WEDDING BLOG

Wedding Catering Options Explained

May 16, 2023 | kailey

Image by May Iosotaluno. Keep reading on for wedding catering options

Location, decor, catering–there are many big decisions that go into bringing your dream wedding to life. For all the foodie couples, we’ve got you covered. From plated meals to food trucks, get ready to feast on endless wedding day catering options. We’re taking the stress out of planning by explaining all the info you need to know about wedding catering in one place.

Junebug Tip

Before choosing your caterer, you’ll need to have your venue booked and understand any limitations that they’ll have on the vendors you’ll be able to hire. If you’re unsure about how to find the perfect venue for your wedding, check out our venue guide. Then, come back and read through all of the options available to feed yourselves and your wedding guests.

How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost?

Before you figure out your catering, you may have a couple of questions–most importantly, how much it’s going to cost you. Of course, we can’t give you a straight answer because every wedding is different. However, According to The Knot, the average price in 2022 was $75 per person. However, you’ll find that it ranges from about $70-$80 depending on how many guests are attending.

Wedding Food Ideas

Once you’ve selected your venue, consider the type of meal you’d like to entertain your guests with. Keep these in mind on your catering journey to ensure that there’s no confusion between you, your wedding dream team, and your guests.

Plated Meals

If you’re looking for a formal, served meal, this option is for you. Plated meals typically include three courses: appetizer, entree, and dessert. Though this adds an intimate nature to your wedding, keep in mind this type of meal comes with extra planning and preparation—from formulating a seating chart to collecting guest’s food choices and dietary restrictions (typically from their RSVP). Then, you’ll need to communicate these to your caterer.

Passed Appetizers

Couples wanting a more relaxed reception—without sacrificing plentiful and delicious foods—should opt for a passed appetizer option. Typically passed appetizers are combined with the cocktail hour and include bite-sized snacks that are served by catering staff.

Images by Lindsay Hackney Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Hors D’oeuvres

From charcuterie tables—also known as grazing tables—to sliders, hor d’oeuvres have become a popular wedding food option. This is a perfect meal selection for couples looking to combine food presentation and taste to enhance their reception. Usually set in a buffet style, guests can come and go as they please and have the choice of endless food options. This is sure to add a relaxed vibe to any wedding day without having to sacrifice mouth-watering foods.

Cake and Punch

A fun and budget-friendly catering option is a “cake and punch” reception. Instead of serving your guests a full sit-down meal, you jump right to wedding cake and drinks—we’re all for skipping straight to dessert. This is a perfect option for late-night weddings or short and sweet celebrations.

Image by La Vie Studios. See more of this real wedding here

Wedding Catering Options

You’ve selected the meal style fit for your wedding vibe and theme, now it’s time to determine execution. There are catering styles fit for every couple and every wedding size. Whether you want a hands-on catering experience or to assemble a team of industry professionals to take the reins, you’re sure to find a catering style here that is perfect for you.

Venues With In-House Catering

If you’re searching for ways to simplify your wedding planning process, some venues offer in-house catering. This style of catering means the venue takes full reign of the catering duties from setup to tear down and everything in between. No extra time needed to coordinate between the caterer and the venue—it’s already done for you. Of course, you’ll still be able to work with the in-house catering team on the menu.

DIY Catering

With weddings getting smaller, more couples are opting to DIY major elements of their weddings—like decor and food. Maybe you love cooking and want to prep the meal yourselves, or maybe you just want to save a little money. Whatever the reasoning may be, do-it-yourself catering is always an option. By going with a DIY approach you’re able to directly control the flavor and outcome without having to sacrifice quality.

Hire a Caterer

Hiring a top-notch caterer is one of the easiest ways to reduce your stress. A professional caterer will take care of the procurement, planning, cooking, and cleanup. The caterer will also impact your reception experience by limiting your wedding day work. This way, you can be present and soak up all of the memories. Consider reaching out to your favorite restaurant as a fun way to show off local dining to your guests.

Image by May Iosotaluno. See more of this real wedding here.

Food Trucks

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed reception vibe with a variety of food options, food trucks are an ideal catering option. This can also be an easy way to appease many different dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you’ve got vegans or gluten-free guests, there are trucks for everyone. This style of catering also adds fun to any styled reception, not to mention the endless food options that are offered on wheels nowadays.

