COME DINE WITH US

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

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 https://fabfoodforyou.co.uk

IS 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. Check out www.fire-brimstone.co.uk IS FOR COCKTAILS IS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY Why not create a bespoke cocktail for One way to make your big-day dining your drinks reception, something that sustainable is to opt for biodegradable reflects your theme or you as a couple? dinnerware if you’re eating al fresco or in a buffet-style setting. Look for ethically-sourced and environmentally friendly materials such IS FOR DOUGHNUTS as bamboo, wood, paper or plant-based The doughnut wall: surely the best compostable products. It’s also worth invention to hit the wedding market in checking out your venue’s policy on recycling. recent years! These hoops of joy are bound to prove popular, and provide great fuel for the dancefloor. Check out www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com

C D B E

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? F G IS 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.gracefullygrazing.com H IS 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.midsussexhogroast.co.uk

IS 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.veravanillapod.co.ukI J IS 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. K

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 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. Check out www.tietheknotcatering.co.uk

M

IS 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 postvow reception. Check out www.sloedrinks.co.uk

N

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 to with businesses 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.

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. Check out www.earthcatering.co.uk, which serves the sort of fare that dreams are made of! O 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.

P

IS FOR PIZZA

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 a nearby vineyard, and who doesn’t love a pimp your prosecco station? Check out https://nyetimber.com

RIS 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 Sfestive 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 street food or table plan-free IS FOR UNDERNEATH grazing? Check out THE ARCHES https://jacarandacatering.com Whatever food option you go for, make it beautiful! which covers every angle. 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.

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 dairy-free 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. Check out www.elizabethcaton.com 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! Check out www.thaiangle.co.uk

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.

Y

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. Z

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!