Scrummy food ideas for wedding arrival dinners, hen parties, post-wedding brunches and BBQs, and wedding grazing boards

Can we have extra? Olivia Simpson fills her boots with suggestions from the authorities on how they hold attendees sated possibly side of the wedding day, from arrival dinners to subsequent-day brunches

For those on the lookout for a significant celebration, a ‘standard’ 12pm-12am marriage ceremony just won’t slice it. These times, it is all about the multi-working day party, with couples inviting buddies and family to spend the entire weekend with them at distinctive-use venues. Most likely immediately after two yrs of cancelled ideas and different degrees of isolation, all we want is to be with beloved ones for as very long as possible? Nevertheless, I believe it is much simpler than that: us Scots enjoy a bash and will soar on any excuse to continue to keep just one going.

So, what do these weekend-lengthy revelries entail? Normally, they’ll start off with a welcome meal on a Friday and conclude with a chilled-out brunch on Sunday early morning to assistance visitors regain their energy after the excitements and excesses of the night before. From tasting menus to barbecued brownies (of course, truly) we requested Scottish caterers what they’d be serving up across the weekend.

Welcome food

If your friends have travelled significantly and large to achieve your venue, it is only ideal to address them to a slap-up unfold on arrival, but the very first meal serves one more function too: location the tone for what’s to appear. “Some couples like a a lot more elaborate meal for a handful of men and women tasting menus are well-liked in that regard,” Kate McKenna from Kate’s Bespoke Catering tells us. “However, most opt for basic fare this kind of as fall-off family meals or street-meals solutions served from our converted vintage horse trailer.”

If your weekend is a chilled-out affair in the state, a barbecue could be the way to go. Area Fire Fork’s offerings of outstanding-good quality meat paired with Center Japanese sides would put a smile on any weary traveller’s deal with, but it is the barbecued chocolate brownies that truly have us drooling. Incorporating to temptation is the truth that the company features discounted rates for secondary meals if they have been booked for the marriage ceremony itself. “Prices change depending on the dishes (some dishes consider 10 hours to cook dinner), but I will produce a menu to accommodate each finances,” the company’s Pete Gayford assures us.

The morning just after the night time just before

A chilled-out meal with you guests is the fantastic justification to debrief about the reception’s shenanigans and enable those in a sorry condition get better. “Couples typically request far more casual kinds of meals these as hog roasts and barbecues for a write-up-wedding day function,” claims Kate. “Street meals this kind of as toasties, fish tacos and mac and cheese are also preferred.”
If company are struggling with lengthy journeys house, a early morning distribute could be a far better possibility and can be just as delicious. “Our brunch buffets, showcasing breakfast items like Scottish smoked salmon bagels, are a real strike with company,” states Kate.

For a exciting just take on regular brunch fare, Pete has some strategies: “A barbecue breakfast is a great selection – huevos ranchos and reverse-seared bavette steak with fresh salsa is significantly restorative for those people not sensation their best.”

Hen and stag

Organizing a easier, one-working day event and sensation remaining out? Really don’t be concerned: each Pete and Kate can cater for hen and stag events, providing you yet another opportunity to sample their incredible menus. “A far more formal hen or stag food can create a real sense of celebration, but this naturally isn’t suitable for each occasion,” Kate says. “We have observed an improve in intimate hen or stag get-togethers, with the bride or groom generally employing out a nation household and owning us cater tasting menus merged with whisky or gin tastings.” Can we get an invite be sure to?

Grazing boards for pre-marriage ceremony celebrations or the early morning of

The Olive Boardz is Scotland’s 1st dine-in grazing cafe in Shawlands in Glasgow’s southside. “We supply grazing boards, tapas and afternoon tea to sit-in,” introduces owner Matt Poole. “We’ve become identified for the lovely presentations of our boards they make great centrepieces that have verified to be actual talking details, so it was a no-brainier to development into weddings.”

The enterprise now offers brunches, bridal- and hen-celebration food, nibbles for the night reception, beautiful desk centrepieces and additional, all readily available for collection or residence supply around Glasgow (additional afield regarded as for larger sized gatherings). “We perform with renowned nearby corporations, which includes cheese from George Mewes Cheese, baked goods from Independence Bakery and bagels from Brawsome Bagels,” continues Matt.

“We have an in-depth consultation prior to accepting a booking, covering all vital factors, like allergy symptoms, amount of visitors and what the customer imagines the end goal to look like – we have never ever had a disappointed customer nevertheless!” Looking at the boards, we can see why!