11 Mouth-Watering Wedding Menu Ideas for a Summer Wedding

Planning your wedding menu is one of the most important tasks to check off your to-do list. Luckily, these 11 wedding menu ideas for a summer wedding will make the tedious task a piece of cake (pun intended)!

When it comes to your wedding menu, you don’t want to serve something too messy or difficult to eat. And, especially in summer, you may also want to feature the flavors of the season. To get the scoop, we sat down with wedding catering pro, Stephani O’Connor, Culinary Director for The Peached Tortilla, who shared her top tips and wedding menu ideas for a summer wedding. Let's dig in!

Look at ways to make your big day even more special with interactive food stations. Letting your guests get up and move around can go a long way. “Especially in summer, stations are a big deal for us, and they just keep getting more popular,” says O’Connor. “We put together a lot of fun, interactive stations for weddings. The more interactive, the better.”

“There’s a big trend in grazing tables right now,” says O’Connor. “Taking a whole table and filling it with a variety of food has become so popular.” Select your favorite meats and cheeses, and pair them with nuts, melons, fruits, and more to create the perfect grazing table. Grazing tables give your guests the opportunity to nibble as the day goes on, without making them feel like they need to sit down for a full, heavy meal.

Incorporate fresh flavors into your passed apps or stations, and consider greeting guests with something light as they come into the ceremony. “Summer always brings menus with fresh, seasonal food, incorporating more berries, melons, a lot of fresh herbs,” explains O’Connor. “Whatever is fresh in season at the time, we definitely use a lot of.”

“We tend to sell more fish during the summer for a light option. Or for pasta, we’ll use a browned butter sauce instead of a heavy sauce,” says O’Connor. “People tend to want things very fresh and very light.” Keep bright, colorful, light foods at the forefront of your menu planning. Apps and entrées should be on the lighter side, so your guests don’t feel too full in the hot summer sun.

With those key tips in mind, we put together a list of wedding menu ideas for inspiration while you’re selecting options for your summer wedding feast.

Sushi. Bar. Need we say more? Work with your caterer to set up a gorgeous, fresh option everyone will love.

Nothing screams summer like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. Caprese apps offer a great, filling option without weighing down your guests.

If you’re opting for a sit-down dinner, consider fresh, light options for your main course such as salmon or grilled chicken.

A simple flatbread with prosciutto, greens, and lemon can be a great, lighter alternative to pizza.

Fresh berries are the perfect touch for summer. Opt for fresh fruit cups with a mixture of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to capture the flavors of the season.

Nothing says summer like fresh seafood. Set up delicious, light options with an array of sauces for a fun, interactive station.

Keep salads light and seasonal. Fresh arugula, summer strawberries, goat cheese, and almonds can go a long way. Opt for dressings like poppyseed or balsamic, rather than the heavier ranch or caesar options.

Capture fresh, summertime options with the addition of mini lobster rolls. If lobster isn’t your thing, ask your caterer for a spin on this app using chicken or tuna.

Set up a table with your favorite meats and cheese, crackers, and fruits. Your guests will love the variety and the option to move around and make their own charcuterie plate.

Nothing screams summer like fresh melons. Pair cantaloupe with prosciutto for a delicious, creative app.

Add a splash of color to your menu. Beets are the perfect, earthy base for a summer salad or on their own as a side dish. Add ricotta and honey to bring out their gorgeous flavor.