An Indian wedding is an embodiment of the country’s rich culture and heritage. A lavish and extravagant Indian wedding is not complete without delicious food. When choosing the menu, both sides of the family must be involved. In fact, the best way is to discuss the menu several times beforehand due to the diversity of Indian cuisine.
Preparing Indian food is an art, and each dish is different but delicious. However, it is important to be clear about the wedding menu. Once chosen, it must not be changed or altered. Choosing an exclusive menu of few dishes can be tedious, but there are certain things to keep in mind that will help you.
Vegetarian or non-vegetarian
First and foremost is whether the menu should be vegetarian, non-vegetarian or a combination. Depending on this decision, look for a caterer that specializes in the type of menu you want. However, even if you serve non-vegetarian food, keep in mind that Indians do not eat beef. The cow is considered a sacred animal in India.
Budget
The budget should be decided immediately because it will make planning easier. When you budget, you know exactly how much to spend on food.
Number of invites
List all the guests. Also, allow for around 20-25 extra people more as Indian weddings are big events where more guests are always welcome. The amount of food will depend on the number of diners. And the number of dishes served and the budget are directly proportional to each other.
taste test
It is advisable to test each of the caterers to see their competition. You should try each and every dish you are considering. Also, keep in mind the statuses of your guests. For example, if it is a Punjabi marriage, you need to serve some Punjabi food.
Season
The season in which the wedding takes place plays an important role when deciding on the menu. If it’s winter, you have to choose things like halwa and other hot dishes. If it is summer, there must be plenty of liquid and food served cold. And if it’s monsoon season, make sure the food is served dry. Also, certain dishes are seasonal, so this needs to be taken into account when planning.
starters
Include entrees that are light and everyone’s liking. You can vary between two or three types of starters, depending on your budget. Choose entrees that are popular and well received rather than rare and exotic dishes. This will help put your guests at ease at first. If you want to serve exotic food, save it for the main course. Popular options to start include samosas, petis, chaat, khadvi, and spring rolls.
salads
For health conscious guests, offer some leafy greens and other healthy items in salad and dressing. Here, you don’t have to stick to the conventional style of cutting vegetables, and you can even add Italian and Russian salad if you feel like it.
race of hands
This is the real deal, and what your guests will remember most about your menu. It should include four or five types of vegetables, rice, breads, and two or three types of daals or chicken. Don’t forget the naan and chapati to serve alongside the main course. Store it according to the culture and region of the bride and groom. This should be the heaviest meal, leaving your guests satisfied.
Drinks
If you want to include liquor on your menu, make sure there is a separate counter for it, as some Indians are sensitive to its consumption. Serve mocktails, juices, sodas, and other beverages. Your guests will appreciate the options in their drinks, but all you really need are basic drinks like water, juice, and soda.
desserts
Desserts help to relax the taste buds after the spicy main course. You can have fun here and include traditional or western desserts or both. For most Indians, ice cream is a must.
At any wedding, the food should be fresh and well presented. Everything that attracts the eye is consumed more. Keep the menu simple but fancy. If you do experiment with exotic food, have a safe and familiar option, as not everyone is fond of trying new things.