“Chicken, beef, and fish are the most commonly served main course items as they can maintain their heat when served to large groups and all work well with sauces,” says Strauss. So, don't go wild and ask your caterer for more obscure meats like quail, rabbit, duck, rack of lamb, or pork chops.
One great option for early afternoon weddings are finger foods and/or passed hors d'oeuvres alongside beverages or cocktails. Some food ideas include kabobs, bruschetta, specialty cheeses, and deviled eggs. Consider small plates of crab cakes, oysters, and shrimp if you're a seafood lover.
Planning this is key to the success of your event, but it's down to you and your ideal success. Getting married at 12pm is seen as the best time as it gives you an aim for a 2-3pm wedding breakfast. A 1pm wedding is close to lunch but pushes the meal back to 4/5pm in some cases.
The most traditional reception style, a plated meal is what the majority of couples choose. This is when all the guests are seated and served a formal dinner. Typically, it consists of two courses (an appetizer and an entrée), plus dessert if it's served tableside.
The average wedding held in 2022, including both the ceremony and reception, cost $30,000, according to The Knot. That's the most couples have spent since 2018 ($33,931), before COVID-19. It's also $2,000 more than the 2021 average, which totaled $28,000 for the ceremony and reception.
Foods that squish easily between your fingers are a safe bet for babies and younger toddlers. Think cooked peas, raspberries, chunks of banana, diced avocado, and soft cheese.
This mix plate consists of a variety of ingredients that people can mix and match as the mood takes them. Examples include corn chips, peanuts, jicama, pickles, pretzels, pita bread, tortilla chips, popcorn, nachos, pizza crust, waffle dough and simple salads.
Disposable aluminium pans have also become a prominent tool in the catering industry, as they keep the food warm and can serve large portions. In most cases, 3 aluminium pans will contain around 20 portions each, which equals around 60 portions for a large crowd of people.
The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is for the relatives and friends of the bride and groom to meet and have a good time. The couple generally takes this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped with the wedding preparations.
They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family, or if you are in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.
