Imagine exchanging your vows on the beach with the sound of waves crashing in the background. Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate your big day!
And what better way to complete your seaside wedding than with a delicious clambake?
Whether you’re planning a seaside ceremony or just want to bring the coast to life at your hometown event, a clambake menu is sure to delight your guests!
With that seafood feast, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds–amazing food plus a stunning seaside backdrop!
But when it comes to creating the perfect menu, where do you start?
As your trusted clambake caterer, let us share with you ideas for the ideal clambake that will make your wedding day even more special!
Choose Your Protein
The key component of any good clambake is, of course, the seafood!
Look for fresh seafood at local markets or online providers–plenty of options are available depending on where you live.
You'll want to choose seafood that can stand up to steaming or boiling–lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams are all excellent choices!
If you're looking for something less traditional, or if some of your guests don't eat seafood, just like what we can also provide you here at East Coast Clambakes, grilled chicken or steak could be served.
Struggling to decide which protein you'd like to serve for dinner?
Here are some delicious dishes that can make your choice easier:
Oysters Rockefeller
Start your dinner off with a luxurious appetizer - baked oysters lightly blanketed in spinach Parmesan cream sauce.
A simply divine flavor combination that will tantalize the taste buds!
Fish Tacos
Make something special by trying these irresistible fried fish tacos!
Soft tortillas are loaded with flaky white fish, topped off with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy avocado salsa for an unforgettable flavor!
Crab Cakes
Delight your taste buds with the unforgettable flavors of homemade crab cakes!
Serve them up at your clambake reception, accompanied by a delightful burst of lemony flavor and an exquisite tartar sauce. This is one meal that you won't soon forget!
Steamed Lobster
When you want to host a truly spectacular beach-side celebration, steamed lobster is the perfect dish!
This classic seafood delight will be one of the stars of your reception menu.
Serve it with delicious drawn butter for an extra layer of flavor and indulgence that's sure to leave guests raving about your event for years to come!
Lobster Rolls
For a hassle-free indulgence, lobster rolls are the perfect solution!
Engulfed with melted butter and aromatic lemon juice, this delectable delight is served on warm buttered rolls to ensure maximum flavor.
With minimal effort required, it's no wonder everyone loves them - so give in to your cravings and savor every mouthful of these tasty seafood treats today!
Fried Clams
Nothing beats the classic taste of fried clams!
Paired with tartar sauce or malt vinegar, these crunchy and savory delicacies go perfectly alongside fries or onion rings for a delicious combination that simply can't be beaten!
Mussels
For couples on a tight budget selecting their wedding reception menu, mussels are an affordable and adaptable choice!
Garlic-butter mussels or marinara-flavored mussels (or both!) will delight your guests with this popular seafood favorite!
Grilled Seafood Skewers
Skewers are great because they can be customized to suit any dietary preference (just skip the skewers altogether if you have vegan guests!).
Grill shrimp, scallops, squid, or whatever other seafood you like together on one skewer and serve over lemon couscous or rice pilafs.
Roasted Clams
Any shellfish enthusiast will be sure to devour this delicious dish!
Serve it with garlic toast for a delightful flavor combination and added crunch.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Our BBQ baby back ribs are an absolute must-have for any clambake-style wedding!
Juicy, tender, and sweet from the barbecue sauce--your guests will be impressed!
Serve them with fresh cornbread or roasted potatoes to make them even more special. Delightful bites that everyone can enjoy at your grand occasion!
BBQ Boneless Chicken Breast
Why not add some of our BBQ-sauce glazed boneless chicken breasts to your clambake menu?
This dish is a surefire way to win the hearts of all your guests!
Accompany it with steamed vegetables for a delicious and healthy side option that will tantalize everyone's taste buds.
Pick Your Sides
To make your clambake truly unforgettable, don't forget to include a selection of delicious sides that will tantalize everyone in attendance!
Whether you opt for corn on the cob, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or macaroni salad - be sure to have something special for your guests.
To get started on creating an exquisite menu, just take a look at these tasty dishes:
Clam Chowder
There's nothing better than creamy clam chowder on a brisk evening.
Why not spice things up with something out of the ordinary, such as Manhattan or Rhode Island Red clam chowder? No matter which flavor you choose, it'll be scrumptious!
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a must-have at any summer gathering, but it reaches its peak popularity during clambake festivities!
Boil some cobs to perfection and provide butter, salt, and pepper for your guests to slather them in - they'll be eating with delight!
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Indulge in a sumptuous feast and experience authentic comfort food!
This exquisite dish is the perfect marriage of two delicious classics that will have your taste buds begging for more, even long after dinner.
Mixed Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
To ensure your guests leave feeling energized and satisfied, serve them a light yet flavorful salad with carefully-selected local ingredients.
Try cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese for an inviting mix that will tantalize their taste buds without leaving them overly full after their meal. Complete the dish by dressing it in an irresistible homemade vinaigrette -- delicious!
Red Smashed Potatoes
Certainly not to be forgotten, red smashed potatoes provide an effortless but elegant addition to any clambake menu.
Serving them hot directly from the oven amplifies their irresistible flavor even more!
Drinks & Desserts
Don't forget about drinks and desserts in your clambake menu ideas!
Serve up ice-cold beer or sangria for that 21 and older and refreshing lemonade for kids and non-drinkers alike.
For dessert, why not serve mini whoopie pies with a scoop of ice cream? This sweet treat is sure to put a smile on everyone's face as they enjoy the rest of their meal by the sea!
Check out these delectable treats available on our menu here at East Coast Clambakes:
Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream
Nothing says summer like strawberry shortcake!
This classic dessert is sure to be a hit at your clambake wedding.
You could go traditional with a homemade sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, or mix it up with angel food cake or pound cake instead of sponge cake.
Either way, this sweet treat is sure to bring smiles all around!
Homemade Chocolate Brownies
Clambakes may be all about seafood, but no one can resist a delicious homemade chocolate brownie!
Whether you go for chewy or cakey, these decadent treats are sure to hit the spot after dinner.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a few marshmallows on top for an extra-special touch? Your guests will love them!
New York-Style Cheesecake
What better way to finish off dinner than with a classic New York-style cheesecake?
This creamy concoction is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Plus, it looks as good as it tastes—you could even decorate it with fresh fruit for an extra pop of color. It’s the perfect way to end a fantastic evening of feasting and dancing!
Wrapping It Up
With its stunning views, delicious food, and delightful drinks & dessert menu ideas, a clambake wedding will surely be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
Its menu is sure to be a hit among guests who love coastal cuisine and will help bring the seaside vibe directly into your reception hall.
From BBQ baby back ribs and steamed lobster to fluffy strawberry shortcakes, you can easily create a classic clambake menu that will have your guests raving about how delicious everything is.
With these menu ideas, you can ensure that your clambake wedding will be just right!
So go ahead – let your imagination run wild as you find the perfect menu for your special day. Cheers!
Looking to plan a wedding menu without stress?
East Coast Clambakes has got you covered! Enjoy delicious dishes such as those mentioned above with ease!
We are devoted to creating a menu that fits your budget and meets your needs!
Get in touch with us now to begin planning your perfect clambake wedding!