Wedding menus are filled with delicious dishes from appetizers to entrees and, yes, cake and other treats!

The average cost of wedding catering in the U.S. is $4,000, according to international wedding planning resource WeddingWire. They say most couples spend between $1,800 to $7,000.

*Style

Before you plan your menu, make a budget and think of what style of event you plan to have.

"The food and beverage offerings at your wedding reception should definitely be one of your top budgetary priorities, alongside your wedding venue, music and decor," says Emilie Dulles of Dulles Designs Bespoke Stationery & Invitations, who has been in the wedding industry and planning process since 1991. "Your culinary decisions and especially how they are served in a post-COVID world are one of the main ways you give back to your guests and loved ones who've taken the time and expense to travel and be with you on your amazing wedding day."

Do you envision a fancy affair? If so, consider a formal sit-down dinner featuring plated entrees such as steak, salmon or chicken. For a more casual reception, consider a buffet or food stations, where you serve your favorite party foods such as sliders, barbecue and macaroni and cheese.

Dulles recommends serving locally sourced, seasonally fresh foods that will be readily available nearest your wedding reception venue. "Locally sourced, seasonal foods are actually less costly, and their authenticity can also serve as part of your wedding menu's theme," she says.

According to a "2021 WeddingWire Newlywed Report: COVID-19 Edition" survey of over 7,000 couples, 22% incorporated locally sourced products in their event.

*Service

Guest lists have been smaller during the pandemic, and couples have been very conscious about how they serve food, too.

"They are using creative ways to incorporate serving food in a safer matter," says master wedding planner JoAnn Moore. "For example, we are using food stations, with servers plating the food, but instead of a traditional buffet, the food stations are scattered around the reception property to encourage social distancing."

Over half of WeddingWire respondents reported making adjustments during the pandemic. For example, 42% said they served guests individual hors d'oeuvres, such as mini charcuterie boards.

It's a win-win because the guests receive their own appetizers and no one touches another guest's food.

*Cheers

Toast your nuptials with convenient cocktails. Many couples are having a contact-free bar for their reception, featuring beer, canned wine and alcohol-infused ice pops, which can be customized with private labels. FrutaPOP's "poptails" have a variety of flavors from apple cider bourbon to coconut "frose" and pina colada.

*Allergies

Couples need to be considerate of their guests' dietary needs and preferences, including allergies and intolerances. Ask guests on their RSVP card to include food preference.

"If you are opting for a buffet style, label the food as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or allergen-free," advises Michelin-starred chef Adam Howard of Susan Gage Caterers in Washington, D.C. "This way, your guests feel comfortable and don't have lingering concerns about which dishes may be safe for them to enjoy."

The labels can be presented in the same style and theme with other wedding decor so as not to detract from the event aesthetics.

*Desserts

Wedding cake is the traditional big-day dessert, but other sweet treats are on the menu, too.

Over half of the couples in the WeddingWire report served dessert other than cake. One bride said she had a cookie table with individually wrapped cookies.

Order donuts, macarons, tarts, churros, pies or cake pops in addition or as an alternative to cake. Serve the sweets on a styled dessert table alongside a coffee and tea station.

Like so many elements of the wedding day, the food makes a statement about the couple. So, have fun when personalizing and planning your menu!