At your wedding, your food and drinks don’t just fuel the party; they also provide an opportunity to inject personality and style into your reception. Taking cues from your palate is a given, but to really make your menu stand out, look to your wedding’s overall theme for inspiration.

Even if you don’t have a theme per se, you’ve certainly thought about how you want your wedding day to feel. Will it be formal or casual? Classic or offbeat? Use your chosen vibe as a guideline for your menu. Barbecue might be great for a backyard reception, but could feel a little messy for a black-tie affair.

Of course, we love a clever exception to any rule, and you might have the most fun with your food if you embrace an unexpected juxtaposition. For instance, a late-night snack of sliders and fries might not feel formal, but it might be just the surprise your guests crave.

Your venue and its locale can help dictate your decor and your menu. For a vineyard celebration, you might offer wine pairings with each course. Planning to get hitched on the beach? Seafood is a natural fit. Or simply embrace regional specialties for instant authenticity — your guests will be excited to enjoy Philly cheesesteaks, Maryland crab cakes, Georgia peach pies or any other famous local flavor.

Set the mood from the get-go by treating guests to pre-ceremony sips and snacks. Infused waters, tart lemonade and iced tea are perfect for summer soirees, while hot cocoa and mulled cider make great additions to fall and winter celebrations. For something with a bit more of a glam factor, pop champagne, or offer a signature cocktail or two.

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