Planning the perfect wedding breakfast menu
There are so many aspects to consider when planning a wedding breakfast menu and many couples choose to work with specialist and experienced wedding caterers like The ALS Group to help them. At The ALS Group, we have 30 years’ experience in helping couples to have the perfect day and here’s how!
Choose a wedding caterer
Find a wedding caterer you can trust and who shares your vision, and you are half way to the perfect wedding breakfast! Always research the catering companies in your area – some may specialise in traditional wedding catering, while others may excel at hog roast catering or wood fired pizza catering. Once you have an idea of the kind of catering you want to offer your guests (if you’re not sure yet, read ‘What alternatives are there to the traditional wedding breakfast?’), ask friends and colleagues for their recommendations and always read online reviews. When you meet with caterers, go armed with a list of things to ask (see how to choose a wedding caterer).
Considerations for the perfect wedding breakfast menu
Budget – be realistic about your budget and be open with your caterer. Establish whether they charge a flat fee or a price per head and whether a deposit is required. Always know exactly when the balance will welcome due and ask what the price includes, for example will any waiting staff be provided? Or cutlery and crockery?
Dietary requirements - All engaged couples want to offer the best menu to their guests so it’s vital to ensure all guests’ dietary requirements are met. Today, many couples include a simple request with the invitations to help them. If you and your spouse-to-be are meat-eaters, do not assume all your guests are, and offer a meat-free option. Likewise, where you may be vegan, give careful consideration to whether the meal will be completely vegan for all guests. Catering for vegans at a wedding can be achieved easily but talk to your caterers to ensure they have this kind of specialist experience. It’s not just whether a meat-free meal/option is to be provided though. Dietary and medical conditions MUST be addressed and the needs of affected guests met safely and respectfully.
Younger guests – if you are expecting children and toddlers at your wedding breakfast, remember that their palate may not be mature enough to cope with the same menu as your adult guests. Discuss a more child-friendly option with your caterers and for really young guests, ask parents or guardians whether they would prefer to bring their own food. Of course, you may decide to have an adults-only reception but if you’re undecided, read ‘having children at your wedding’.
Book a tasting session – many wedding caterers will offer sample menu tasting sessions but check whether these are chargeable. This gives you the opportunity to pick the perfect selection of dishes for your guests and will give you the chance to sample how good your caterers are.
Personalise your menu – it can be easy to be swept up in making sure all your guests are happy and forgetting that this is YOUR special day. Make sure that you choose foods that you and your partner love – guests don’t expect every course or dish to be to their liking.
Wedding catering services from The ALS Group
The ALS Group offers a comprehensive wedding service that includes not only wedding catering but also wedding bar hire, wedding décor packages and entertainment. We can create personalised and bespoke wedding breakfast menus for you or you can choose from our wide range of set wedding catering options.
To start your wedding breakfast menu planning with us, email us or call on 01526 397995 today.
