Wedding menus can be designed in several different formats, and the best option usually depends on how dinner is being served, how your tables are styled, and how much information needs to fit on the menu.
Some receptions call for an individual menu at every place setting. Others work better with one menu per couple or a few larger menus shared around the table. The shape, material, and format can also completely change how the finished menu looks alongside your linens, florals, plates, and other table details.
Here are some of the most popular wedding menu styles and what to consider when choosing yours.
A flat menu is the style most people picture when they think of wedding menus. It's a single printed card that typically lists each course, meal options, or the evening's dinner selections. You may consider using a flat menu if you want an individual menu at each place setting, or want something that can easily coordinate with your other day-of stationery.
Flat menus are extremely versatile. They can be tall and narrow, rectangular, square, or designed in a custom shape depending on the rest of your table setting. They're also easy to personalize with your wedding colors, typography, artwork, monogram, or other elements used throughout your stationery.
A personalized menu includes each guest's name directly on the card, allowing one piece to serve as both the menu and place card. This can be especially helpful for plated dinners with assigned seats. Guests immediately know where they're sitting, and you don't need to add another stationery piece to the place setting.
You can also incorporate meal selections into the design when your catering team needs an easy way to identify what each guest ordered.
Folio menus are folded or layered menu designs that open like a small booklet. Because they offer considerably more space than a traditional flat card, they can accommodate longer menus, multiple courses, wine pairings, or additional information without making the design feel crowded.
They're also well suited for sharing. Instead of ordering one menu per guest, you may choose one folio per couple or place a few throughout each table.
The larger format gives folio menus a noticeable presence on the table, making them an especially interesting choice for formal dinners and receptions where the tablescape is a major part of the design.
Layered menus use multiple pieces of paper, materials, or shapes to create dimension. For example, the menu itself might sit on top of a colored backing card, be attached with an eyelet, or incorporate translucent vellum. Layers can also be used to separate courses, drinks, or other information.
This style gives you more opportunities to introduce contrasting colors and materials without making the actual menu difficult to read. Its a great option if your table design includes a lot of texture, or you want to incorporate multiple colors.
Fabric menus offer a completely different look than traditional paper. The text can be printed directly onto fabric and styled flat, draped over the edge of the table, or incorporated into the napkin presentation. These are a stunning option if you're wanting to incorporate texture to your tablescape.
Fabric works particularly well when linens are already an important part of the reception design. The menu can coordinate with the tablecloth or napkins or introduce a contrasting color to the place setting.
Start with the practical details. Consider how dinner will be served, whether guests have assigned seats, how much information needs to appear on the menu, and how much space you'll have at each place setting.
Then you can begin thinking about the design itself!
A table with patterned linens and colorful florals may only need a simple menu. A more minimal table setting might have room for a layered or custom-shaped design. Looking at the entire place setting instead of the menu by itself makes it easier to decide what format belongs there.
Julia Kay Design offers semi-custom wedding menus with options to personalize the colors, wording, shape, materials, and other design details to coordinate with your reception. Check out our collections here!
If you ordered your invitations through Julia Kay Design, elements from your invitation suite can also be carried into your menus and other day-of stationery. Existing fonts, artwork, colors, or monograms can be incorporated so you don't have to start the design process over again.
The Jubilee Wedding Dinner Menu - Perfect for couples who want a vibrant and colorful wedding reception! It features playful patterns and modern typography to create a beautiful finishing touch for your tables.
Spring Scalloped Wedding Dinner Menu - If you're looking to bring a soft and romantic feel to your wedding stationaries, then look no further. With a beautifully detailed botanical boarder it feels equal parts timeless and whimsical.
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