When planning a wedding breakfast menu during winter it’s easy to forget what the summer feels like. You need to be careful when choosing the food and drink for a summer wedding…
The recent spell of hot weather has reminded me of some food and drink related nightmares that I avoid at all costs. Whilst I plan all my weddings with assumed rain the British weather is notoriously unpredictable. So, if you’re planning a wedding anytime between April and September, there is a chance (however slim) that it might be hot, hot, hot.
A week before your wedding check the forecast and double check your menu with the following considerations:
Frozen Desserts
Don’t try and have anything frozen at a marquee reception because, unlike at a hotel, your caterers are unlikely to have access to a freezer. Even if you hire the equipment they may not work sufficiently to be totally effective. Ask yourself — can they plate 120 desserts without the first few melting? In short — ice cream soup.
Chocolate
I once had a bride who (despite my advice) insisted on an afternoon tea involving delicate chocolate mille feuille. Mess, mess, mess. Save hot chocolate for winter nights and bed time.
Cream
If your wedding cake has any element of dairy in it your caterer may insist (for health and safety reasons) that it is not on display and remains in the fridge. Bear this in mind when arranging the cake delivery time — the later the better.
Oysters and Seafood
Seafood isn’t a great choice as you can’t guarantee freshness unless you’re beside the seaside and can see the boats. Regardless of weather, you should always double check that your caterer has taken sufficient precautions for all eventualities.
Water
Ensure there is lots of water! Budget for at least one bottle per guest.
Cocktails
In hot weather it’s important to dilute cocktails slightly more than normal e.g. serve Pimm’s 1 part to 3 parts.
Ice Luges
Best kept to Christmas parties and club nights.
Rich, Heavy Carbs
Keep the main meal light and then feed much more hearty food once the sun has gone down. You need to fuel a party, but none of us want to eat rich, hot or heavy food when the weather is hot.
Guest post by Julie Gray of Bovingtons
Images from…
Spoons of Ice Cream: Darlish
Prawns and Cocktail: Pixabay
