Your wedding is one of the most important days of your
life, and careful advance planning can ensure things run smoothly. You want the
day to reflect your personalities as well as being a fun occasion for your
guests.
One thing couples agonise over is the food. Trying to
accommodate the tastes and preferences of all your family and friends can be
difficult, so it’s best to keep things simple. A sit-down lunch or dinner is
the typical wedding meal, but since most people have months to plan it, why not
do something a bit different?
The great outdoors
There are many ways to make your special day stand
out. For a summer wedding, the obvious suggestion is to go with an outdoor
reception. But you can’t guarantee good weather, and particularly in the UK the
climate can be temperamental. A marquee can create an interesting space in a
garden party and will offer shelter if it suddenly starts to rain.
If you choose an outdoor option, a picnic on the beach
is always a winner. You can spread comfortable seats out on the sand with picnic hampers for each group of
chairs, equivalent to tables at an indoor venue. Food
hampers are an interesting option, even if your reception is indoors. Use
gingham tablecloths teamed with fresh flowers and grass around the dining room,
and you can create the feel of a traditional picnic without worrying about
being outside in your wedding dress.
Grub’s up
It is important to consider the dietary requirements of your guests. Most wedding venues will offer vegetarian options, but it's also worth finding out whether anyone is vegan, lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat. If you find that you have a lot of guests who will need catering for separately, a buffet may be a better option. Many people have pre-conceptions about buffets as being reminiscent of child’s birthday party, but they can be extremely sophisticated and enjoyable if you go with a good catering company and make sure you sample every dish.
The perfect cake
The cake is the ultimate treat everyone will be waiting for. A traditional iced fruitcake is always a safe choice, but if you want to be a little more inventive, there are many exciting alternatives. Cupcake or macaroon towers are popular and have the right mix of sweet-tooth appeal and decadence. For a bit of fun you could add an ice-cream sculpture or a chocolate fountain.
Personal touches
The most important thing to remember when choosing
food for your wedding is that it should match the occasion in tone and style. If
you have a small, intimate wedding with close friends and family, it may seem
inappropriate to have a six-course sit-down meal after the ceremony. After all,
your guests are not there for the food, but rather to share your special day. Something
personal will go down better than a gourmet banquet.
