Creating A Culinary Destination Wedding: A Foodie's Guide

Planning a destination wedding can be challenging, and deciding to make your own food adds another layer of complexity. However, it can be a rewarding experience and a great way to save money. The first step is to check with your venue and caterer (if you have one) to ensure that making your own food is allowed. If you get the go-ahead, the next step is to plan your menu, keeping in mind the number of guests you'll be serving and any dietary restrictions they may have. It's essential to keep the menu simple and make-ahead dishes that can be reheated on the wedding day. Enlist help from family and friends to ensure the food preparation doesn't become overwhelming, and don't forget to consider health and safety guidelines to ensure your guests stay safe.

Plan a simple buffet or food bar

Planning a simple buffet or food bar for your destination wedding is a great way to offer your guests a variety of food options while sticking to your budget. Here are some tips and ideas to help you plan:

Choose the Right Food Bar for Your Wedding

Select a food bar that reflects your and your partner's personality and tastes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Taco bar: A popular choice that can be adapted to various dietary restrictions.
• Pasta bar: Offering a variety of shapes, sauces, and toppings allows each guest to customize their meal.
• Burger bar: A classic option that can be dressed up or down to fit your wedding theme.
• Pizza bar: Pizza is a crowd favourite and can be prepared in endless ways with different sauces, toppings, and crusts.
• Waffle bar: Perfect for a brunch wedding, allowing guests to customize their waffles with sweet and savoury toppings.
• Charcuterie board: A simple yet elegant option, featuring an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers.

Keep It Simple

When planning your food bar, it's important to keep things simple, especially if you're on a budget or have limited help. Choose dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and served cold or at room temperature. Roasted vegetables, dips, and cold cuts are excellent choices that don't require last-minute preparation.

Consider the Presentation

Presentation is key to a successful food bar. Here are some tips to make your food bar look appealing:

• Use rustic decorations, such as mason jars, wood slices, and chalkboards, to display your food.
• Create a colourful display by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Vary the heights of your serving dishes to add dimension to your food bar.
• Include some unique serving pieces, such as tiered stands or colourful bowls.

Don't Forget the Details

When planning your food bar, don't forget the small details that will make your guests' experience enjoyable:

• Provide a variety of condiments and sauces to accompany your dishes.
• Offer a selection of bread or crackers to go with your main dishes.
• Include some healthy options, such as a crudité bar with dips.
• Have a variety of drinks available, including water, soft drinks, and perhaps a signature cocktail.
• Don't forget the dessert! Offer a sweet treat such as a cookie bar or a selection of miniature cupcakes.

Get Help if Needed

Planning a food bar for your destination wedding can be a lot of work, so don't hesitate to ask for help. Consider hiring a local caterer to prepare and set up the food, or enlist the help of family and friends. Remember, the key to a successful food bar is to keep it simple, choose crowd-pleasing options, and ensure there's something for everyone.

Order in from a restaurant

Ordering food from a restaurant for your wedding is a great way to ensure that your guests enjoy a delicious meal while also saving you time and money. Here are some tips to help you navigate this option for your destination wedding:

Selecting a Restaurant

Finding a restaurant that suits your needs and preferences is crucial. Consider the following factors:

• Location: Opt for restaurants outside of the city centre as they often have lower minimum spending requirements.
• Capacity: Ensure the restaurant can comfortably accommodate your guest list.
• Cuisine: Choose a restaurant that aligns with your desired cuisine or theme.
• Reviews: Research online reviews to gauge the quality of food and service.
• Ambiance: Consider the restaurant's decor and whether it aligns with your wedding vision.
• Cost: Compare pricing and package options to find the best value.

Communicating Your Needs

Once you've selected a restaurant, clearly communicate your requirements:

• Guest Count: Provide an accurate headcount to ensure sufficient food and seating arrangements.
• Dietary Restrictions: Inform the restaurant about any dietary restrictions or allergies among your guests.
• Timing: Discuss the timing of the meal and confirm that the restaurant can deliver the food promptly.
• Presentation: If presentation is important to you, share your expectations with the restaurant.
• Customisation: If you have specific menu requests or customisations, discuss them in advance.

Logistics and Planning

To ensure a seamless experience, consider the following logistical aspects:

• Setup and Cleanup: Confirm with the restaurant who will be responsible for setting up the tables, serving the food, and cleaning up afterward.
• Beverages: Decide whether you want to provide your own beverages or utilise the restaurant's bar services.
• Dessert: If you plan to bring your own cake, coordinate with the restaurant regarding storage and serving.
• Decorations: Clarify if and when you can access the venue for decorations before the wedding.
• Music: Discuss options for playing music during the event, such as plugging into their audio system.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Ordering from a restaurant offers several benefits, including:

• Convenience: It saves you time and effort in preparing and setting up the food.
• Cost-effectiveness: Ordering from a restaurant can be more affordable than hiring a traditional caterer.
• Food Quality: Restaurants specialise in preparing and serving food, ensuring a delicious meal for your guests.

However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Customisation: Restaurants may offer less customisation in terms of menu options and presentation compared to a caterer.
• Dance Floor and Ambiance: A restaurant may not have a dedicated dance floor or provide the same "reception" ambiance as a traditional venue.
• Guest Count: Ensure the restaurant can accommodate your guest list, as some smaller restaurants may have limited space.

