Multi-course meal selections

Maybe it's just because most of the events I've been to (weddings, baptisms, bridal showers, baby showers, etc.) had no option (aside from a vegetarian option) that I would absolutely go with Option 2. I think by giving people less choices, it's just easier to arrange, also, this way your seating chart can just be by table instead of specific seats to ensure each meal gets served to the right person.

I think it depends on the venue you chose (if they are providing the catering). We have a meal tasting where we have to choose each course of the meal for all our guest, including the starters. They offer us 4 choices to pick from for the starters prior to our wedding event. We don't have the option at the time to offer our guest a choice, and if their choices differ we have to chose one. I would check with your venue before asking your guest what they would like to chose. Some venues allow your guest to select there meals and it can differ guest to guest prior to your reception. Another idea if you wanted to give your guest more options may be to have a buffet. I know our venue offered a buffet, but we opted because we wanted our guest to be served formally.

Our venue let us choose between two different soups and salads. We went for a meal tasting and had to choose then which one we liked the best for both. We also gave a selection out of three different meals. I've never heard of venues offering you the choice between different starters too other than prior to choosing your menu.