9 minute read
COME DINE WITH US
Come dine with us CATERING
AGet a direct line to your guests’ hearts with our A to Z of wedding catering ideas is for AFTERNOON TEA A dream for a micro wedding or vintage-themed affair, an afternoon tea is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Check out https://butterflygardenteaparties.co.ukBis for BARBECUE The ideal fit for a summer wedding, a barbecue makes it simple to cater for all tastes and dietary needs, plus the theatre of the food cooking amongst you creates a wonderful atmosphere.
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Cis for COCKTAILS Why not create a bespoke cocktail for your drinks reception, something that reflects your theme or you as a couple? Kent-based independent business,Wild Box, started life as a premium mobile bar company in 2019 and now provides beautiful bespoke bars complete with a range of packages to ensure all your big-day requirements are met. The bars stock wonderful locally-produced spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks, and the team will also create bespoke cocktail menus for you using fresh ingredients. Check out www.wildboxevents.co.uk
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is for DOUGHNUTS The doughnut wall: surely the best invention to hit the wedding market in recent years! These hoops of joy are bound to prove popular, and provide great fuel for the dancefloor. Check out https://handmadecreationskent.com
Eis for ECO-FRIENDLY One way to make your big-day dining sustainable is to opt for biodegradable dinnerware if you’re eating al fresco or in a buffet-style setting. Look for ethically-sourced and environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo, wood, paper or plant-based compostable products. It’s also worth checking out your venue’s policy on recycling.
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Gis for GRAZING Still massively on trend, grazing platters are a great way to encourage interaction between your guests and are super-delicious to boot. Think artisan cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits, crackers, breads and more. His for HOG ROAST The versatility of a hog roast makes it one of the most popular forms of wedding catering. Serve with an array of salads and sides for an informal wedding breakfast feast or incorporate as an evening food station. Check out www.blueeggcatering.co.uk
K Iis for ICE CREAM Van, bike or trike: ice cream can be served at your wedding in a variety of quirky ways and will be most welcome on a hot day. Check out https://treatsonatricycle.co.uk Jis for JARS OF SWEETS Sweetie carts and tables bring an element of fun and act as a popular alternative to wedding favours. Plus, the kids (big and small) will thank you for it. Check out www.debssweetdelights.co.uk is for KNOWLEDGE The benefits of consulting a professional can never be underestimated. Whether it’s your venue’s recommended caterer or one you’ve sourced for yourself, they’ll work closely with you to create the menu of your dreams. They’re a fount of all wisdom when it comes to your wedding breakfast, so don’t be afraid to ask them anything. The team at Invicta Food Design believe that the food and drink at your wedding is as important as the dress, suit, venue styling or honeymoon. They understand everything from time-honoured traditions to original twists and love rising to the challenge of any unusual requests. The caterer’s extensive professional experience means your day will be tailored to your specific requirements, so you can relax, leaving the team to deliver your dream wedding breakfast and more. To complete the day, you’re also offered a selection of linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware as well as the highly-trained service crew. Invicta Food Design’s packages and menus can be downloaded at www.invictafooddesign.com
Lis for LATE The wedding breakfast can end up being served quite late in the day by the time you’ve said “I do,” and popped off for your photographs. So, to prevent your loved ones flagging, ensure there are plenty of delicious canapés on hand for the drinks reception. A selection of five to six is a good guide and we love the idea of mini fish ‘n’ chip cones or warming bitesize pies for the winter.
Mis for MOBILE BAR The choices are practically endless with more fun and fab ideas cropping up all the time. We love horsebox bars that serve speciality tipples such as an array of gins or prosecco for your post-vow reception. Check out www.doublebubblebar.com
is for NO WASTAGE Food wastage at weddings is a huge issue, so find out if your venue is signed up to a scheme such as Too Good To Go (https://toogoodtogo.org) that connects its app users to Nbusinesses that have surplus food, allowing it to be enjoyed rather than wasted. If not, you could consider donating any leftovers to the local food bank.
Les Kaner
Pis for PIZZA Pizza trucks are a great option for the evening reception. With a variety of flavours on offer, there’ll be something to keep even the most fussy eaters happy. Ois for ORIGIN Some venues grow their own herbs and vegetables and many caterers will support local farmers by using their meat and produce. Serving locally-sourced food at your wedding not only adds to the ambience, but also supports the community, ensures quality and offers sustainability by reducing the miles it’s had to travel.
