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Photo by Valorie Darling
A spring wedding comes with the opportunity to embrace pastel hues and garden vibes. With dates ranging from late March through late June, it’s also a beautiful time of year to embrace temperate weather.
Another great thing about spring? The abundance of fresh produce popping up after a chilly winter, and those flavors are ideal for incorporating into your spring wedding menu. “Spring is a time of creation, rebirth, and blossoms. The earth literally comes alive, and it is a celebration of sun and flavor,” says Meg Walker, CEO & executive chef of Made by Meg Catering. "Look for delicious seasonal menu items to really lean into the season.”
Meet the Expert
Meg Walker is the CEO and executive chef of Made by Meg Catering, a full-service wedding and events catering company based in California.
Walker suggests thinking garden-forward when it comes to developing your spring menu. No matter the service style, or whether you’re planning for appetizers, starters, mains, or side dishes, it's all about fresh, light flavors to celebrate the season. Some of the most prominent flavors of spring? Think English peas, asparagus, radishes, artichokes, and rhubarb.
Ready to get started on planning the perfect meal for your big day? Read on for 23 flavorful spring wedding menu ideas.
Spring Pea Bruschetta
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Photo by Amy and Stuart photography
The peak season for English peas begins in early spring, making this vibrant vegetable ideal for incorporating into your menu. Consider a pea bruschetta or a spring salad with peas and other fresh veggies.
Grilled Asparagus
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Photo by Henry and Mac
Celebrate peak asparagus season on your big day. Asparagus is such a versatile vegetable and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Consider grilled asparagus, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or even a beautiful asparagus risotto paired with your main dish. Walker suggests considering grilled asparagus with Meyer Lemon zest and first press olive oil.
Peach Crostinis
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Photo by Mark Spooner
The beginning of peach season kicks off in May, so you can certainly incorporate this juicy fruit into dishes for a May or June wedding. We love the idea of a toasty sliced baguette paired with goat cheese or ricotta and peaches for a delicious bite.
Burrata Salad
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Photo by Pat Furey
Made from cow's milk, burrata is a soft, fresh cheese. It features an outer casing of mozzarella with a curd-like, creamy interior, making for the perfect addition to a salad. Feature this unique soft cheese paired with spring arugula, prosciutto, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavorful dish.
Spring Puff Pastry Appetizers
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Photo by Branco Prata
If you want a heartier appetizer, look to puff pastry. It's delicate and buttery, allowing you to keep things light for spring. But with that great texture, it also provides the perfect base for flavors such as asparagus and asiago cheese or even a spinach and artichoke puff.
Fresh Oyster Bar
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Photo by Sasithon Photography
Oysters can be a delicious addition to a dinner spread in any season, but they're often best from late winter to early spring. Put together an oyster bar with all of your favorite accouterments, or work with your caterer to create a passed app option.
Pan-Seared Salmon
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Photo by Gretchen Gause
Serving salmon as a main dish is a great way to keep things light. It's delicate, easy to eat, and can be dressed up in so many ways including being topped with a lush garnish of arugula.
Springtime Charcuterie
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PHOTO BY CATHERINE GUIDRY
Let's face it, a charcuterie spread is great for any season. However, spring allows you to dress it up even further. Put together a beautiful spread and then garnish it with edible springtime blooms for a pop of color.
Beef Tenderloin
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Photo by Joel Serrato
Think you can't have beef for your main entree? Think again. While this is a heartier dish, it can be offered in small servings with a beautiful garnish of vibrant microgreens and carrots to fit the season.
Tuna Tartare
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Photo by Amy and Stuart photography
Keep things fresh with tuna tartare. This dish can be dressed up and served on individual spoons, or consider turning it into a plated app. Either way, it'll be such a refreshing bite on a warm spring day.
Shrimp Skewers
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Photo by Gretchen Gause
A great, light appetizer option? Feature shrimp. Look to beautifully seasoned shellfish with a sprig of rosemary for clever serving.
Melon and Heirloom Tomato Salad
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Photo by Christian Oth Studio
Watermelon season begins in the middle of spring, with fruit at its best in May. Feature this fruit by pairing it with heirloom tomatoes for a super refreshing, flavorful salad.
Spring Pea Gazpacho
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Photo by Jose Villa
Walker certainly suggests staying away from warm soups, but that doesn't mean you can't turn the concept on its head! Consider a cold soup, or a gazpacho, for a fresh take. Even better? Garnish it with dainty, edible pastel petals.
Deviled Eggs
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Photo by Laura Schneider Photo
Hoping for more of a homestyle meal? Look to favorites often served during Easter brunch. Choose a classic deviled egg or dress it up with unique flavors for a lovely appetizer.
Spring Arugula Salad
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Photo by Karen Hill
Arugula's peak season is definitely spring, and this leafy green is ready to shine. Harness its slightly peppery flavor for a unique salad. Even better? Dress it up with dainty edible flowers for a stunning dish.
Roast Lamb With Black Truffle
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Photo by Maya Maréchal
Choose leaner proteins when it comes to your main dish if you're hoping to keep things light. Roast lamb paired with fragrant truffle is sure to be a delightful option.
Mixed Greens Salad
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Photo by Mike Larson
There's no shame in keeping things super simple with a mixed greens salad to start. Walker suggests celebrating the season with a garden herb salad with green goddess dressing as a lovely, flavorful option.
Sushi Bar
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Photo by Rachel Rodgers Photography
It's safe to say sushi is great during any season, but we love the idea of a sushi bar for spring. Whether you host it during cocktail hour or let guests feast for dinner, it's a delicious, light option to enjoy as the weather gets warmer.
Caprese Skewers
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Photo by Rebecca Yale
Celebrate the season with refreshing appetizers. Skewers of fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes are sure to fit the bill. Plus, they'll make a beautiful, vibrant statement at cocktail hour.
Seabass and Vegetables
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Photo by Sasithon Photography
Another great, lean protein option? Fresh fish. "An ideal menu could consist of seared garden herb seabass with English pea puree," suggests Walker. A seasonal veggie risotto could serve as the perfect pairing as well.
Mini Fried Chicken
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Photo by Olivia leigh
While Walker suggests straying from heavier options such as fried foods, there may still be a chance to serve fried chicken if you're hoping for it. This dish is becoming increasingly popular for al fresco dinners, but the important thing to remember is size. Opt for smaller bites of fried chicken with a lighter coating for a delicious bite.
Beet Salad
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PHOTO BY MIKE RADFORD
While you can certainly find beets year-round, they are fresh and in-season in some places through early spring. Not only will their color add vibrancy to any dish, but they're also wonderfully flavorful when roasted or tossed in a salad.
Individual Charcuterie Plates
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Photo by Twah Dougherty Photography
This is certainly a menu item that can be adapted to any season. Set up charming, individual charcuterie boards for each place setting at your dinner table. Consider seasonal options to include such as cherries and strawberries to accompany meats and cheeses as you design each plate.