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Taking the overwhelm out of reception catering
One of the initial aspects you’ll likely contemplate upon setting your wedding date is the venue, the wedding dress, and undoubtedly, the menu! Celebrating your special day with loved ones and selecting the ideal menu ensures that your cherished guests will relish the festivities nearly as much as you will.
For so many couples, the opportunity to set their dream wedding menu is something that cannot be taken lightly! When it comes to planning your perfect wedding meal, here are a few key steps to give you the right selection of ingredients that will make both you and your guests happy.
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Consider Your Preferences
I was a private chef for a decade and when planning parties I knew the entrees and desserts had to have broad appeal that excluded common allergens. While you cannot please everyone all the time the goal is to please the most.
When working with caterers for wedding events about your big day you will want to defer to their experience in knowing what dishes have broad appeal (and the least leftovers!). This will take some of the overwhelm out of all the options that may be circling your mind.
Certainly, name some of your own favorites to be included in your special day and the caterer can work them into the final menu so you have a cohesive menu for everyone to enjoy.
During your catering consult be sure to mention any personal significance or cultural touchstones you want to incorporate into the menu too. Work closely with the experienced caterers because you can then discuss the overall menu options, any specific requests, or themes you have in mind for the wedding meal as well as any presentation styles.
Menu diversity
Offering a variety of dishes is essential these days because of different dietary requirements, as well as different tastes. It’s not just about offering a vegetarian option these days but about catering to vegans, low carb or individuals with food allergies as well. Making sure that you are covering all of these will ensure that every guest is full and happy.
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Taste test session with a caterer
Just as you will have a taste test with your wedding cake bakery you will want to have a similar session with your potential caterer.
You should take the time to sample different dishes and finalize the menu item selections. You will want to ensure that the quality and the taste of the food align with your expectations, which is why you shouldn’t put your trust in a caterer without sampling their dishes first.
Signature drinks and the bar
it was always fun for me to craft special cocktails for party themes. A full bar was always available for people that don’t like to stray from their usual fare but a fun signature custom cocktail adds more interest for your guests and shows thoughtfulness of menu planning.
You may get some ideas from this post on 5 refreshing spring cocktails.
Craft beer is very popular now so it’s a good idea to include some beer options that pair with your chosen meal courses.
Style of meal service
Your reception size may determine what style of meal service you choose. For a small group you may prefer plated courses and larger groups, a buffet may be more appropriate.
Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be a sit-down plated affair. You could incorporate food stations, a buffet, or a family-style dining option. When choosing this format, think about how it complements the overall atmosphere of the celebration.
Ultimately it may be the venue you select that will determine the best style of meal service.
Should You Consult the Guests?
Asking your wedding guests about their food preferences can be a thoughtful gesture and can help ensure that everyone enjoys the meal at your wedding reception. This can be especially important if you have guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low carb, or food allergies.
If you feel overwhelmed by adding this additional layer of things to do when wedding planning see if someone close to you can manage the responses as they relate to food preferences.
By including a section for food preferences on your RSVP cards or wedding website, you give guests the opportunity to communicate any special dietary needs or preferences they may have. This allows you to work with your caterer or venue to accommodate these preferences and ensure that there are suitable options available for everyone.
However, it’s important to consider the logistics and feasibility of accommodating various dietary preferences within your budget and the constraints of your chosen catering service. You may need to discuss with your caterer how best to handle special dietary requests and whether additional charges may apply for certain menu modifications.
Ultimately, asking your wedding guests about their food preferences can help ensure that everyone feels welcome and well-catered for on your special day.