Planning a wedding, family reunion, celebration of life or corporate event? No matter the size of your gathering, seafood can add a touch of elegance and flavor to the menu. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Let us help you navigate the best seafood choices for your next big event or celebration.

1. Consider the Event Type and Guest List

The first step in choosing seafood is considering your event type and the preferences of your guests. A formal wedding might call for a more upscale selection like Alaskan king salmon, often referred to as the "filet mignon of the sea." For casual gatherings like family reunions or BBQs, sockeye salmon or black cod can offer incredible flavor at a more budget-friendly price.

If you’re catering for a diverse crowd, it’s important to provide variety. Seafood like prawns and crab make great additions to hors d'oeuvre platters, while grilled salmon is a crowd-pleaser for any entrée.

2. Buy Seafood in Bulk

Purchasing seafood in bulk is ideal for large events, as it allows you to get premium seafood at a better price point. When buying in bulk, make sure to plan ahead. Estimate how much seafood you’ll need based on your guest count and the type of meal you’ll be serving.

For example, if seafood is the main course, you’ll typically need about 6-8 ounces of fish per person. For seafood appetizers, prawns or crab cakes are perfect options that can be served in smaller portions.

3. Opt for Variety to Cater to Different Tastes

Every guest has their own preferences, so providing a variety of seafood options ensures that everyone will find something they love. For example, for a wedding or larger event, offering both salmon and black cod provides a balance between rich, buttery flavors and light, flaky textures.

You can also consider adding prawns, crab, or even seafood platters for appetizers. Alaskan spot prawns are a deliciously sweet option that’s sure to impress, while crab is perfect for a more interactive meal, like a seafood boil or crab leg stations.

4. Don’t Forget Smoked Seafood

Of course, you have to consider including smoked seafood offerings. Smoked salmon or smoked black cod can be a sophisticated addition to appetizer platters, charcuterie boards, or even a creative spin on traditional seafood dishes. Smoked seafood is not only a crowd favorite, but it's also super easy to prep and serve. And if you want to get a little creative, its rich, smoky flavor adds a perfect touch of depth and pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides and accompaniments (smoked salmon pasta, anyone?)

5. Choose Sustainable, Wild-Caught Seafood

It’s simple – knowing where your food comes from makes it taste better, and you feel better about eating it. When planning a large event, sustainability should be a priority. By choosing wild-caught, sustainable seafood, you’re supporting responsible fishing practices that protect the environment while providing your guests with fresh, high-quality food.

Whidbey Seafoods proudly sources our seafood from the pristine waters of Alaska, where sustainable fishing practices ensure the long-term health of fish populations and their ecosystems. With our wild-caught seafood, you can serve your guests with confidence, knowing you’ve made an eco-friendly choice.

6. Get Creative with Seafood Catering Ideas

Seafood lends itself to endless creative possibilities when it comes to catering. Here are some fun ideas for incorporating seafood into your event menu:

• Seafood Platters: An eye-catching seafood platter featuring a mix of prawns, crab, and smoked salmon can serve as a stunning centerpiece.
• Seafood Boils: For a more relaxed and interactive meal, consider a seafood boil with Dungeness crab, prawns, and seasonal vegetables.
• Grilled Salmon or Cod: Perfect for outdoor events, grilled seafood gives off a smoky flavor that’s both delicious and crowd-pleasing.
• Smoked Seafood: Incorporate smoked salmon or smoked black cod as an elegant starter or part of a seafood spread that adds variety and flavor to your event menu.

*Pro tip: If you're planning a wedding, have some crackers and smoked pâté on hand for the wedding party to keep everyone satisfied and avoid any pre-ceremony hanger!

7. Partner with a Trusted Seafood Provider

Working with a trusted seafood provider ensures that your seafood arrives fresh, perfectly prepared, and on time for your event. At Whidbey Seafoods, we take pride in helping you plan and execute the perfect seafood spread for your big day. We offer bulk seafood options for weddings, large gatherings, and more, along with personalized support to help you choose the right products.

We also offer special bulk pricing to accommodate your event’s needs. Feel free to reach out to us for inquiries or questions about how we can help make your event a success.