Start with the feeling, not the dish list
Before choosing starters and mains, decide what you want the meal to feel like. A formal dinner creates a different rhythm from shared platters or relaxed food stations. The service style gives you a useful frame for every menu decision that follows.
Plan inclusively from the beginning
Ask about allergies and dietary requirements early, then design alternatives with the same care as the main menu. A considered vegetarian or allergy-aware dish should feel like part of the celebration, not an afterthought.
Let the venue shape the plan
Kitchen access, serving distance, weather and the flow between rooms all affect what can be served beautifully. Share the venue details with your caterer early so the menu and the practical plan support each other.