Food is the heart of any celebration. Long after the music fades and the flowers are dried, your guests will remember the meal they shared.
As a Houston venue that hosts hundreds of weddings annually, our team at Pelazzio has seen menu trends come and go. We know what works logistically for a crowd of 250 and what leaves guests raving. Whether you choose our robust in-house catering or bring in a favorite local vendor, the goal is to keep bellies full and spirits high.
Based on industry trends and our own kitchen’s most requested items, here are 25 wedding food ideas to inspire your menu.
TL;DR
The best wedding menus balance elegance with comfort. Start with passed hors d’oeuvres to keep guests happy during cocktail hour. For the main meal, buffets offer the most variety, allowing guests to choose their favorites, while plated dinners offer high-end sophistication. Don’t forget the late-night snacks! At Pelazzio, our all-inclusive packages cover the essentials (appetizers, buffet, bar, and cake), but our flexible outside catering policy means you can also bring in trendy food stations to customize your experience.
1. The First Bite: Cocktail Hour
The time between the ceremony and the reception is very important. You want small snacks that go well with drinks but don’t ruin dinner.
A beautiful “Pre-Reception Table” with fresh fruit and cheese is a must-have in all of our Paradise Packages. It’s a place to eat that makes guests feel welcome right away.
- Caprese Skewers: Easy to make, fresh, and easy to eat while holding a drink.
- Stuffed mushrooms are a rich, savory bite that feels like a treat.
- Mini meatballs are a classic comfort food that everyone loves.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes and basil on crostini give it a bright, crisp taste.
- Shrimp cocktail is a classic, high-end choice that goes great with our premium open bar service.
2. The Main Event: Comfort Foods and Buffet Classics
Buffets are the best option for big weddings because they are quick and have a lot of different foods. There is something for everyone at our standard buffet dinner, which includes a salad, two main dishes, a starch, and a vegetable.
- Carving Station (Roast Beef): Having a chef carve meat right there on the buffet line makes it more interactive and fancy.
- A rich, savory mushroom wine sauce makes Chicken Marsala a hit with everyone.
- Lemon and capers are great for a lighter, spicier chicken piccata.
- Fajita Station: This is a must-have in Texas! A Tex-Mex-inspired main course is always a hit in Houston, even if the exact items change.
- Garlic mashed potatoes are the best comfort food starch and go well with almost any protein.
- Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A mix of colors is important for making the plate look balanced.
- Pasta Primavera is a great choice for vegetarians who want a filling and tasty main dish.
3. The Elevated Experience: Choices on a Plate
A plated dinner is the best choice if you want a formal meal where guests are served at their tables. This upgrade makes things even more elegant.
- For a fancy wedding dinner, filet mignon is the best choice.
- Grilled salmon with dill sauce is a lighter, more elegant choice than red meat.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu: This old favorite is back because it tastes so good.
4. Late-night snacks and fun stations (ideas from outside vendors)
We are very flexible, which is one of the best things about Pelazzio. We have a full menu in-house, but we also let people bring in food from outside. This is great for unique items or snacks that show off your personality at night.
Note: Vendors from outside must be approved and insured, and food must come fully cooked because they don’t have access to a kitchen.
- Taco Truck/Station: Who doesn’t love a taco on the street at 10 PM?
- Mini Donut Cart: A trendy, sugary snack that guests can take with them.
- Pizza Station: A favorite for getting people moving on the dance floor.
- Sushi Boat: A classy, cold station that looks great.
- Popcorn Bar: A cheap, tasty snack that you can change up with different seasonings.
5. Sweet Endings: Cake and More
Classic Buttercream Cake: Our Paradise Packages at Pelazzio come with a custom round-tiered buttercream cake. We work with Supreme Kakes to make sure your cake is always fresh and never frozen.
- Groom’s Cake: A chance to show off your personality, usually with chocolate or other flavors.
- Chocolate Fountain: A fun dessert that you can eat with fruit and marshmallows.
- Cookie Bar: A simple and nostalgic way to end the night.
6. How to Make Your Ideal Menu at Pelazzio
We don’t think you should have to pick between quality and price. That’s why our Paradise Packages come with a full tasting. Before you place your event order, you can either go to a group tasting or set up a private session with our chef to try salads, main dishes, and sides.
We are here to make sure your first meal as a married couple is perfect, whether you stick to our delicious in-house menu or add some outside vendors for a unique touch.
Want more? Set up your tour today and ask about our upcoming dates for food tastings!
