FOOD & DRINK
ALTERNATIVE EATS THIS AUTUMN , WEDDINGS ARE ALL ABOUT THE ‘ ANTI-TREND ’. THAT MEANS COUPLES ARE CHOOSING TO HAVE A BREAK FROM THE NORM AND ARE OPTING FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT . THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN FOOD AND DRINK , WHERE BRIDES AND GROOMS ARE ESCHEWING POPULAR CHOICES AND SERVING UP WEDDING BREAKFASTS , CAKES AND DRINKS TO TOAST WITH , ALL WITH A TWIST . FANCY A TASTE OF THE ACTION ? HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO ENJOY ALTERNATIVE EATS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
SWAP : CROWD-PLEASERS Often on your wedding day , you end up choosing dishes that you don ’ t particularly want , but that you think will be the easiest option for catering for a crowd .
Don ’ t forget that this is your special day , and if you don ’ t want to eat chicken in a white wine sauce , you don ’ t have to .
Speak to your venue about ways they can serve up something better suited to your tastes , or if you ’ re using an external caterer , seek one out who can create something you ’ ll love .
SERVE : CROWD INTRIGUERS Serving up something different on your wedding day is sure to get your guests talking - in a good way . From curries to fajitas , there ’ s loads of ways to spice up your menu - quite literally .
SWAP : REFINED DINING There ’ s a time and a place for Masterchef-worthy menus , but small portions and food with finesse isn ’ t always what you want when you ’ re feeding a hungry crowd who ’ ve likely had a few tipples , too .
SERVE : RUSTIC PLATES Think hearty dishes like lasagne , pasta or sausage and mash . These home-comfort foods can still look pretty on a plate without the addition of jus and edible flowers . Not only will they be filling , they ’ ll also please hungry guests who we can guarantee will be talking about your wedding breakfast for years to come .
SWAP : CANAPÉS Canapés are often the first thing you and your guests eat after the ‘ I do ’ s ’ are done , and while they ’ re not designed to fill you up , there ’ s usually a long time between eating an amuse bouche and sitting down to the wedding breakfast .
So , consider going a little bigger with your post ceremony snacks , and adding something with more sustenance to the menu .
SERVE : CARBS Everyone knows carbs are the way to - well - most people ’ s hearts . So , if you want to serve up something that pairs well with fizz while the photos are being taken , then foods high in carbs are a winner .
Bread and potatoes are fan favourites and there ’ s so many ways to serve them to keep your guests ’ appetites satiated until it ’ s dinner time .
Loaded potato jackets , crackers topped with cheese or charcuterie meats , or even sushi are all ways to offer small bites with big impact . Or , simple crisps and dips are another great option .
SWAP : GROWN-UP GASTRONOMY Of late , wedding dining has taken on a decidedly more elegant and refined approach , with chefs and caterers pulling out all the stops to create culinary masterpieces for guests .
However , often children at weddings still get a pared-back plate with the likes of chicken nuggets or fish fingers followed by ice cream .
More often than not , adults are a little envious of the simplicity of the dishes , and there ’ s no reason you can ’ t offer a grown-up take on a children ’ s classic .
SERVE : KIDDY CATERING If you really want to immerse guests in a taste of nostalgia , then opt for a children ’ s party buffet menu , complete with cold pizza , sausage rolls , jelly and ice cream .
Or , for a slightly more sophisticated approach , consider children ’ s classic favourites like nuggets and chips but with a twist - think panko coated chicken tenders with a honey garlic glaze and sesame fries .
SWAP : EVENING EATS Planning when to eat at a wedding can often be complicated . If you haven ’ t had the wedding breakfast until 4pm is anyone going to be ready to eat again at 8 ?
This can be especially true if you don ’ t have separate evening guests and everyone is joining you for the whole day .
Instead of planning a whole separate catering set up like a buffet or food truck , consider something a little more relaxed .
SERVE : TAKEAWAY TREATS There ’ s been a move towards couples opting for a more laid-back dining experience during their evening meal , which can include everything from a cheeky peri-peri chicken to a drive-thru burger .
Of course , to incorporate a take away into your wedding day you ’ ll need to do a bit of forward planning - someone might want to ring the drive thru in advance and let them know they ’ re going to need to make 80 quarter pounders with cheese . But , it can be a fun way to get evening food for those who want it , without needing to factor in an extra catering team or set up . ( Make sure you ’ ve got a big tip for the delivery driver though !).
106 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | AUTUMN 2024