It’s so hard to decide what food to have on your wedding day, especially if you’re having a large wedding with lots of people who have different appetites and dietary requirements. We’re here to help you figure out what food you should have at your wedding and why!
What do you like?
First things first, it’s important to remember that this is YOUR DAY and you should have food that you enjoy eating. So, if you and your partner are vegan, don’t feel the pressure to satisfy the meat-eaters in your family when you’d rather not be putting your money into the meat industry. Your friends and family will always have their opinions about what you choose for your wedding day but the most important thing is that you and your partner enjoy it!
What’s a wedding breakfast?
Not everyone has heard of a wedding breakfast, so don’t be surprised if you don’t know what it is. A wedding breakfast is a meal usually taken after the ceremony and pictures. It’s usually followed by the speeches and just because it is called a breakfast, it doesn’t mean it includes breakfast food! This will be the main meal of your wedding day with your guests before you dance the night away.
The lowdown on canapes
If your wedding breakfast isn’t taking place immediately after your ceremony and you’d rather have some time to mingle with the guests before heading to your meal then you may wish to simply offer your guests a glass of bubbly and a canape. A canape is a small offering of food to satisfy your guests after the ceremony. They are usually a savoury snack that has some sort of base like bread, then a spread, perhaps cream cheese, and then a topping, like salmon. They’re designed to be eaten with your fingers, in one bite.
Canape options include baby shepherd’s pies, mini burgers, arancini balls, spring rolls, or assorted skewers.
To buffet or not to buffet
Some couples prefer to offer their guests a buffet, this works best if you’re hosting an informal celebration or if you’re on a tight budget. A buffet is usually the cheapest option for your wedding catering. This can be created by an onsite caterer, an external caterer, or even your friends and family if it’s a casual affair! What you decide can also depend on the wedding venue you select and what facilities it offers.
A sit-down meal is often preferred by most couples, although not all can afford it. It means your guests aren’t having to shuffle about the room to get food then find their way back to their tables.
All of this depends on your taste! According to a survey, the average cost of wedding food is £3,887, so bear that in mind when deciding between a buffet or sit-down meal. The price per head can quickly add up.
Evening snacks
As your guests are dancing the night away, they may begin to get a little peckish. This is when it’s a good idea to have some sort of evening food offering. You could bring out some late-night canapes like mini burgers or you could go casual and have a small barbeque area providing guests with quick and easy sustenance. If your guests are craving something sweet, this is also a good time to have some wedding cake on offer! Having the cake sliced and ready for your guests to grab and go is a great idea. For younger guests, another popular idea is to have a sweetie cart!