Trends and Inspiration for Menus

Choosing the right wedding menu is one of the most important details in creating a cohesive and beautiful table setting on the big day.

Whether you’re planning a luxurious castle wedding, a rustic country celebration or a modern, minimalist event, there are plenty of creative ways to present your wedding dinner menu. Here, we take a look at some of the latest trends in wedding menus.

Photographs by Vanessa Sander

1. Handmade and personalised menu cards

Unique, handmade details are becoming increasingly popular, and the menu card is no exception. Here are a few suggestions on how to give your menu a personal touch:

• Handwritten menu cards – Calligraphy and hand-written cards create a romantic and authentic feel.
• Watercolour and painted details – A touch of art with soft watercolour tones or painted illustrations that match the wedding’s theme.
• Personalised messages – A short greeting to the guests on each menu card makes it more personal and unique.
• Seals and wax stamps – An elegant detail that lends the menu cards a sense of exclusivity.

2. Transparency and modern materials

For a modern and luxurious feel, transparent materials are a major trend.

• Acrylic menus – Clear or frosted acrylic panels with stylish text are perfect for a modern wedding.
• Glass and mirror menus – Engraved or handwritten menus on glass or mirror panels create an elegant and sophisticated look.
• Wax paper and parchment – Semi-transparent materials add a dreamy and romantic touch.

3. Minimalist and stylish designs

Many couples prefer a simple and stylish aesthetic that suits a modern wedding style. Here are a few popular suggestions:

• Simple typefaces and monochrome colours – Sleek, minimalist cards with classic typefaces are always a timeless trend.
• Simple typography without embellishments – Clean lines and understated colours create an elegant impression.
• Embossing and embossed details – Tactile details in the form of embossed printing add a touch of luxury without being too ostentatious.

Images by Karin Lundin

4. Natural and sustainable materials

Sustainability is one of the strongest trends in wedding planning. Many couples choose to incorporate eco-friendly options into their table settings, including the place cards:

• Recycled paper – Eco-friendly or handmade paper with floral motifs is a beautiful and environmentally friendly solution.
• Wood or cork – Menu cards engraved on thin wooden plaques or cork boards create a rustic and natural feel.
• Fabric menus – Printed or embroidered menus on fabric can be both elegant and environmentally friendly.

5. Creative and interactive solutions

If you want to do something a bit different with your menus, there are several playful and interactive options to choose from. Here are a few fun trends:

• Menu cards with the guest’s name – Combine the menu card with a place card for a seamless and practical solution.
• QR code menus – A digital twist where guests can scan a code to view the menu on their phones.
• Illustrations – Don’t be afraid to incorporate illustrations to fully or partially replace the text on traditional menus.
• Write the menus on the tablecloth – Use a paper tablecloth and write the menu on it instead of printing a menu card for each person.

6. Tailor your wedding menu cards to the theme

To create a cohesive and harmonious table setting, it is recommended that the menu cards reflect the wedding’s theme. Here are a few examples:

• Bohemian wedding – Use hand-painted floral patterns, natural materials and earthy colours.
• Luxurious and sophisticated wedding – Combine acrylic, gold printing and deep, dark tones.
• Rustic country wedding – Experiment with wood, jute twine and muted pastels.
• Tropical beach wedding – Don’t be afraid to experiment with light blue and sandy shades, seashells and wavy edges.

The menu card is a small but important detail that can elevate your wedding table setting and give guests a taste of the gastronomic experience. Whether you prefer handwritten cards, a modern acrylic design or sustainable materials, there are plenty of trends to draw inspiration from.

By tailoring the menu cards to your style and theme, you can create a beautiful and well-thought-out whole that enhances your big day. For an extra personal and luxurious touch to your menu cards, you can use calligraphy – an artistic script that truly adds a touch of elegance to the table setting.