How to Serve Up a Totally On-Trend Spring Wedding Menu (According to the Pros)

When it comes to picking the perfect wedding menu, seasonality is key. From choosing the freshest fruits, veggies, and herbs to incorporating weather-appropriate food and beverages, a little bit of careful thought and consideration will go a long way! To ensure that guests are totally wowed by the offerings at your spring wedding, make sure to consider each aspect of the evening, from the cocktail hour to the dessert. And trust us. We talked to the pros...

For spring-approved signature drinks, think about using seasonal ingredients that will make your beverage unique. We love the idea of a Lavender Lillet Cocktail or a Mojito with mint leaves. You might also consider garnishing your drinks with edible flowers, like roses or pansies for a sweet spring vibe.

For appetizers and entrees, freshness is key. According to Nathaniel Neubauer, executive chef of Contemporary Catering, herbs are in. He says, "We are finding that guests are more and more attracted to the use of fresh herbs - not just for garnish, but to really bring flavors forth in foods."

He recommends serving up dishes like their chopped romaine and frisee salad, which is topped with cucumber, Roma tomatoes, avocados, grapefruit segments, fresh tarragon, and green goddess dressing, or their dish that incorporates sugar snap peas with Fresno chilies, and fresh mint.

For this transitional time between winter and spring, he says their winter citrus salad with oro blanco, Cara Cara oranges, blood oranges, Meyer lemon and fresh chives, with Maldon salt and extra virgin olive oil, is extremely popular. "Give guests a light and summery feel amongst all the warmer heartier dishes that are served from fall through spring," he says. "Beyond the use of fresh herbs in braising liquids and sauces, just taking them right from the garden to the plate adds an amazing fresh feel to dishes."

According to Modern Art Catering, healthy menus are a big trend right now, too. But, it's all about modernizing these traditionally light dishes. "Couples love the idea of taking ordinary menu items and transforming them into something new," they said. "For example, at a recent event we used avocado, but instead of using slices, we compressed it to form a perfect square! At the same event, we used purple cauliflower, but modernized it by making it into a puree."

"Couples are really looking for healthy menu items that still have an element of elegance and creative presentation - no sauteed vegetables just placed on a plate," Modern Art Catering says.

And what about dessert? In keeping with a light and airy menu, you'll want to make sure your dessert isn't too decadent or heavy. (Sorry, extreme chocolate lovers!) Consider serving up floral or citrus-flavored macarons, or fresh tarts and cakes made with lemon, strawberry, or rhubarb.