If you love the idea of having a buffet dinner but still want to bring in one of your favorite food trucks, have it come in as a late-night snack. Your guests will appreciate the extra bite to eat when they’ve got a couple of drinks in them.

Cocktail Party Reception

A cocktail party reception means skipping the meal and instead indulging in a variety of hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cocktail party food opens the door to creativity. This can mean an oversized charcuterie table or passed appetizers. This reception food option is perfect for couples looking to customize every part of their reception—from the food options to the decor—and for couples that want their reception bar to be the main event.

Images by Epic Love Story. See more of this real wedding here.

There is no better way to kick off your marriage than with a reception that is authentically you. From the wedding catering options to the reception drinks, every element should be a reflection of you, your partner, and your union. Now that you’ve figured out food, it’s time to think about drinks. Elevate your party with these reception bar ideas that are the epitome of picture-worthy.

Image by Halley Vernon

Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor: What’s the Difference?

May 16, 2023 | justine

Image by Meraki Weddings. Read on to know the difference between a Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor.

So, you’ve chosen your bridesmaids. Now it’s time to decide who will lead the pack as your Maid or Matron of Honor. This is the go-to friend who’ll help you throughout your wedding journey and be your right-hand person on the big day. From planning your bridal shower and bachelorette party to assisting with wedding planning tasks, your Maid or Matron of Honor is there for you through it all.

But what if you can’t decide on just one person for the role? Can you have both a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor? Absolutely! In fact, it’s becoming increasingly popular for brides to choose both. However, you may be wondering what sets these two roles apart and how you can make both feel special. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Image by Emily Delamater. See more of this real wedding here.

What’s the Difference Between a Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor?

Let’s start with the burning question: what sets a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor apart? Traditionally, it all boils down to their marital status. A Maid of Honor is typically unmarried and, while a Matron of Honor is married and fulfills the same duties as that of a MOH. Essentially, both have the same responsibilities and occupy the same position of honor—the only difference is the relationship status.

How Do You Choose?

When choosing who you want by your side for your big day, tradition often dictates that it’s someone you’re closest to, such as your best friend or sister. But let’s not forget another other important factor—the responsibilities that come with the role. You need someone who can take on the challenge with confidence and won’t shy away from taking charge.

Although being a Maid or Matron of Honor does come with some financial responsibilities, don’t let that discourage you from choosing the right person. With open communication and support, you and your MOH can work together to manage any costs and make your special day unforgettable.

Image by Memorybox Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Does My MOH Have to Be a Woman?

The honor of being in the wedding party is not limited to any particular gender. Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in the number of men and non-binary individuals taking on the role. It’s all about choosing the person closest to you who will support you throughout the planning process and on your big day.

In some cases, brides may even choose to have both a Maid of Honor and a Man or Person of Honor stand by their side. This is a great way to honor both individuals who are important to you, and it’s a beautiful way to break down gender norms and traditions. So, don’t feel limited by tradition or societal expectations. Choose the person who means the most to you and who you know will be there for you every step of the way.

Is It Possible to Have Both a Maid of Honor And a Matron of Honor By Your Side on Your Wedding Day?

While being a Maid or Matron of Honor is a traditional wedding role, there’s no rule book stating that you can’t have both by your side on your special day. In fact, having two MOHs can be incredibly beneficial, particularly if you have a big wedding party to wrangle.

Picture this: your younger sibling is the perfect candidate for Maid of Honor duties because they know you better than anyone else. But, having a Matron of Honor who has already been through the wedding planning process can offer some invaluable insights and tips that can make your experience much smoother. It’s a win-win situation, so don’t be afraid to double up.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Maid of Honor And Matron of Honor?

The Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor serves as the leader of the bridesmaids and is responsible for planning and hosting pre-wedding events like the bachelorette party and bridal shower. They also help the bride with various tasks and projects leading up to the big day and usually give a speech during the reception.

Image by Meraki Weddings. See more of this real wedding here.

How Can You Maximize the Benefits of Having Both?

When you have a Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor, you have twice the support. You can have them work together on all the responsibilities or split the tasks to fit each person’s strengths. For example, if one is more artistic and crafty, they can handle the DIY projects, while the other can take the lead on organizing your bachelorette party or bridal shower.

