As the largest expense on your special day, it’s no wonder that food is at the top of many a wedding planner’s priority list. And rightly so – a great meal can make or break an event, bringing people together in a way that few other experiences can. Not to mention the fact that hangry guests are rarely the life of the party! When it comes to planning your reception dinner (or wedding breakfast, as we like to call it here in the UK), the stakes are high. You’re not just trying to please individual tastes – you’re aiming to create a truly memorable experience for all involved. But fear not! With the help of Social Pantry, a London-based catering company renowned for its fresh, seasonal, and delectable offerings, we’re here to guide you through the process. This talented team prides itself on crafting beautiful food for beautiful occasions – and they know exactly how important it is to get everything just right on your big day. From menu planning to presentation, Social Pantry is equipped to help you create a culinary experience that will leave your guests in awe.
Social Pantry’s Top 10 Tips To Create The Perfect Wedding Breakfast
Opt for Seasonal
When planning your wedding menu, it’s natural to want everything to be perfect, including the food. Serving seasonal cuisine can be a great way to achieve this. Not only does seasonal food typically taste better, but it also means that ingredients are readily available locally, making for a cost-effective and sustainable option. By choosing seasonal ingredients, you’ll not only be treating your guests to delicious flavors at their best, but you’ll also be ensuring that your menu stays within budget while still impressing your loved ones.
Make a Budget
When planning a wedding breakfast, having a food budget is crucial for both you and the caterer. This transparency allows the caterer to create a tailored menu that fits within your budget constraints. By sharing your budget with the caterer, they can present you with various options that cater to your tastes, from budget-friendly to luxurious. It’s a weight lifted off your shoulders, knowing that every detail is taken care of and you can focus on the bigger picture. With this approach, any caterer can deliver a memorable dining experience that exceeds your expectations.
Tie in a Theme
What elevates a wedding from ordinary to extraordinary is the subtle integration of a unique theme. This allows you to infuse your special day with personal touches that make it truly reflective of your style and preferences. And, at the heart of this theme-driven celebration, lies the food – a crucial element that can either harmonize or clash with your overall vision.
As you develop a clear concept for your wedding, whether it’s an English-inspired brunch or a laid-back Californian affair, be sure to share this with your catering team. By doing so, they’ll be able to create dishes that not only delight your guests but also thoughtfully reflect the tone and aesthetic of your celebration.
Tot Up The Numbers
When it comes to planning your catering, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the number of guests attending your special day. Even if you don’t have an exact headcount, providing your caterers with a rough estimate of the wedding size can make a significant difference. Smaller weddings offer more flexibility in terms of spending per person, allowing for more elaborate and extravagant options. In contrast, larger weddings often thrive with sharing platters or buffet-style meals, which can be both cost-effective and crowd-pleasing.
Think About Hiring
When planning their big day, couples often focus on the main event – the ceremony and reception – but overlook another crucial element: the place setting. This encompasses not just plates, cutlery, and glasses, but also any decorative elements that bring a touch of elegance to the table. While it may seem like a small detail, the place setting can actually make or break the overall aesthetic of your wedding. In fact, many couples opt for customized settings that reflect their theme or personal style. For instance, rose gold cutlery has been a popular choice among some of our summer weddings this year. When considering the place setting, it’s essential to factor in the cost of hiring equipment, especially if you’re looking for something truly unique and memorable. By doing so, you can ensure that your wedding table is not only beautifully set but also an integral part of your overall celebration.
Don’t Forget Dietary Requirements
When planning your special day, it’s crucial to take into account the dietary requirements of your loved ones. Many couples have received glowing reviews on how well their vegetarian or gluten-free options were executed, and catering teams are always happy to accommodate these needs. To ensure a delightful dining experience for all, simply take a few minutes to canvas your guests’ preferences and then communicate this information with your chosen caterers, allowing them to prepare a mouth-watering spread that caters to everyone’s tastes.
Feed Your Suppliers
As you prepare for your special day, remember that the photographers and musicians aren’t just there to capture the magic – they’re also hungry! It’s essential to consider their needs by providing sustenance for the wedding workforce. This is often referred to as ‘outmess,’ a simple yet crucial aspect of ensuring your vendors are well taken care of. Just like how you wouldn’t want to forget the cake, don’t overlook the importance of feeding those who bring your vision to life.
Sharing is Caring
At larger weddings, the phrase “sharing is caring” takes on new meaning. One effective way to make sure all your guests are satisfied is by offering platters or a buffet-style meal. This approach allows you to serve a variety of dishes that can be easily shared among guests. By opting for sharing-friendly foods, you can scale up many of your favorite dishes into platters that are perfect for passing around. Alternatively, consider incorporating unique elements like meat carving stations, which are currently trending and always a hit with attendees.
The Finishing Touches
The culmination of wedding planning efforts is often seen in the subtle yet impactful details that make a lasting impression on guests. One such element is the finishing touches, which can elevate the overall ambiance and create cherished memories. The thoughtful addition of a simple ribbon to chair backs or an unexpected twist on traditional menu offerings, like a refreshing soup shot between courses or a cooling granita before dessert, can surprise and delight attendees. By incorporating these small yet significant elements into your celebration, you’ll be remembered for years to come.
