Weddings can be tricky business. If you don’t believe this, you’ve probably never been personally involved in planning one. Of course, there’s a lot of joy and rejoicing, but let’s be honest, we’ve made entire movies—as well as movie remakes, sequels, and spin-off TV series—about how stressful wedding planning can be. From clothing to guest list to venue, there are huge questions and painful decisions lurking around every corner, and food is no exception. Of course, this is a party, and people need to eat and drink, but what exactly and how much of it needs to be there? It feels like make one wrong move, and revelers could turn into a ravenous, angry mob.

That’s why we have wedding planners to help smooth out those rough edges and offer advice on all aspects of the process, with food being a key aspect. Tasting Table doesn’t want anyone’s big day to be a culinary failure, so we asked Lauren Chambers, founder and owner of Direct My Day, what advice she has for wedding day meal planning. “A balanced menu typically includes two to three appetizers, a choice of two to three main courses including at least one vegetarian option, two to three sides and a dessert,” says Chambers.

Chambers’ advice ensures that guests’ hunger doesn’t spoil their fun. But weddings can vary in size, so it’s important to know how much to have on hand. Chambers offers some advice for larger weddings. “For a guest count of around 150, plan for around four appetizers and at least three (main course) stations with multiple sides,” she explains. “The key is to make sure you have enough food for everyone. Running out of food or alcohol is a big no-no!”

Of course, there are other pitfalls to avoid. Remember that variety is the spice of life, and not offering different options is one of the biggest mistakes when planning a wedding menu. Also, don’t think of the wedding cake as the only dessert. It’s always smart to have another option up your sleeve, such as a groom’s cake or even practical and unique hand cakes.

What to serve can still be daunting, but don’t let that get in the way of planning. Let the food be a reflection of who you are and what you enjoy. If you’re getting married by the sea and you like seafood, serve fish. If you’re more into barbecue, consider brisket and pulled pork. Just be careful when it comes to gourmet ingredients for the main course; they may seem appropriate for such a special day, but they can quickly blow the budget and are often controversial.