insideKENT Magazine Issue 95 - February 2020 | Page 49

WEDDINGS
Planning The Perfect
WEDDING MENU
BY DEBRA GREEN, CO-OWNER OF CHIVES CATERING LTD.
THE DATE IS SET, THE VENUE CHOSEN AND WHETHER YOU HAVE IN-HOUSE OR AN
OUTSIDE CATERER YOUR MENU NEEDS TO BE PLANNED. THE FOOD, (AND YES I COULD
BE BIASED), IS A KEY PART OF YOUR DAY - WHAT DOES EVERYONE REMEMBER ABOUT
A WEDDING? THE VENUE, THE DRESS, THE DANCING… BUT ESPECIALLY THE FOOD!
Good or bad, it is what most guests
remember! I love seeing couples from
many years ago still telling me that
their guests still talk about the amazing
food at their wedding, and that’s how
it should be. Even if your tastes are
for simple food, it should still look and
taste amazing but it’s always fun to
throw in a ‘wow’ factor too.
Step 1. Menu Wishlists
Most couples have been to a wedding
or two so be harsh critics of wedding
food that you have experienced (just
between the two of you of course);
what did you love and what did you
hate? It’s a topic that usually pops up
at our initial meetings, whether the
amount of food was too small; a long
reception without canapes (always a
recipe for wobbly guests before the
wedding breakfast); and of course the
wedding breakfast itself.
Then draw up your must haves and
definitely nots!
Step 2. Initial Meetings
If your venue doesn’t have an in-
house caterer then you need to choose
one, and like all wedding suppliers
that can be a minefield. Always ask
your family and friends, at least 50%
of our couples come to us through a
recommendation, however you need
to ensure that the style of food they
do is what you are looking for. For
example some companies specialise
in types of street food and not a sit-
down-served three-course affair, so
you do need to have an idea of what
you are looking for BEFORE you look
for who will supply it!
at a hotel, then get the caterers details and also importantly ask the couple how
they were to work with! They may have had the best food, but you don’t need
any additional wedding stress; so check if they were a nightmare to get hold of,
discuss things or work with. Often with weddings, you will have a long relationship
with your supplier so it’s important to get it right, it’s good to speak to more than
one as well, if only to reassure you that you feel happy with your first choice.
If you are catering for dietary needs, or if you are vegan or vegetarian it’s even
more important to find the right caterer. You still want the experience of a
professional caterer, but also someone who will develop a menu that will make
you and your guests smile on the day, whilst also ensuring you haven’t had to
compromise your health or your ethics. We catered for our first completely vegan
wedding last Summer for 130 guests, only a very tiny handful were vegan or
vegetarian but everyone loved the food and were amazed that the dessert buffet
was also fully vegan!
At your initial meeting you should always have a little tasting, this will give you
an idea of their style and the quality of the food you can expect for your menu.
Go armed with questions and make sure you feel at ease with the person who
will be looking after your coordination on the day.
When you find the right one - book them straight away, don’t lose them!
Looking back at Step 1, of those
weddings you attended were there any
where you (both!) loved the food? If
it wasn’t an in-house caterer, such as
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