So you and your other half may have travelled the world together, eaten some weird and wonderful things, dined in amazing restaurants and consider yourselves all round ‘foodies.’
And now you are planning a day that truly reflects you both as a couple and in turn the food you serve should display this – but what to do? Can you imagine your granny scoffing a bowl of escargot? Maybe not.
Image via thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk
Choosing your wedding meal menu can be a balancing act. Do you go for dishes that reflect your tastes as a couple, or do you go for the crowd pleasers?
The Basics
If you are holding your wedding in a hotel your job of choosing what to eat just got a little easier, because they will have wedding menu packages for your to choose from. If however, you have gone done a different route, for example a marquee on your parents’ garden, you will have to choose caterers.
When you are thinking of your wedding meal, have you decided on a formal sit down meal, fork buffet, or maybe you are thinking completely out of the box with a barbecue or quirky picnic! Consider your budget, number of guests and what your overall costs will be – you never know, this could determine what you end up choosing. Unfortunately, as we live in Ireland, you’ll also have to consider the weather, and if you are planning on something outdoors, have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t go your way.
Image via interestbox.net
How to Choose
No matter if you are going down the straight forward route of holding your reception in a wedding venue or you are hiring caterers make sure you and your other half take time to consider the menu options before approaching them for a tasting session. A tasting session is not always necessary but advisable if you are unsure of how the dishes will look and taste.
When choosing your menu, although you want all your guests to enjoy their meal, remember it is your big day, focused on you and your likes. If you and your other half want something a bit different, but are afraid it won’t go down well with your guests, chat to your coordinator – they’re usually more than happy to organise something different for the guests of honour. You don’t have to have the exact same main course as your guests if it’s just not what you’re into.
It can be hard to know where to draw the line with your food choices, play it too safe and your guests will have forgotten what they had by the time they get home, go all out weird and your guests could remember your wedding for all the wrong reasons! It will be a balancing act that only you can determine as you know your guests.
Image via lauryllane.com
Most venues will allow you offer a choice of courses to your guests, so you could always choose a “safe crowd pleaser” option, and something different – maybe your favourite starter or mains. Just bear in mind, that a choice of courses will usually cost extra, so bear this in mind when doing up your budget.
Seasonally Special
You should consider the time of year you are getting married in and factor this into your plans. Winter weddings should be cosy and warming, whilst a summer beach wedding should be light with fresh flavours. Chefs really encourage using seasonal ingredients, such as asparagus in spring, hearty root vegetables during winter and plump tomatoes during the summer months.
Image: bluelotusphotography.com
If you’re afraid of venturing too far off track with the main meal, the afters food could be a great opportunity to inject a little personality and quirkiness. From a chip van, to a bbq, or whatever takes your fancy, guests will surely tuck in to some good food late into the night.
Make use of professionals
When you book your wedding reception venue you will be assigned a personal wedding coordinator, use them to the max. If you would like to use a few different dishes from several menus, ask if this is possible, they will probably be more than happy to accommodate.
Image: jonaspeterson.com
Above all else, have fun choosing your wedding meal, it’s the first meal you will have as a married person and it’s a celebration! But just remember your poor granny’s teeth with those snails!
