed with gold metallic for a hint of modern sophistication.
Embrace Coastal Elements at Nautical Nuptials
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Photo by Madeline Druce
An oversized white menu adorned with driftwood and a scattering of seashells and coral is all coastal elegance.
Steal Ideas From Your Favorite Café
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Photo by Marion Heurteboust
Handwritten on beige cardstock, this café reminiscent menu has an effortless appeal.