You’ve reached the point in the wedding planning process where you must select food and drinks for your reception. Unfortunately, you have mixed emotions. You want to incorporate healthy foods, but you’re not sure your guests will respond well. When most people hear the word “healthy,” they automatically assume bland foods. Naturally, you want your friends and family to enjoy their meal, but you’re passionate about healthy living. 

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to create a healthier reception menu without compromising flavor or taste. Here are some delicious ideas your guests are sure to love. 

Go Organic

One of the simplest ways to create a healthier reception menu is to select organic foods. These are fruits, vegetables, meat, and other items made from all-natural, unprocessed ingredients. Eliminating or reducing the chemicals and additives present in the food improves your overall well-being. When making selections for your reception, talk with the caterer about the types of ingredients used to prepare the dishes. Ensure that they’re aware you prefer organic. 

Farm To Table

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate healthy foods into your wedding reception while supporting a great cause, farm-to-table options are ideal. The idea is that all your foods are sourced from local farms. It helps to support the local economy while saving the environment. There are plenty of restaurants that advertise farm-to-table food choices that you can work with to create the perfect reception menu. 

Vegan With a Flare

Vegan cuisine has come a long way from blocks of soy and raw vegetables. These days, chefs can make just about anything using vegan ingredients. There isn’t any type of food that can’t be recreated for your guests, from soups and salads to burgers and fries. Grilled veggies on a skewer over a bed of quinoa and sauteed onions, eggplant parmigiana, or chickpea tacos wrapped in romaine lettuce with peppers and onions tastes just as amazing as the meat options. All it takes is the right seasonings and proper cooking techniques to wow your guests. 

If you don’t want to go entirely vegan, there’s also the option to incorporate a combination of vegan and regular menu options for your guests. 

Fruit And Veggie Appetizers

Another option for couples that want a healthy reception menu (but don’t want to go overboard) is fruit and vegetable appetizers. Ditch the pigs in a blanket, meatballs, and other traditional appetizer ideas for something with more nutritional value. A simple fruit salad drizzled with honey or chocolate or fresh vegetables with fancy dipping sauces is both simple yet delicious options. If you want to stay big on flavor, you can always opt for portobello mushroom sliders, zucchini fries, or baked macaroni and cheese balls. Your guests’ mouths are sure to start watering the moment they read this on the wedding invitations. 

Smoothie Bar

Why not incorporate a healthy food station into your wedding reception? A smoothie bar is a perfect treat for your guests. The station would have various types of fruits, vegetables, juices, milk, yogurts, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients for everyone to make their own smoothie. Of course, it’s always good to have a few recipe ideas for first-timers who may not know what they want. 

Salad Bar

Most people enjoy a decent salad before the main course. Instead of deciding on the typical garden and caesar or selecting something no one’s interested in eating, allow them to create their own salads. A salad bar complete with different fruits, vegetables, toppings, and dressings will surely encourage your guests to eat a little nutrition. 

Part of what makes weddings unique is the personalization couples put in the details. If you and your fiance are passionate about healthy living and want to incorporate nutritional foods on your reception menu, go for it. As you can see from above, there are plenty of ways to add healthy choices without compromising taste or flavor. Your health-conscious guests will appreciate it while first-timers will get exposed to the good life – and love it.