Your Surrey Wedding - June/July 2024 (Issue 107)

COOL CATERING How can we pick the perfect wedding caterer? Meet the supplier: Lebnani offers an array of fresh and flavourful dishes for takeaway, delivery and a seated dining experience including Lebanese mezze and charcoal grills from the Al Mashwa barbecue, all designed for sharing. The authentic menu is inspired by founder Jad Youssef’s childhood memories of Beirut and dishes are created with local ingredients including meat sourced responsibly from local farms in Surrey and Sussex. Planning your dream wedding can be a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, and one of the most crucial elements to consider is undoubtedly the catering. From selecting the perfect caterer to navigating dietary requirements, these expert tips will ensure your wedding feast is nothing short of sensational. Finding your culinary match: Choosing the right wedding caterer is akin to finding your soulmate – it’s all about chemistry! At Lebnani, we understand the importance of this decision and are here to guide you every step of the way. Start by researching local caterers, consider their style, menu options, and ability to accommodate your vision – after all, your wedding menu should reflect your unique love story. Budgeting brilliance: Crafting a delectable wedding menu doesn’t have to break the bank. Set a realistic budget early on and communicate your financial constraints with potential caterers. At Lebnani, we truly value catering and are committed to creating unforgettable experiences while respecting your budget. Go for seasonal ingredients and explore buffet-style dining options for cost-effectiveness. With a little creativity and savvy planning, you can achieve gastronomic greatness without overspending. Navigating dietary needs with grace: In today’s diverse culinary landscape, catering to dietary requirements is par for the course. Whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, or allergies galore, proactive communication is key. Include a dietary preferences section on your RSVP cards to gather essential information from guests in advance. Work closely with your caterer, like Lebnani, to develop inclusive menu options that cater to all palates, ensuring every guest feels valued and satisfied. The importance of exceptional service: Having enough waiting staff is crucial to ensuring your wedding service is smooth and your guests are well looked after. The worst scenario is an amazing venue and delicious food overshadowed by a shortage of staff, leaving guests thirsty or searching for spare plates and cutlery. We emphasize the importance of professional, attentive service to create a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for everyone. Attention to details: Don’t overlook the seemingly small details like drink selection, crockery hire, confirming how late you can stay at the venue, and rubbish disposal. These aspects might seem minor but can cause unnecessary stress for newlyweds if not managed properly. At Lebnani, we ensure every detail is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your special day. Beyond the plate: Remember that wedding catering extends beyond just the food. Consider the presentation, ambiance and service experience to elevate your dining affair. Personalized touches, such as signature drinks or interactive food stations, add a dash of flair and create memorable moments for you and your guests. With these insider insights, and the dedicated support of Lebnani, you’re wellequipped to embark on a culinary journey that’s as delightful as it is delicious. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after! https://lebnani.co.uk www.facebook.com/LebnaniUK www.instagram.com/lebnaniuk ARTY TYPES Meet the expert: Hollie Ballard is a self-employed illustrator with more than a decade of creative experience having worked as a character artist for the Disney brand. We want something fun and personal to us at our wedding to wow our guests, what do you suggest? Hollie says: For weddings, I specialise in bespoke portraits, invitations and wedding favours that leave a lasting memory for you and your guests. My portraits for the couple come framed with an emotive and personal ‘wedding hoop’, a circle symbolising eternity with no beginning or end, the way love should be. This includes iconography and themes that relate uniquely to you, from your favourite cocktails, flowers and beloved pets to significant moments in your life together. Alternatively, I can also capture the venue or a place you both hold dear. For your ushers, bridesmaids, top table bridal party members and guests, I can offer each group an individual postcard-sized caricature in pencil or watercolour as a truly unique wedding favour. These are pre-drawn and can be placed on their table or used for the seating arrangement chart as an ice breaker and treasured memento of the day. https://hollieballardartist.wordpress.com www.instagram.com/hollieballardweddings www.facebook.com /p/jammyjimjams-100063628355681 60

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