Are menu cards necessary at a wedding?

Short answer

Menu cards are not necessary, but they are helpful. They inform guests about the food, especially if there are allergies or choices. If you have a set menu, you can skip them, but many couples include them for style and clarity.

Menu cards are not a legal requirement for a wedding, so you can decide based on your meal style and budget. If you are serving a plated meal with a fixed menu, a menu card is a nice extra but not essential. Guests can usually see what they are eating from the table setting or the caterer's announcement. However, menu cards become more useful if you have multiple choices, such as a fish, meat, or vegetarian option, because guests may forget what they ordered. They are also helpful for guests with food allergies or religious dietary needs, as you can list the ingredients or allergens. If you are having a buffet or a family-style meal, a single menu card per table can work well. Some couples prefer to save paper and print the menu on a small tent card or include it in the order of service. Others use a welcome board or a digital display. The decision is yours. Think about your guests' experience. A menu card adds a polished look and gives people something to read while they wait. But if you are on a tight budget, you can skip them without any problem. Your caterer can always tell guests what is being served.