THE FOOD OF LOVE

The food of loveCATERING

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We delve into delicious food options for your big day

IS FOR AFTERNOON TEA A dream for a micro wedding or vintage-themed affair, an afternoon tea is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Check out www.tarteaucitroen.com BIS FOR BARBECUE Sure to please, a barbecue is the ideal fit for a summer wedding. It’s simple to cater for all tastes and dietary needs, plus the theatre of the food cooking amongst you creates a wonderful atmosphere.

CIS FOR COCKTAILS Why not create a bespoke cocktail for your drinks reception, something that reflects your theme or you as a couple? Irrhysistible Drinks is a Wolverhampton-based cocktail and shot company. “We’ve invented our own sweet and strong-flavoured drinks,” says owner Rhys

Linton. “Our five flavours are cherry, strawberry and lemon, tropical, orange and peach and pineapple and coconut. These are available as both cocktails and shots. We’ve had a lot of orders for wedding favours where we’ve personalised the labels to match the décor or couple’s taste.” Check out www.irrhysistibledrinks.co.uk IS FOR DOUGHNUTS The doughnut wall: surely the best invention to hit the wedding market in recent years! These hoops of joy are bound to prove popular, and provide great fuel for the dancefloor. Check out www.jabsevents.com

EIS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY One way to make your big-day dining sustainable is to opt for biodegradable dinnerware if you’re eating al fresco or in a buffet-style setting. Look for ethically-sourced and environmentally-friendly materials such as bamboo, wood, paper or plant-based compostable products. It’s also worth checking out your venue’s policy on recycling.

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IS FOR FAVOURS Factor some treats into your wedding favours for happy faces all around. How about some personalised cookies or mini bottles of your favourite tipple? GIS FOR GRAZING Still massively on trend, grazing platters are a great way of encouraging interaction between your guests and are super delicious to boot. Think artisan cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits, crackers, breads and more. “At Spreads and

Breads, we create food that brings people together,” says

Sarah and Charlotte. “We offer a cooler alternative to a buffet, where beige food and tiny canapés don’t cut it! Based in Solihull, we specialise in grazing tables, platter boards, wooden trays and eco boxes and with our passions for food, floristry and tablescape styling, we promise to blow your guests away. Our bespoke displays are made up of quality ingredients, sourcing where possible artisan cheeses, cured meats, chutney, fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring you are getting top-quality produce. We are more than happy to work with you to make your grazing platters and tables as bespoke as you like and follow any themes you may have.”

Check out www.spreadsandbreads.co.uk

HIS FOR HOG ROAST The versatility of a hog roast makes it one of the most popular forms of wedding catering. Serve with an array of salads and sides for an informal wedding breakfast feast or incorporate as an evening food station. “I’ve been involved with the hog roast industry for around six years,” says Sara from Poteys Pigroast. “COVID-19 happened, and my old boss retired which took me to buying my own equipment and Poteys Pigroast was started in May 2022. With help from my partner Tristan and both of our teenage sons we have established a familyrun business and travel up to an hour from our base in Coventry. Perfect for any occasion, we provide hog roasts and other mouth-watering catering for parties, corporate events and weddings. We pride ourselves on using locally sourced, free-range meat, slow cooked to perfection. The delicately seasoned meat falls of the bone, complemented by our freshlybaked bread rolls and home-made sauces.” Check out Poteys on Facebook.

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Van, bike or trike: ice cream can be served at your wedding in a variety of quirky ways and will be most welcome on a hot day. Check out www.icecreamvanhire4events.co.uk JIS FOR JUST TOO GOOD TO RESIST The Pudding Post all started during the last lockdown. “With a passion for good food and international catering experience we set about creating a beautiful-converted horse box to cater for weddings and events,” says Kevin Budd. “Our speciality bubble waffles are served in eight varieties using fresh fruit and only the best natural ingredients which are sourced from eco-friendly suppliers. Our other speciality are authentic Belgian waffle sticks, a taste you will never forget and is bound to bring a ray of sunshine into your day. We are very proud of our service and will always go beyond expectations to make your event a time to remember. From birthdays and weddings to festivals and garden parties, we will provide the best available at an affordable price.” Check out www.facebook.com/thepuddingpost

KIS FOR KNOWLEDGE The benefits of consulting a professional can never be underestimated. Whether it’s your venue’s recommended caterer or one you’ve sourced for yourself, they’ll work closely with you to create the menu of your dreams. They’re a source of all wisdom when it comes to your wedding breakfast, so don’t be afraid to ask them anything.