It’s also important to consider their location when dividing tasks. If one of them is long-distance, it may not be practical for them to help with physical tasks like stuffing envelopes or assembling favors. In such cases, it’s best to delegate tasks that can be managed remotely. But, if both MOHs are in close proximity, they can tackle all the wedding prep tasks together. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for everyone and ensuring both MOHs feel appreciated and involved in your special day.

How to Incorporate Both MOHs Into Your Wedding

One of the first things to consider when having two MOHs is how to make them both stand out. Instead of having them wear the same outfit, you could dress them in different bridesmaid dresses or give them a special accessory or detail that sets them apart.

It’s also important to think about their walk down the aisle. There are plenty of options for how to handle this, whether it’s having them walk together, having the best man escort them both, or even having each MOH walk solo. Choose the option that feels right for you and your wedding vision.

Now that you know the difference between Maid of Honor vs. Matron of Honor, it’s time for the fun part—coordinating the fashion. You get to choose everything from the color palette to the getting ready robes or pajamas and even the dresses. It’s a chance to express your and your wedding party’s unique style while still keeping everyone in sync. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

Image by Brogen Jessup Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Lush Costa Rica Rainforest Springs Resort and Spa Wedding

May 15, 2023 | justine

bright red dark pink kelly green orange sage green yellow

Lauren and Daniel’s love for Costa Rica grew stronger with each visit, and they wanted their wedding to reflect the country’s natural beauty. The couple envisioned a day that would not only take their breath away but also allow their family to bask in the stunning surroundings. With the help of their trusted vendor team, they brought their vision to life and created a truly unforgettable experience. Their Springs Resort and Spa wedding was a perfect blend of lush tropical florals, verdant foliage, and classic elegance, all infused with their unique sense of fun and adventure.

The ceremony took place in the heart of the rainforest, with the dense jungle providing a magical and unforgettable setting. Against this backdrop, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by the beauty of nature. As the day transitioned into night, the reception was equally enchanting, with a canopy of fairy lights and cascading greenery setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing.

Although there is more we could say about this intimate, love-filled, and stunning celebration in nature, we’ll let these gorgeous photos captured by Junebug member Javier Mendez to speak for themselves.

The Couple:

Lauren and Daniel

The Wedding:

Springs Resort and Spa, Norte del centro de la Fortuna, Costa Rica

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How Their Springs Resort and Spa Wedding Came To Be

We wanted a venue to blow us away and our family could enjoy. Having been to Costa Rica many times before, we knew it had to be there. We looked up the best wedding venues in Costa Rica, Springs Resort and Spa came up, and once we visited, we knew it was the one. We contacted their wedding coordinator, Jennifer Hernandez, and told her we wanted a beautiful tropical wedding. And she just ran with all our ideas. Feeling nervous at the beginning, she eased our minds about everything being perfect. Looking back, we would not have had it any other way!

Recommended Reading: Unique Tips For Writing Your Vows

It Was A Family-Centered Wedding Day

For us, the entire day was perfect. It is hard to pick a part of the day that was better than the rest. We are huge into family and had the privilege of having 47 family members with us at our wedding. So, if we had to pick the most memorable part of our day, it would have to be partying with the entire family after the ceremony.

Recommended Reading: Creative Ceremony Backdrop Ideas

Trusting The Process And Letting Their Wedding Coordinator Work Her Magic

We are most proud of leaving the entire wedding process in our wedding coordinator’s hands. Most people say that planning a wedding will have its struggles. Lauren and I had no trouble planning the wedding because we trusted our wedding coordinator. Sometimes we felt like we were not doing enough. But she assured us that everything would be beautiful, and it was just that. Our only wedding advice is to pick someone you trust and believe in and let them work their magic.

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The Wedding Team:

Photography – Javier Mendez
Event Planning – Jennifer Hernandez
Venue – Springs Resort and Spa
Floral Design – Paola Gamboa
Officiant – Noel Campos

Congratulations to Lauren and Daniel on their Springs Resort and Spa wedding. And a special shoutout to Junebug member Javier Mendez for perfectly capturing the magic of their big day. To see more of his talent, check out his profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, take a cue from Daniel and Lauren’s experience and build a team of talented professionals who can help bring your vision to life. To help you in this process, check out our directory of the world’s best wedding vendors. By selecting a planner, florist, videographer, and other experts who share your values, you can take the stress out of your wedding planning and focus on enjoying your big day.

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