COME DINE WITH US

Food for thought Get a direct line to your guests’ hearts with our A to Z of wedding catering ideas

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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. B

is for BARBECUE Bound 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.

is for COCKTAILS Why not create a bespoke cocktail for your drinks reception, something that reflects your theme or you as a couple? C Dis for DOUGHNUTS The doughnut wall: surely the best invention to hit the wedding market in recent years! These hoops of joy will provide great fuel for the dancefloor.

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 plantbased compostable products. It’s also worth checking out your venue’s policy on recycling.

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is for FAVOURS Factor some edible treats into your wedding favours for happy faces all around. How about some personalised cookies or mini bottles of your favourite tipple? Check out www.savannafei.co.uk

Gis for GRAZING Still massively on trend, grazing platters are a great way to encourage interaction between your guests and are super-delicious to boot. Think artisan cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits, crackers, breads and more. Check out www.grazingwiththejoneses.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. Check out www.mannafoods.co.uk

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 fount of all wisdom when it comes to your wedding breakfast, so don’t be afraid to ask them anything. Iis for ICE CREAM 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.dottyabouticecream.co.uk Jis for JARS OF SWEETS Sweetie carts and tables bring an element of fun and act as a popular alternative to wedding favours. Plus, the kids (big and small) will thank you for it. Check out www.wirralcandycarts.co.uk

Lis 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.

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. Check out https://juniper1933.com

is for NO WASTAGE Food wastage at weddings is a huge issue, so find out if your venue is signed up to a scheme such as Too Good To Go (https://toogoodtogo.org) that connects its app users with Nbusinesses that have surplus food, allowing it to be enjoyed rather than wasted. If not, you could consider donating any leftovers to the local food bank.

Pis 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 most fussy eaters happy. Check out www.jordyspizza.co.uk is 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.

Qis 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. Check out www.cheekychillievents.co.uk

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is 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?

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? Check out http://olivetreecatering.co.uk S is 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.

Uis 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.

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is 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 dairyfree option, that way you can still have your dream menu with just a few switches. Talk to your caterer about your requirements as they’re sure to have the inspiration and expertise to pull it off.

Wis 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 for 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 YORKSHIRE is for PUDDING ZOOM The idea of a wedding It’s important to meet with carvery fills us with joy! your wedding caterer Everyone will be delighted ahead of time and work by a roast dinner and together to plan the perfect you also have that added feast. If face-to-face element of interaction and meetings are still an issue, entertainment as designated or distance is a factor, most guests carve at the table in will offer a virtual catch up, chef’s hat and pinny. so there’s no excuse!

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