Winter Wedding Menus That Warm Hearts and Palates

While spring weddings are quite popular, winter weddings have their own unique charm and a coziness that is very underrated. Everything perfectly aligns during the winter, from predictable weather to budget-friendly venues, you can create your own magical winter wonderland. The crisp air, perfect lighting, and cozy atmosphere blends together and creates a perfect backdrop for a celebration of love.  

Weddings are incomplete without the perfect menu that can bring everything together. Winter weddings can actually be beneficial because you get the opportunity to serve your favorite comfort food. During the cold weather, you can have a variety of food items like warm appetizers, soup, hot chocolate, eggnog, and many more filling snacks.  

Mexican Hot Chocolate Honey Mocha from Award-winning mixologist Julia Momose. Photo courtesy National Honey Board

Let’s dive into the most delectable winter menu options that are as magical as the snowy season itself.  

Appetizers that delight

The first impression is the last impression, therefore start the wedding feast with warm and comforting appetizers to set the tone for an inviting meal. For example, if you decide to have a wedding at any Ontario venue, mild winters in this region are perfect for warm grilled cheese sandwich bites with creamy tomato or pumpkin soup. Evoke the feeling of nostalgia and celebration with baked camembert with cranberry-orange compote or crispy sheet-pan meatballs with salsa Verde.  

Tomato Bisque Soup Sips with Mini Grilled Cheese Triangles from DSquared Hospitality Company (Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes). Photo courtesy Rebecca Ellison

Brussels sprouts with bacon jam, flaky spinach and feta puff pastries, and bacon breadsticks have a potential to become favorites among guests. If you want to add vegetarian cuisine, some excellent vegetarian choices can be brie-stuffed crispy baby potatoes, carrot parsnip bisque, and pomegranate feta salad. A basic yet flavorful cheese platter can serve as a show-stopping centerpiece for any winter celebration.  

The ultimate in edible entertaining: a beautiful display of Real California Cheeses, salami, fruits and vegetables arranged with fragrant herbal garnishes in a display sure to impress family and friends. As a bonus, it creates less waste than a stand-alone floral bouquet (and there’s less to clean up!). Edible cheese arrangement designed by Jessica Lawrenz, Founder of Monger, Mold. Photo courtesy Milk Advisory Board 

Each dish has its own flavor and texture, making it suitable for any appetizer table.  

Hearty main courses

The main course is where you can showcase the seasonal vegetables and culinary masterpieces. You can start with traditional meat roast alongside mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding stuffing, and rich gravy. For a more special experience, beef wellington can be served with asparagus in lemon butter salt or wild mushroom sauce, a delicacy at venues in San Francisco.  

Can you get any more comforting than meat and potatoes? Colette’s Catering & Events served braised short ribs with Yukon mash, roasted shallots, and micro chives during Catersource + The Special Event's Opening Night Party in 2022. Photo courtesy WASIO Faces 

For vegetarians, butternut squash and feta ravioli in sage butter sauce or a spicy nut roast is an indulgent delight. While mac and cheese might be a basic choice it can be creative with multiple side dishes and toppings like steamed broccoli, Caesar salad, or bacon bits! 

Don’t forget to include wholesome and healthy options, ensuring there is something for everybody to enjoy. Use seasonal produce to your advantage and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It will make your clients feel welcome as they celebrate their special day together.  

Beverage pairing 

To add to the warmth of the night, the right beverages are a must! Make sure you offer a selection of drinks to complement the cozy ambience while warming the hearts of guests. Whether the wedding is in Fallbrook or Paso Robles, a timeless classic and a crowd pleaser, hot chocolate is a must. It can also be elevated with rich flavors like dark chocolate or spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg as well. You can also have an assortment of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks and cocoa powder.  

Winter and hot chocolate go hand in hand. Hot chocolate bar by Bill Hansen Catering. Photo courtesy Michelle on Unsplash 

Other options are spiced rum punch and eggnog with its creamy texture, which are essential winter cocktails that incorporate the season’s flavors and add the festival touch to your clients' memorable day. Another addition is mulled wine, that fills the air with festive aromas of spices. For the non-alcoholic guests, masala chai is a beloved spiced tea (commonly known as chai tea latte) not only warms the heart but also sparks conversation. It will ensure all guests feel included. 

Chowgirls Catering showcased several festive holiday cocktails during a menu preview event including the Snow Angel (left), the Cranberry Sauced (center), and the Winter Break (right) as well as two non-alcoholic options, a Grapefruit Rosemary Shrub and a Spiced Cherry Fizz.  Photo courtesy Lucas Botz

When crafting a winter cocktail, even when using trending ingredients,make sure they still reflect the couple’s personal style. The wedding is about creating a memorable tasting experience as well as following the overall theme of the wedding. 

Decadent desserts

Lastly, any gathering isn’t incomplete without a dessert that adds a final touch to the wedding. Consider serving traditional dishes to impress those who enjoy those classic flavors. Think Christmas pudding with brandy cream or custard or even warm apple pies. If you want a more creative idea, spice it up with raspberry Nutella puff pastry or berry cobblers. Even mouth-watering chocolate lava cake is sure to impress. 

Queen Bee Apple Pie. Photo courtesy National Honey Board

For winter weddings, festival sweets can be added as well. Gingerbread bundt cake is perfect for such occasions. Adding these delicious desserts will surely leave your clients with sweet memories for years to come. 

A thoughtfully curated winter wedding menu within your clients’ budgets can create an unforgettable experience fort hem and their guests. By incorporating warm, inviting dishes that reflect the season’s spirit, you can ensure that everyone leaves feeling satisfied and cherished.  

So, embrace the magic of winter weddings and let your menus warm both hearts and palates by making sure that every winter wedding is a celebration to remember, filled with warmth, joy, and gourmet goodies!