12 Unique Three-Course Menu Ideas to Wow Your Wedding Guests

Have you ever attended a wedding just for the food? Many people do, as the culinary experience is often a celebration highlight. Planning what to serve can be overwhelming as couples strive to leave a lasting impression with a perfect blend of classic and creative dishes. Weddings are the ultimate celebration of love, and the food served is crucial to the festivities. While many couples opt for something timeless and traditional, there's always room to get creative. Whether you're looking for conventional three-course wedding menu ideas or something more unconventional, we've got you covered. We've rounded up some of our favourite memorable menu ideas, divided into three categories: appetisers, main courses, and desserts. Mix and match from the options below, or come up with your own inspired by these ideas. This way, you'll craft a unique three-course meal that you and your guests will wish you could enjoy repeatedly.
10 July 2024 6 min read
3 course wedding menu ideas

Creating the Perfect Three-Course Wedding Menu

From tantalising appetisers to delicious main courses and decadent desserts, we’ve curated a variety of options to suit every palate. 

Appetising Beginnings with Starters

Kick off your wedding feast with appetisers that set the tone for an unforgettable meal. These starters are designed to whet the appetite, offering a mix of sophisticated flavours and textures. Mix and match these selections to create the perfect beginning to your wedding menu.

1. Tofu Satay Skewers

Tofu Satay Skewers

This vibrant dish is a delightful start to your wedding menu. The marinated tofu pairs beautifully with the smoky and spicy seasoning, and a hint of lime will impress your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Taste: Smoky and spicy with a hint of tanginess.
  • Ingredients: Tofu, smoky seasoning, garlic, lime, bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, cilantro.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

2. Salad: Cypriot Salad 

. Salad: Cypriot Salad 

A classic Cypriot Salad is a perfect starter for your wedding menu. This timeless salad will surely be a hit with your guests.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Taste: Crisp and refreshing with a savoury, creamy dressing.
  • Ingredients: Tomatoes, Pomegranate, Anchovies Dressing, Bread Croutons, Parmesan Shavings 
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Easy

3. Seafood: Sea Bass Ceviche

Seafood: Sea Bass Ceviche

This refreshing dish is an exquisite start to your wedding menu. The delicate sea bass is complemented by zesty citrus and fresh herbs, providing flavours that captivate your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Taste: Bright and tangy with a hint of spiciness.
  • Ingredients: Sea bass, lime juice, red onion, coriander, chilli, avocado.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

4. Bruschetta: Fresh Tomato and Basil

Bruschetta: Fresh Tomato and Basil

Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta is a delightful starter filled with the aromatic flavour of fresh basil. Drizzled with olive oil, this appetiser is simple and flavourful, making it an excellent addition to your wedding menu.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Taste: Fresh and vibrant with a touch of garlic.
  • Ingredients: Tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, garlic, toasted bread.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★★
  • Ease of Making: Easy

Savour the Signature Main Course Dishes

Your main course sets the stage for a memorable dining experience at your wedding. It’s the heart of your meal, and you want it to be impressive and satisfying. Choose from these delectable main courses to delight your guests and create a dining experience they’ll never forget.

1. Caribbean Chickpea Curry with Rice

 Caribbean Chickpea Curry with Rice

This Caribbean Chickpea Curry with rice, peas, and plantain is a hearty main course perfect for your dinner table. The creamy chickpeas blend seamlessly with the aromatic spices, while the plantain adds a sweetness that complements the savoury rice and peas.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 
  • Taste: Spicy and aromatic with a hint of sweetness.
  • Ingredients: Chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, rice, black-eyed peas, plantain, thyme, scallions. 
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆ 
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

2. Caribbean Prawns

 Caribbean Prawns

This vibrant dish is a delightful start to your wedding menu. The succulent prawns pair beautifully with the sweet and spicy Caribbean seasoning, and a hint of lime will impress your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Taste: Spicy and tangy with a hint of sweetness.
  • Ingredients: Prawns, Caribbean seasoning, garlic, lime, bell peppers, onions, coconut milk, cilantro.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

