Fixed wedding packages work well for some couples, but many of the couples we work with want a menu that reflects family recipes, hometown favorites, or a specific mix of New Orleans dishes. At Elysian Events Catering, building a custom wedding menu is one of the biggest reasons couples choose us over a hotel banquet kitchen or a caterer that only offers one set list.
Yes, Building a Custom Wedding Menu Is What We Do Best
As a full-service caterer in New Orleans, we work with you to build a menu around your specific tastes rather than handing you one fixed list. When we build your custom menu, we usually start with one of our existing wedding packages and then add, swap, or expand from there to make it yours. You can review sample selections on our wedding packages menu page before you bring us your own ideas.
How We Build Your Custom Wedding Menu
Most of our couples start with a base package, then bring their own preferences into the conversation. This might mean asking us for a dish that reminds you of home, requesting a larger raw bar, or having us restructure the meal into stations instead of a buffet. Because our team is deeply familiar with New Orleans food history, we can also suggest dishes you might not have considered, from a Creole rice bar to a full crawfish boil station.
Once we have a general shape for your menu, we schedule a tasting so you can sample the dishes in person before anything is finalized. This is also when we talk through service style, whether that is a seated dinner, a buffet, or a mix of food stations, and confirm any final swaps.
Popular Ways Couples Personalize Their Menu
- Family Recipes and Local Flavors – Couples often ask us to fold in a family dish or a New Orleans classic like our red beans and rice, gumbo, or a Creole-spiced entree alongside our standard package options.
- Dietary Accommodations – Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly substitutions are common requests for us. We build these into your tasting rather than treating them as an afterthought. Check out our guide on catering to dietary restrictions for more detail, and see FARE’s guide to dining out with food allergies for tips on communicating allergies to any caterer.
- Oyster and Raw Bars – Our Louisiana oysters are a popular add-on. You can explore our oyster bar catering options if raw or chargrilled oysters are part of your vision.
- Bar and Drink Pairings – Once your food menu is set, we can help you build a matching bar package. See our drinks and bar catering page for cocktail and mocktail options that pair well with your meal.
Eco-Friendly Touches
All of our wedding packages include eco-friendly disposable dinnerware, and we work to keep food waste down at every event. If you do not have a specific plan for leftovers, we donate the remaining food to stock community fridges for New Orleans neighbors in need. For broader guidance on staying safe while cutting down on waste, Consumer Reports’ catering food safety tips for your wedding is a useful companion read.
Custom Menu Options at a Glance
| Menu Element | Customization Options |
|---|---|
| Hors d’oeuvres | Swap or add passed appetizers, including regional specialties |
| Entrees and sides | Family recipes, premium proteins, or additional entree choices |
| Raw bar | Raw oysters, chargrilled oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab claws |
| Dietary needs | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and allergy substitutions |
| Bar package | Basic, Standard, or Premium tiers, plus specialty cocktail add-ons |
| Dinnerware & waste | Eco-friendly disposable dinnerware included; leftover food donation available |
Custom Menus Are Not Just for Weddings
The same approach applies to our corporate event catering and private party catering. If you are planning an office celebration, a fundraiser, or a milestone birthday, we can adjust any of those packages the same way we adjust a wedding menu.
Working With Us on Your Custom Menu
We offer menu customization at no additional cost across all of our wedding packages. Start by browsing our full food menus for ideas, then bring your list of must-haves to your first conversation with us through our contact form. You can also read more about our story to get a feel for the team you will be working with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine dishes from different packages?
Yes, we frequently mix and match dishes across our package tiers to build a menu that fits your guests and your budget.
How far in advance should I finalize a custom menu?
We recommend locking in your custom menu a few weeks after your tasting. Tastings typically happen four to six months before the wedding, which gives our team plenty of time to plan sourcing and staffing.
Can a custom menu include non-New Orleans dishes?
Absolutely. While many of our couples lean into Cajun and Creole flavors, we can incorporate outside dishes or family recipes alongside your local favorites.
Does a custom menu cost more than a standard package?
Not always. We offer menu customization at no additional cost on our standard packages. Costs typically only change if you add premium proteins, an oyster bar, or extra courses.
Can you accommodate food allergies in a custom menu?
Yes, we build vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly substitutions into your tasting so nothing is left to chance on the day of your event.
