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 49