Before You Plan the Menu
Ask yourself these questions first:
- How many guests? (Affects quantity and whether you do plated vs. buffet)
- Time of day? (Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner — each calls for different food)
- Dietary needs? (Halal, vegetarian, vegan, allergies)
- Venue restrictions? (Some venues require their own catering or have kitchen limitations)
- Formal sit-down or casual mingling?
Budget-Friendly Menu ($15-25/person)
- Appetizers: Hummus & pita spread, vegetable crudités, cheese board, spinach fatayer
- Main: Rice pilaf with chicken, pasta station, or build-your-own wrap bar
- Dessert: Sheet cake, baklava platter, fruit display
- Drinks: Flavored water, lemonade, tea/coffee station
- Tip: Potluck-style where family members each bring a dish works beautifully for home parties
Mid-Range Menu ($35-60/person)
- Appetizers: Passed hors d'oeuvres — lamb kofta, stuffed grape leaves, bruschetta, shrimp cocktail
- Main: Buffet with 2-3 entrées — grilled chicken, beef kabobs, rice, salad, bread
- Dessert: Cake + small dessert table (mini baklava, chocolate truffles, kunafa)
- Drinks: Mocktail bar, fresh juices, sparkling water, specialty tea
Premium Menu ($75+/person)
- Appetizers: Sushi station, seafood display, charcuterie wall, soup shooters
- Main: Plated dinner — filet mignon or lamb chops, lobster tail, risotto
- Dessert: Custom multi-tier cake + Viennese dessert hour
- Drinks: Full mocktail menu with a bartender, espresso machine, juice bar
Arab & Middle Eastern Favorites
These are always a hit at engagement parties:
- Mansaf (Jordanian) or Machboos (Gulf) as the showpiece main
- Moutabal, tabbouleh, and fattoush for appetizers
- Knafeh, um ali, and ma'amoul for dessert
- Arabic coffee with dates for the welcome
- Fresh fruit juices — mango, guava, pomegranate
Pro Tips
- Always order 10-15% more food than you think you need.
- Label everything — guests with dietary restrictions will thank you.
- Set up the dessert table near the ring display — that's where photos happen.
- Have food ready when guests arrive — no one likes waiting 2 hours to eat.
