If you're planning a beautiful wedding and reception, you'll want to make sure that your menu reflects the outdoor location. No matter what your wedding-planning budget is, you can treat your friends and loved ones to fresh, creative appetizers and meals inspired by the beautiful surroundings. 

One of the first things to consider when planning a wedding menu is logistics and venue space. If you're holding the ceremony and reception outdoors, such as directly on the beach, you may need to make some food service accommodations. Renting an event tent, for instance, will keep bugs away from the food as well as provide some shelter in case of inclement weather. 

Depending on your wedding budget and the size of your guest list, you can either make the snacks and meals yourself or hire your favorite seafood-based eatery to do it. Another option is to hold the ceremony at a seaside restaurant that offers event space. 

Here are some additional catering ideas for waterfront wedding receptions:

1. Grilled Seafood

One of the best ways to bring out the natural flavors in seafood is by grilling it. Treat guests to flavorful skewers filled with a selection of local seafood, such as shrimp and scallops. Not only will local, in-season seafood taste fresher, but it may also allow you to save money as well.

Fill the skewers with other complementary ingredients such as pineapple, mango, red onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or peppers. Provide a selection of different skewer combinations for guests to choose from, or allow them to make their own. 

Round out the lunch or dinner with sides such as rice pilaf, garden salads with homemade dressing, French fries, pasta or potato salads, or fruit salad. 

2. Build-Your-Own Taco Bar 

Treat wedding guests to a build-your-own taco bar featuring a selection of seafood and other fresh fillings and toppings. Tacos are sure to please attendees of all ages, and you can also easily incorporate seafood into them. 

Start by setting up a buffet-style table filled with bowls, serving platters, or warming trays filled with taco ingredients. Some ideas include grilled or fried fish of any kind, shrimp, scallops, traditional ground beef, refried beans for the vegetarians in the crowd, and chorizo. 

When it comes to fresh toppings, include a mix of classic and gourmet items, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, black olives, diced onions, avocados, limes, homemade salsa and guacamole, Mexican crema, and grilled portobello mushrooms and sweet corn. Give guests the choice of either flour or corn tortillas, or taco bowls. 

Reach out to a catering service like Soundview Caterers to learn more.