According to Brides.com, having a buffet for your wedding can actually cost 30% more than a formal meal, as the preparation of so many small plates can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for catering companies. Having a sit-down meal with your friends and family, however, is a great option and can make your wedding feel very special and personal. When you are planning your meal, you will need to first consider your budget and the type of menu that you want to serve to your guests. Perhaps you have a love for a certain type of cuisine, or perhaps you would like to serve dishes that have a personal meaning to you and your partner. You will also have to consider the dietary needs of your guests. 

Think local and ethical

If you want a really tasty meal, ask your caterers to focus on fresh ingredients. When you are planning an ethical wedding, try and consider the environmental impact of the food that you are serving. Your meal will have a lower carbon footprint if the ingredients are sourced locally and are in season. If it is the wrong time of year for berries, choose apples and pears for your dessert instead, rather than importing berries from abroad. Food tastes better if it hasn’t travelled a thousand miles, or been previously frozen, and fresh produce sourced from local farmers and suppliers could also cost you less. 

Budget and menu choices 

A good wedding caterer will be able to discuss your budget options with you and come up with a suitable menu for a set price per head. The average amount that couples pay for their meal is between $1,800 and $7,000, and most caterers include a choice of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks with their package. They may suggest specific drinks or wine to go with each course of your meal. You will need to advise your wedding caterer if you have any guests with specific dietary needs, allergies and intolerances, so it is important that you find out this information well in advance of your big day. You should also consider the options for vegetarian and vegan wedding guests. 

Quality over quantity

 Don’t worry about serving your guests’ massive portions of food. Yes, you want to make sure that they have eaten enough to soak up the bubbly, but no one needs to have a heavy meal if they’re going to spend the rest of the evening dancing. When you’re planning your menu, steer clear of carb-heavy dishes, and instead opt for smaller portions with a good balance of protein, fruits and vegetables. Little canapes are a good option for the start of a meal, as they are delicate without being too filling, and will give your wedding a real sense of occasion. 

Foods to avoid

Your wedding guests are likely to have spent time and effort getting ready for your big day. When you are serving a sit-down meal, you are probably best-avoiding anything that is going to be too messy to eat, or could easily get spilled on clothes. Spaghetti Bolognese may be a crowd-pleaser, but it’s not always easy to eat. When it comes to dessert, your catering company may thank you if you decide not to have ice-creams and sorbets that melt quickly in a warm room full of people. You might also want to avoid foods that are very heavy with garlic, or very spicy. 

Choose your favorites

When you are planning a sit-down meal, you should choose dishes that you love to eat. Food and memories are intrinsically linked, so think about how you’d like to celebrate your wedding through food. Perhaps you had a delicious pasta dish on vacation together and would like to share that memory. Or maybe you both have a love of Indian cuisine. Your wedding meal may be formal, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t think outside the box when it comes to choosing your menu. You don’t have to serve your guests a roast dinner, you could go for something completely different, like stonebaked pizzas, or crispy chicken wings. With some great menu choices, your sit-down meal can be full of fun and great memories. 

In Conclusion

A special meal with your family and friends is a wonderful way of celebrating your wedding together. Spend some time with your caterers planning the perfect menu and you can have a delicious meal that you will remember for the rest of your lives. 

Jennifer D