Qis for QUICHE Buffets are still the most popular option for an evening feast. If that conjures up less than appetising images of quiche and sandwiches for you, fear not. The modern buffet is a thing of beauty with options like street food stations, tapas, sausage sarnies and mini sliders. Check out https://touchays.com
RUMWOOD COURT EVENTS
The Walled Garden at Rumwood Court is a new and unique dry hire wedding and event venue available from 2022. The Walled Garden is your own private space with the Manor House providing a stunning backdrop. It is available for exclusive hire for a limited number of weekends between the months of May and October. With exclusive access to the grounds for your event along with help & guidance and food & drink from Invicta Food Design, lots of time for setting up and our list of recommended suppliers to choose from you will have all the ingredients for your perfect wedding day.
SUTTON ROAD, LANGLEY, KENT, ME17 3NN | INFO@RUMWOODCOURTEVENTS.COM | RUMWOODCOURTEVENTS.COM
CONTEMPORARY WEDDING CAKE DESIGN
By Chelsea Prior
Helping create your dreams in cake..
THE CAKE PLACE
We create bespoke cake designs & flavours to match your theme, both traditional and the more unusual.
Contact Yvonne to discuss your dream cake!
yvonne@thecakeplaceashford.com
The Courtyard, Mersham-le-Hatch, Hythe Road, Ashford, TN25 6NH 01233 500 001 07401 324 109 www.thecakeplaceashford.com FULLY QUALIFIED HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST WITH OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE
I have a real love for wedding hair and makeup, there is something so special about being a part of the wedding morning and being chosen by a bride to be the person to make them look and feel amazing for their big day.
WWW.ALEXHAIRANDMAKEUP.COM
la.hairandmakeup@aol.com | 07717805282
DON’T CUT THE CAKE, SMASH THE CHOC!
Bespoke,smashable chocolate sculptures to make your cake-cutting moment truly memorable
www.Chocally.co.uk
Photo by: www.jeffoliverphotography.com
Ris for RAISE A GLASS Make sure your guests have a glass in hand to toast your nuptials. Try some local flavour by checking out your local vineyard, and who doesn’t love a pimp your prosecco station? Sis for SEASONAL If you’re stuck for what to serve tailoring your menu according to the season is always a lovely way to go. Think fresh flavours in the summer or warming comfort food for the winter. You could even offer Christmas pud for dessert with gingerbread favours at your festive nuptials. Tis for TRADITIONAL Have a think about the ambience you’re trying to create and that’ll steer you towards a dining style. Is an elegant, more traditional seated three-course dining experience your thing, or do you dream of a relaxed boho-vibe with food trucks or table plan-free grazing?
Uis for UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES Whatever food option you go for, make it beautiful! Ceremony arches can be moved and utilised in your reception space – they provide a stylish backdrop for any food, dessert or cake table for example.
Vis for VEGETARIAN and VEGAN One stress-free way to ensure all dietary needs are catered for is to create an inclusive menu with options to suit everyone. The days of bland and uninspiring vegetarian food are long gone. Alternatively, offer dishes with an interchangeable element should someone need a vegan or dairy-free option, that way you can still have your dream menu with just a few switches.
Talk to your caterer about your requirements as they’re sure to have the inspiration and expertise to pull it off.
Wis for WORLD CUISINE Spice up your life with an exciting international menu. If you love overseas travel and want the all-important meal to reflect this, talk to your caterer about serving your favourite world cuisine. Your wedding will be the talk of the town!
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is for YORKSHIRE PUDDING The idea of a wedding carvery fills us with joy! Everyone will be delighted by a roast dinner and you also have that added element of interaction and entertainment as designated guests carve at the table in chef’s hat and pinny. X is for X MARKS THE SPOT Don’t forget to incorporate catering options into your RSVPs. Your caterer will need to know of any food intolerances or dietary requirements ahead of time when tailoring your menu.
Z
is for ZOOM It’s important to meet with your wedding caterer ahead of time and work together to plan the perfect feast. If face-to-face meetings are still an issue, or distance is a factor, most will offer a virtual catch up, so there’s no excuse!
