Page 82 - Wedding Essentials & Essential Groom Issue 7

Tips for choosing your Wedding Menu
It is an undeniable fact that one of the most enjoyable aspects of a wedding is the food. Traditionally, wedding receptions were lim- ited to simple, sit-down affairs. Nowadays there is a wealth of different options for you and your partner to choose from. Here are a few useful tips to help you to plan the perfect wedding menu for you and your guests.
TASTING TIME
When you attend tastings with your caterer, make the most of your time. Plan a list of questions before your appointment. Be sure to bring someone along to get another opin- ion, and don’t be afraid to change your mind about a dish, this is why you should prefera- bly have more than one tasting.
THEME IT
You can tie in your choice of menu to your wedding theme. Consider such elements as your venue and colours. If your venue is at a
82 | Wedding Essentials
grand estate or hotel, you will want to choose a menu that ties in with the ambiance. Like- wise if you have a venue that is on the more outdoor side, choose a wedding menu that re ects this, or even go for a picnic styled setting.
IN SEASON
When planning your menu and discussing
the options with your caterers, ask their ad- vice on what produce will be in season at
the time of your wedding. Produce that is in season will not only taste better, but will feel more authentic too. Summer weddings lend themselves perfectly to strawberry deserts and freshly squeezed fruit punch, while winter weddings are more suited to roasted root veg- etables and seasoned red wines.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Your wedding menu should be about quali-
ty, not quantity. If your guests are too full by the end of the day, it will be less likely that they will want to dance the night away at your evening entertainment. High quality foods not only will make your guests feel healthy and energetic afterwards, it will also cut down on the amount of food left over after the celebra- tions. Consider spreading the meal over the course of the wedding reception, for example, tasty light canapés while the photographs are being taken, or a small buffet with light nger foods during the evening.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
If you are having a hard time deciding on a course, remember to keep it simple. By choos- ing traditional meals such as roast lamb and grilled chicken, chances are a majority of your guests will be happy with the menu you choose.
SOCIAL FOODS
Food can be a great way to encourage your guests to get to know each other. Rather than individual starters, a platter for each table is a way to develop sociability, and also gives you a great chance to provide a wide variety of foods for your guests.
With all these tips in mind, you can ensure that your wedding menu is enjoyed by all. WE