Wedding Catering in Wilmington, NC: Mediterranean, Italian & Southern Menus
Your Vision Deserves Cuisine That Matches It
When you're planning a wedding in Wilmington, catering is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Not because it's complicated — but because it matters. Your guests will remember how they felt, and a significant part of that feeling comes from the food.
At Castle Gardens ILM, we've learned that every couple is different. Some want the bold, sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean. Others want the comfort and elegance of Italy. And some want the warmth and tradition of Southern cuisine. The best part? You don't have to choose just one.
Why Wedding Catering in Wilmington Needs to Be Personal
Most catering companies hand you a menu, take your order, and show up on the day. We do something different. We start by asking: What does your wedding taste like?
That question matters because your menu should feel like an extension of your celebration — not like you ordered from a catalog. Whether you're hosting an intimate 30-person dinner or a grand celebration of 150, the food should reflect your style, your story, and your guests' expectations.
When you're ready to book, Castle Gardens ILM is here to make it seamless. But first, let's talk about what your wedding could taste like.
Mediterranean Trail: Bold Flavors, Timeless Elegance
If your aesthetic is destination wedding meets Cape Fear elegance, the Mediterranean Trail is your menu.
Picture this: Your guests arrive to a spread of vibrant Mediterranean colors and flavors. Hummus and warm pita bread. Tabbouleh and marinated olives. A Caprese salad that tastes like summer. Greek salad with real feta. Roasted vegetables that actually taste roasted.
You choose two proteins — options include lemon baked chicken, meatballs, lamb, steak, shrimp, or premium seafood upgrades (clams, scallops, oysters). You choose two sides from a rotating selection of soups, mashed potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, tabbouleh, or white rice.
Everything is anchored by a 24-inch charcuterie board — artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, and enough visual impact to make your photographer love you.
Mediterranean Trail starts at $3,000 for 25 guests.
What makes this work for weddings: It feels elevated without feeling stuffy. Your guests get to graze, mix flavors, and create their own experience. And if you're marrying someone with Mediterranean heritage, or you spent your honeymoon in Greece? This menu tells that story.
A Taste of Italy: Comfort Meets Refinement
If warmth and familiarity are more your speed, A Taste of Italy delivers.
Tender Tuscan chicken. Savory meatballs in marinara. Fresh pasta. Bruschetta. Caprese salad. Warm bread with olive oil. The smells alone make people feel at home.
You still get the customization — two protein choices (Tuscan chicken, meatballs, steak, shrimp, lamb, or premium seafood), two sides (asparagus, broccoli, soup, mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms), and a choice of dip (queso, beef, or spinach).
Plus the 24-inch charcuterie board, mini dessert bar, pasta, and all the garden-fresh sides that make Italian cuisine feel like a hug.
A Taste of Italy starts at $3,000 for 25 guests.
This menu works for couples who want their guests to feel welcomed and cared for. Italian food does that. There's a reason it's the language of hospitality.
Southern Comfort: Your Roots on a Plate
And then there's Southern Comfort — because sometimes your wedding should taste like home.
Crispy fried chicken. Creamy shrimp and grits. Buttery biscuits. Mac and cheese that doesn't come from a box. Cornbread. Baked beans. Cole slaw. All of it grounded by a 24-inch charcuterie board filled with smoked meats, artisanal cheeses, and pickled vegetables.
You choose two proteins: BBQ chicken, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or steak. You choose two sides: white rice, collards, string beans, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato salad, corn, or candy yams.
It's rustic and refined at the same time. Which is exactly what a Southern wedding should be.
Southern Comfort starts at $3,200 for 25 guests.
What's Actually Included (Because Details Matter)
Every wedding catering package from Castle Gardens ILM includes:
Complete setup and breakdown of your venue
Custom linens and table scapes designed for your event
Custom menus printed for each guest
Fresh florals in your color scheme
Professional servers to keep glasses full and plates flowing
Custom welcome board
Custom cutlery and serving pieces
Food beautifully plated and ready to serve
In other words: You show up dressed beautifully, and everything else is handled. You get to be the bride or groom, not the event coordinator.
The Real Cost of Wedding Catering
Your catering budget matters, and we're direct about it. Your minimum investment starts at $3,000 — not because we're expensive, but because your guests deserve an experience worth remembering.
That said, your actual cost depends on a few things:
Menu choice: Mediterranean, Italian, and Southern all start at roughly the same price point, with premium proteins (seafood) adding $5 per person.
Guest count: More guests means lower per-person cost. A 50-person wedding is more efficient than a 25-person dinner.
Beverage service: We include water. Everything else — from fruit juices ($5/person) to premium liquor ($20/person) — is optional.
Seasonal pricing: Holiday and seasonal events carry a premium because we're stepping away from family celebrations to celebrate with yours.
Fresh florals and custom décor: If Pinterest inspiration matters to you, budget for it. Real florals from real florists cost what they cost — and they're worth it.
How to Start
You've been planning this wedding in your head for months (or years). You know what it feels like. You know what it tastes like.
When you're ready to turn that vision into reality, reach out to Castle Gardens ILM. Tell us your guest count, your date, your budget, and which menu caught your eye. We'll take it from there — from the first consultation to the final toast, making sure every detail serves your vision.
Your wedding should taste as beautiful as it looks. Let's make that happen.
Call us at 877-732-2785 or book your consultation online.
Chef Dex's Note
Every couple I work with is different. Some want their wedding to feel like a destination. Some want it to feel like coming home. And some want a little bit of both. The beauty of working with a chef-led catering company is that your menu can be as unique as your love story. We don't do templates. We do you.
