What to serve on your summer wedding menu

With the summer as the most popular time of year for weddings, the warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity to look at alternative choices for catering.

Serving up a steaming soup as a starter on a hot July afternoon won’t go down too well with guests, so how to you create a summer menu tailored to you?

Debra Green, of Chives Catering based in Ashford, says: “We have noticed more couples looking for a relaxed and summery atmosphere for their wedding. We have seen bowls of colourful salads served alongside platters of barbecued meats and fish and vegetarian dishes, such as sweet peppers roasted and stuffed with corn and barbecued grilled sweet potato and mozzarella.

“This theme also continues into desserts; several couples have chosen sharing bowls of light summer desserts for each table, such as Eton Mess. As well as this, couples are opting for a longer reception time with more canapés and then just two courses at the table, which eases the weight of the menu and table planning with guests spending less time stuck at the tables.

“Some couples are opting for a Twilight ceremony with grazing stations rather than a seated meal. This works really well for a festival feel with live music playing, hay bales and picnic blankets. I would recommend serving three to four different food stations.”

A bitesize wedding feast (Image: Rebecca Carpenter Photography for Touchays)

Clare Smith of Touchays, which covers the whole of Kent, says: “Grazing tables really have taken centre stage at weddings. This allows couples the freedom of choice and to provide a colourful spread of food in a modern and contemporary way that guests just love feasting from.

“Styled grazing tables to suit your wedding theme can be put out in the daytime, or are perfect during the evening reception when everyone has worked up an appetite to throw shapes on the dancefloor. More couples are asking for massive charcuterie or cheese boards served with olives, breads and fruit. 

“For styling inspiration, we have served grazing tables on mirrors, wooden boards and, because we like to add flowers to match the couple's colour scheme, we ask them to order a few more from their florist so that every aspect of their day can be styled in their colours.”

Grazing boards and baskets work a treat (Image: Rebecca Carpenter Photography for Touchays)

TOP TIPS:

"Don’t be afraid to match your catering to your personality. If as a couple you both like a barbecue, then we believe that’s what you should consider sharing with their guests. We always enjoy working with couples on how to serve up their favourites with a twist." Clare Smith, touchays.com

"Find a caterer that will listen to you and take advice from them to benefit from their experience. If you think an idea doesn’t work, we will always suggest a compromise which we know will make their day perfect." Debra Green, chivescaterers.co.uk