By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can create a memorable dining experience for your destination wedding while enjoying the convenience and cost savings of ordering from a restaurant.

Prepare food ahead of time

Preparing food ahead of time is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your destination wedding. Here are some tips to help you prepare food in advance for your special day:

Plan a Simple Menu

Keep your menu simple and choose dishes that can be prepared in large quantities. Opt for crowd-pleasing options that are easy to tackle and not too time-consuming. Consider items like salads, proteins such as braised short ribs, sides such as roasted potatoes or veggie slaw, and appetizers like homemade flatbreads or charcuterie boards.

Work Backwards

Create a detailed timeline for your food preparation. Work backward from your wedding day, planning out when you will shop for ingredients, cook, and store the food. Make sure to allow extra time for any hiccups along the way.

Cook in Advance

Aim to cook your food two days before the wedding. This will give you time to relax and deal with any last-minute issues. Enlist the help of family and friends to make it a fun group effort, but keep the cooking team small to avoid a crowded kitchen.

Reheat and Serve

On your wedding day, focus on heating and serving the food. Ensure you have enough people assigned to this task so that you can enjoy your day. Keep in mind the temperature requirements for each dish, and plan how you will keep the food warm or chilled, depending on its needs.

Storage and Transportation

If you are not cooking at the venue, consider how you will transport the food. Use appropriate containers to keep it fresh and secure during transit. Also, ensure you have adequate refrigerator or freezer space to store the prepared food before the wedding.

Food Safety

Adhere to strict food safety guidelines to ensure the health of your guests. Visit the USDA's Food Safety website for detailed information. Keep ingredients fresh, maintain proper temperatures during storage and serving, and follow hygiene practices for anyone handling food.

By preparing food ahead of time, you can reduce stress, save money, and create a memorable dining experience for your destination wedding.

Ask family and friends to help

Asking your family and friends for help with your destination wedding can be a great way to save money and create a community feel to your wedding planning. It can also be a fun way to bond with your loved ones and create special memories. Here are some tips on how to ask for and organise their help:

Identify Tasks and Skills

First, identify the tasks that you need help with and the skills required. Do you need help with cooking, baking, music, crafting, or something else? Make a list of your loved ones and their talents, and consider who would be excited to help you on your big day. Think about the number of guests you will be catering for and the amount of work that will be involved.

Ask for Help

Don't be afraid to just ask! Many people in your life will want to help but may not know how or where to start contributing. Simply asking a neutral question like, "I'm thinking of doing this for the wedding. Are you comfortable helping me with it?" can open the door for a conversation about your wedding needs and their talents.

Manage Expectations

When asking for help, be aware that your friends and family are helping you out of their goodwill. Avoid demanding tasks from them, and remember that they may have other commitments or time constraints. Provide them with the tools and information they need to complete the task, and be flexible about how they approach it. It's okay if they do things differently than you, as long as the end result is what you need.

Timing is Everything

It's a good idea to ask for help well in advance of your wedding day. Give your helpers a timeline and a deadline for completing the task. Cooking, for example, should be done a day or two before the wedding, with the wedding day reserved for heating and serving the food.

Show Your Appreciation

Don't forget to thank your helpers and show your appreciation. This can be in the form of a small gift, a heartfelt note, or even just treating them to dinner and wine during a planning session. Let them know how much their help means to you and that their contribution is valuable.

Keep Health and Safety in Mind

If your family and friends are handling food, be sure to follow food safety guidelines. Keep track of food storage and heating instructions, and ensure that your helpers are also aware of these. On the day of the wedding, take everyone's temperature to ensure no one handling food is unwell.

Assign Tasks on the Day

On your wedding day, you don't want to be managing the food or other logistics. Assign specific people to be in charge of heating, serving, clearing, and cleaning up. This will ensure that you can relax and enjoy your special day while knowing that everything is under control.

By following these tips, you can effectively utilise the help of your family and friends to create a wonderful destination wedding while also strengthening your bonds with them.

Check the venue's kitchen

When it comes to checking the venue's kitchen for your destination wedding, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the kitchen is adequately equipped to handle your catering needs. This includes verifying the availability of essential equipment such as a fridge, oven, range, microwave, and adequate pots and pans. Inspect the condition of the appliances to ensure they are in good working order and clean.

In addition to equipment, pay close attention to the kitchen's size. Assess whether it offers sufficient space to prepare the food you plan to serve. If you intend to cater to a large number of guests, a bigger kitchen may be necessary. Check if there is enough storage space for ingredients and prepared dishes, especially if you plan to cook in advance.

Another important consideration is the distance between the kitchen and the serving area. Ensure there is a practical route for transporting dishes from the kitchen to the buffet or dining tables. This may include checking if there are any stairs or narrow passages that could create challenges.

If your destination wedding venue does not have a kitchen, don't despair. There are caterers who specialise in providing catering services in such situations. They may use special vehicles, such as food trucks or semi-trucks, to transport and prepare food on-site. Alternatively, some caterers will bring the food hot in special containers, ensuring a plated dinner or buffet-style service is still achievable.

Remember, when it comes to destination weddings, it is always a good idea to ask the venue coordinator or wedding planner about any unique requirements, including catering and kitchen facilities. They may have recommendations or suggestions to ensure your special day goes smoothly.

Frequently asked questions