MIS FOR MOBILE BAR The choices are practically endless with more fun and fab ideas cropping up all the time. We love horsebox bars that serve speciality tipples such as an array of gins or prosecco for your post-vow reception. L IS FOR LATE The wedding breakfast can end up being served quite late in the day by the time you’ve said: “I do,” and popped off for your photographs. So, to prevent your loved ones flagging, ensure there are plenty of delicious canapés on hand for the drinks reception. A selection of five to six is a good guide and we love the idea of mini fish ‘n’ chip cones or warming bitesize pies for the winter. IS FOR NO WASTAGE Food wastage at weddings is a huge issue, so find out if your venue is signed up to a scheme to stop wastage. If not, you could consider donating any leftovers to the local food bank.N

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OIS FOR ORIGIN Some venues grow their own herbs and vegetables and many caterers will support local farmers by using their meat and produce. Serving locally-sourced food at your wedding not only adds to the ambience, but also supports the community, ensures quality and offers sustainability by reducing the miles it’s had to travel.

IS FOR PIZZA Pizza trucks are a great option for the evening reception. With a variety of flavours on offer, there’ll be something to keep even the fussiest eaters happy. Calàbbria Pizza and their authentic Neapolitan stonebaked pizzas are a delicious option for any wedding. “Over 18 months we have catered for more than 50 weddings across the UK,” says Callum Maisey. “We’ve served at all types of weddings, from sit-down formal wedding breakfasts in Stratfordupon-Avon to informal buffets in rustic barns in Tenbury Wells, we’re more than happy to tailor our set-up to suit your theme.” Check out www.facebook.com/calabbria.pizza Q IS FOR QUICHE Buffets are still the most popular option for an evening feast. If that conjures up less than appetising images of quiche and sandwiches for you, fear not. The modern buffet is a thing of beauty with options like street food stations, tapas, sausage sarnies and mini sliders.

RIS FOR RAISE A GLASS Make sure your guests have a glass in hand to toast your nuptials. Try some local flavour by checking out your local vineyard, and who doesn’t love a pimp your prosecco station? SIS FOR SEASONAL If you’re stuck for what to serve, tailoring your menu according to the season is always a lovely way to go. Think fresh flavours in the summer or warming comfort food for the winter. You could even offer Christmas pud for dessert with gingerbread favours at your festive nuptials.TIS FOR TRADITIONAL Have a think about the ambience you’re trying to create and that’ll steer you towards a dining style. Is an elegant, more traditional seated three-course dining experience your thing, or do you dream of a relaxed boho-vibe with food trucks or table plan-free grazing? CATERING U IS FOR UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES Whatever food option you go for, make it beautiful! Ceremony arches can be moved and utilised in your reception space – they provide a stylish backdrop for any food, dessert or cake table for example.

VIS FOR VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN One stress-free way to ensure all dietary needs are catered for is to create an inclusive menu with options to suit everyone. The days of bland and uninspiring vegetarian food are long gone. Alternatively, offer dishes with an interchangeable element should someone need a vegan or dairy-free option, that way you can still have your dream menu with just a few switches. If you’re looking for a caterer who can offer a wide range of dishes as well as a bespoke service, then we suggest Caviar & Chips.

“Everything we do starts with a blank piece of paper,” says co-owner

Marc Hornby. “We work in a bespoke way so that you can enjoy your favourite food, drinks and ingredients served exactly how you like it. Our aim is to create unforgettable memories for everyone through our catering. Whether the events we cater for are in the woods, yurts, tipis, marquees, barns or stately homes; everyone receives the Caviar & Chips experience of exceptional service and distinctive food. We’re a preferred caterer at more than 30 wedding and event venues across the UK and have won multiple awards as best caterer. Our chefs will work their magic and bring together your ideas with their catering, food and drink expertise to craft a menu just for you. We arrange a date, and prepare your menu tasting for you to try, free of charge, just like an intimate, private dinner party.” Check out www.caviarandchips.co.uk W IS FOR WORLD CUISINE Spice up your life with an exciting international menu. If you love overseas travel and want the all-important meal to reflect this, talk to your caterer about serving your favourite world cuisine. Your wedding will be the talk of the town! X IS X MARKS THE SPOT Don’t forget to incorporate catering options into your RSVPs. Your caterer will need to know of any food intolerances or dietary requirements ahead of time when tailoring your menu. IS FOR ZOOM It’s important to meet with your wedding caterer ahead of time and work together to plan the perfect feast. If face-to-face meetings are still an issue, or distance is a factor, most will offer a virtual catch up, so there’s no excuse!

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IS YORKSHIRE PUDDING The idea of a wedding carvery fills us with joy! Everyone will be delighted by a roast dinner, and you also have that added element of interaction and entertainment as designated guests carve at the table in chef’s hat and pinny.

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