The wedding breakfast has traditionally been the focal point of the reception. The wedding party and guests sit down and enjoy a three or more course meal to celebrate and toast the brand new bride and groom. The problem for many modern brides is this all feels a little formal. They want to strip away the hierarchy of seating charts and stuffy menus for something more relaxed. They want to mingle with their guests while they eat their favourite foods. If you’re a bride looking to break with food tradition there are lots of ways to go. Check out some of the options below and find a more relaxed way of eating.
Keep it casual with street food
The great thing about street food is it offers so many options! Whether you want to serve burgers and hot dogs or Thai takeaway you can create a selection of your own personal favourites. Inviting a selection of vendors to your wedding and serving food from vans or stalls, not only gives your guests plenty of choice, it also adds to a relaxed festival vibe. Remember to give your guests clear instructions on when and where food will be served, which dietary restrictions might be affected and provide plenty of napkins!
Ask guests to bring a plate
This is a wonderful way to make a budget wedding work well and add a truly personal touch to your day. Ask every guest to bring their star dish and create a completely unique spread that has been cooked with love. You can ask guests to pick a dish that is savoury, sweet, or ties into a particular category to make sure you have an even selection of food. You should also check that your venue has no restrictions on DIY food being served and what cutlery, plates and serving tools they are able to provide.
Serve stylish finger food
Who says that weddings must equal complicated or even hot food? Keeping your catering to a finger food style buffet will allow your guests to mingle and snack throughout the day. You can tie food to your theme or to the style of eating your love. A Mediterranean style buffet is always a hit and means you can include lots of fantastic meats, cheeses, and breads. Work with a supplier to create a food offering that reflects all your favourite eats.
Share one pot meals
One pot wedding food is growing in popularity and brings a rustic charm to your wedding catering. This is lovely for a winter wedding when you can serve your guests a steaming bowl of stew or curry that keeps out the chill. You will ideally need to offer at least two, one pot options, so you can include a vegetarian choice, and serve generous helpings alongside great bread, rice, or garnishes. This is the perfect way to stretch out your food offering and your budget.
Go alfresco with a BBQ
Everyone adores barbecue food and serving it at a summer wedding is always a hit with guests. It’s smart to concentrate on just a few cuts of meat and vegetables that can be cooked quickly and work with a crowd. Hire in a supplier with equipment that can cater to the masses and a rain cover should the weather try and ruin your plans. Sides should be simple, fresh and summery. If you want to take your barbecue to the next level, choose a hog roast for spectacle combined with a delicious dinner.
Enjoy a wedding picnic
Your guests will love receiving their own picnic basket, blanket and selection of foodie treats in place of a sit-down meal. Work it so you provide one basket per couple, family, or group and create truly personalised food combinations that you can be sure your guests will love. Food should be easy to eat outdoors and able to be prepared in advance. Adorable at a summer vintage wedding, add in plenty of Pimms for the perfect finishing touch.
The rule when it comes to wedding food is, there are no rules. Think about the food you love to eat and work out your ideas from there. Be creative, be generous and serve it with soul. You don’t have to have a traditional wedding breakfast!
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