3. Non-Vegetarian: Lamb

Non-Vegetarian: Lamb

This vibrant dish is a delightful start to your wedding menu. The succulent prawns pair beautifully with the sweet and spicy Caribbean seasoning, and a hint of lime will impress your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Taste: Spicy and tangy with a hint of sweetness.
  • Ingredients: Prawns, Caribbean seasoning, garlic, lime, bell peppers, onions, coconut milk, cilantro.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Moderate
  • Ease of Making: Difficult

4. Thai Curry Rice

Thai Curry Rice

This vibrant dish is a delightful start to your wedding menu. The creamy Thai curry pairs beautifully with the fragrant jasmine rice, and a hint of lime will impress your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Taste: Spicy and aromatic with a hint of sweetness.
  • Ingredients: Jasmine rice, Thai curry paste, coconut milk, chicken or tofu, bell peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, lime, basil, and cilantro.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

1. Sweet Endings to Your Celebration with Desserts

End your meal on a sweet note with desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From classic wedding cakes to indulgent cheesecakes and refreshing fruit platters, these desserts will perfectly conclude your wedding feast.

Cheesecake: Gulab Jamun Cheesecake

Cheesecake: Gulab Jamun Cheesecake

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This fusion dessert is a delightful end to your wedding menu. The traditional Indian gulab jamun pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake, creating a rich and exotic treat that will impress your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Taste: Sweet and creamy with a hint of cardamom.
  • Ingredients: Gulab jamun, cream cheese, digestive biscuits, sugar, cardamom, rose syrup.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★★

2. Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta

This classic Italian dessert is a delightful end to your wedding menu. The silky panna cotta pairs beautifully with fresh berries, and a hint of vanilla will impress your guests from the first spoonful. 

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes 
  • Taste: Creamy and sweet with a hint of vanilla.
  • Ingredients: Cream, sugar, vanilla bean, gelatine, fresh berries.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★★ 
  • Ease of Making: Easy

3. Tiramisu

Tiramisu

This classic Italian dessert is a delightful end to your wedding menu. The rich mascarpone cheese pairs beautifully with the coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa will impress your guests from the first bite.

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  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Taste: Creamy and rich with a hint of coffee.
  • Ingredients: Mascarpone cheese, ladyfingers, espresso, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, Marsala wine (optional).
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

4. Coconut and Mango Sorbet

Coconut and Mango Sorbet

This exquisite dessert is a delightful finish to your wedding menu. The creamy coconut and passion fruit delice pairs beautifully with the refreshing mango sorbet, and a hint of mint will impress your guests from the first bite.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Taste: Sweet and tropical with a refreshing touch.
  • Ingredients: Coconut milk, passion fruit, gelatin, sugar, mango, mint, lemon juice, cream.
  • Taste Rating: ★★★★★
  • Ease of Making: Moderate

Conclusion

When planning a wedding meal, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the seamless coordination and execution of the menu. Usually, couples rely on friends, family, or local caterers, leading to potential stress and logistical issues. Many couples focus on dishes but overlook the need for an experienced chef, leading to stress and logistical issues. Booking a professional catering service ensures flawless execution, allowing you to enjoy your special day worry-free.

This is where yhangry, a private chef booking app, can make all the difference. By connecting couples with professional chefs, Yhangry ensures a seamless dining experience, handling all meal preparation and service aspects. Couples can easily book talented chefs, customise menus, and enjoy a stress-free experience, knowing their wedding meal is in expert hands. With yhangry, couples can focus on enjoying their special day, confident that their wedding meal will be flawless and memorable.

Faqs

Chicken is the most common food served at weddings due to its versatility and broad appeal. Popular dishes include roasted chicken, chicken marsala, and chicken piccata. With Yhangry, you get the expertise of Chef Benjamin, known for his work at Gravetye Manor, and Chef Kasia, who has served royalty and been featured on BBC 3. Their combined talents ensure a delicious and memorable wedding menu.

List a wedding menu, starting with appetisers, then the main courses, sides, and desserts. Clearly label each dish, including any dietary information. For example:

  • Starters: Caprese Salad
  • Main: Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
  • Sides: Steamed Vegetables
  • Dessert: Chocolate Cake

For 50 guests, plan approximately 200-250 grams of protein, 150-200 grams of sides, and 100-150 grams of vegetables per person. Booking a private chef from Yhangry ensures precise portioning, expert chefs, and a stress-free dining experience.