Your Kent Wedding - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 84)

73 CATERING W hether your venue provides in-house caterers or you’ve free rein to select your own, what you choose to serve is going to be a vital part of the day and sure to be something to remember. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. We disagree and hold firm to our belief that it’s the way to everyone’s hearts! So we’ve chatted to some of Kent’s incredibly talented wedding caterers and sweet treat suppliers to give you menu ideas for every stage of the day, from drinks reception to last dance. NOON ’TILNIGHT Kent’s caterers offer some excellent food for thought on W-day dining fleurchallisphotography.com for touchays.com That lengthy wait between the vows and the wedding breakfast is often the most challenging for guests. By the time the “I dos” have been exchanged, it’s already so late in the day for lunch. As Debra Green from Chives Caterers, explains, “By the time the ceremony is over, your guests will be starving, and the first thing you give them is alcohol on an empty stomach! All they’ll be worried about is when they’re going to sit down instead of enjoying the mingling and photographs.” When it comes to the nibbles, Debra says to “ensure a good balance of colour, texture and flavour in a mix of fish, meat and vegetarian options.” She continues: “We always ask our couples to choose eight varieties, allowing six pieces per person. Always ask your caterer to keep a full selection for yourselves in case you missed anything during the photographs.” samanthajonesphotography.co.uk for chivescaterers.co.uk ▲ Clare Smith from Touchays suggests the ultimate drinks reception menu… ❤ Scallops with zesty lemon, black pepper and cauliflower puree ❤ Warm mini scotch egg ball ❤ Sweet chili squid and tiger prawn spoons ❤ Roasted vegetable Yorkshire puddings ❤ Greek feta salad spoons olegssamsonovsphotography.com TOP TIPPLES CHIN-GIN! Flavoured gins are the drink of the moment and make a great drinks reception treat. Lydden Bell Caterers offers an extensive range by The Sweet Potato Spirit Co. “Rhubarb and ginger, parma violet and raspberry always go down a storm,” the company’s Sarah Green says. ▲ PIMM’S O’CLOCK “Serving cocktails or Pimm’s on the lawn from vintage teapots and antique tea cups will make for a drinks reception to remember. Having a winter wedding? Spiced mulled wine by a log fire is a great option.” – Gemma Darling, Finickity Fayre finickityfayre.co.uk ▲ ULTIMATE VERSATILITY “A drinks package is a great option for your guests. Start with arrival drinks of Pimm’s, prosecco or champagne. Wine and water on the tables for the meal keep everyone happy, and bubbles are needed to raise a toast. Finally, a fully stocked mobile bar can transition into the evening to continue celebrations in style.” – Emma Smith, Premier Bar Runners premierbarrunners.co.uk ▲ BRING ON THE BUBBLES Kerry Moore from The Bubbly Boutique says: “No occasion is complete without a glass of fizz. Served from our quirky, fun and one-of-a-kind converted tuk-tuk, our quality Italian bubbles are perfect indoors or out, day or night.” TO CANAPÉ OR NOT TO CANAPÉ?