How to Select the Best Menu for Your Big Day
Planning your wedding on the Costa del Sol? The food you serve is one of the most memorable parts of your big day – it sets the tone, brings people together, and ensures your guests are well-fed and happy throughout the celebration. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect wedding menu?
At Sana Catering Marbella, we specialise in luxury wedding catering in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, creating bespoke menus tailored to every couple’s unique tastes, traditions, and vision. Whether you’re planning a lavish Marbella villa wedding, a beachfront celebration, or an intimate garden ceremony in the Andalucían countryside, here’s everything you need to consider when selecting your ideal wedding menu.
- Choose a Catering Style That Fits Your Wedding
The style of catering you choose will influence the overall atmosphere, flow, and guest experience at your wedding. Below are some of the most popular wedding catering options:
Plated Sit-Down Dinner
A plated meal is the most traditional and elegant option, where guests are served multiple courses while seated. This is perfect for formal weddings in Marbella’s luxury villas or estates, offering a seamless and beautifully presented dining experience.
Best for: Elegant, black-tie weddings
Pros: Refined presentation, structured service, and a relaxed guest experience
Family-Style Dining
For a more intimate, interactive experience, opt for family-style dining. Large platters of food are placed at each table, encouraging guests to share and interact. This style works beautifully for rustic cortijos, countryside weddings, and garden receptions.
Best for: Warm, social gatherings
Pros: Encourages conversation, provides variety, and feels relaxed
Buffet-Style Catering
A buffet allows guests to choose from a wide variety of dishes, making it an excellent option for destination weddings in Marbella where guests may have different dietary preferences. This option provides flexibility while keeping the atmosphere relaxed.
Best for: Casual, fun weddings with diverse guests
Pros: Lots of choices, accommodates dietary needs, and creates a social vibe
Live Cooking
For a unique wedding reception, live cooking allows guests to explore different cuisines, from live paella cooking to sushi bars, barbecues, or tapas stations. This setup suits beachfront weddings, boho-style receptions, and creative couples looking for something different.
Best for: Dynamic, stylish weddings and grand events
Pros: Great for guest engagement, visually stunning, and diverse menu options
Cocktail-Style Reception
If you prefer a laid-back, social wedding atmosphere, consider a cocktail-style reception with passed canapés, gourmet finger foods, and elegant grazing tables. This is perfect for intimate beach weddings, sunset terrace receptions, or villa parties.
Best for: Modern, casual, or boho-chic weddings
Pros: Encourages mingling, keeps energy high, and eliminates formal seating
- Personalise Your Menu to Reflect You
Your wedding menu should feel authentic and meaningful. At Sana Catering Marbella, we work with you to create a menu that reflects you, incorporating local Mediterranean flavours, international influences, or family traditions.
Why not consider:
- Featuring a signature dish inspired by your first date or a special trip.
- Showcasing Spanish cuisine with Andalucían tapas, seafood, and local delicacies.
- A cocktail menu with drinks inspired by you and your partner.
- Prioritise Quality Ingredients & Local Flavours
Choosing fresh, locally sourced ingredients is key to an exceptional wedding menu. Our chefs at Sana Catering Marbella use only the finest seasonal produce, locally caught seafood, and organic meats to craft dishes that are both flavourful and beautifully presented.
Popular menu choices include:
- Seafood paella made with fresh prawns, mussels, and saffron rice.
- Grilled Iberian pork with rosemary and olive oil.
- Slow-roasted lamb with Andalucían herbs.
- Traditional Spanish tapas like gazpacho, patatas bravas, and jamón ibérico.
- Consider Dietary Requirements & Guest Preferences
A well-rounded wedding menu should cater to all guests. We can provide:
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and other allergen-friendly menus.
- Vegetarian and vegan wedding menu options.
- Custom menus tailored to cultural or religious dietary needs.
- Children’s menus designed for all ages.
- Work with Experienced Wedding Caterers in Marbella
Your wedding catering company should be able to guide you through the process, offering menu tastings, tailored recommendations, and seamless coordination. At Sana Catering Marbella, we provide:
- Personalised consultations to design the perfect menu for your wedding.
- Tasting sessions with our Executive Head Chef, David Farber, so you can sample your wedding dishes.
- A professional catering team to ensure flawless execution on the big day.
- Full-service catering, including bar service, table styling, and seamless coordination with your venue.
With years of experience catering luxury weddings in Marbella, Estepona, Sotogrande, Mijas and across the Costa del Sol, we know how to deliver outstanding food and impeccable service for your big day.
More Than Just Wedding Catering
At Sana Catering Marbella, we offer more than just exceptional catering – we provide full wedding planning and styling services to make your dream day effortless and unforgettable. We can arrange everything from stunning venues and bespoke décor to entertainment, florals, and photography, we handle it all so you can relax and enjoy the moment.
As a one-stop-shop for all things weddings in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, we offer:
- Venue selection – From beachfront villas to rustic countryside cortijos.
- Styling & décor – Elegant table settings, lighting, florals, and event props.
- Entertainment & music – Live bands, DJs, and unique performances.
- Photography & videography – Including drone footage to capture every moment.
- Catering & bar services – Bespoke menus, signature cocktails, and wine pairings.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lavish multi-day celebration, we bring your vision to life with expertise and creativity.
Let’s Create Your Perfect Wedding Menu
If you’re planning your dream wedding in Marbella or anywhere else on the Costa del Sol, we’d love to bring your vision to life.
Get in touch today to start planning your perfect wedding menu with Sana Catering Marbella.