One of the biggest perks of an outdoor wedding is that they allow you to be creative with the event—like planning your menu—to your heart’s content.
At the same time, an outdoor event requires you to consider certain logistics that can easily slip your mind in the flurry of all that planning.
So if you’re eyeing outdoor wedding catering services to make your big day even more special, here are a couple of things you need to consider.
When and where?
Outdoor weddings give you an endless amount of venue ideas, meaning you can make the event more memorable by matching your menu with your venue.
A beach wedding, for example, could do well with a seafood theme. Fresh oysters on ice, a lobster buffet, and tuna bites for example will fit right in with your nautical theme.
A vineyard wedding, on the other hand, allows you to be bold with your food. Work with your wedding catering services and the bar team to determine what wines you will serve based on your menu, and give your guests the best winery wedding experience.
Communicate with your outdoor wedding catering services and see what works the best for you. Ordering your food well in advance allows your caterers to serve up the menu of your dream wedding.
Seasonal offers, anyone?
Serving food that complements the season makes the dining experience better for your guests. When you look for the perfect food to order, opt for foods that take advantage of seasonal fresh produce.
Here are some examples:
Spring Wedding
Ramp up your meals with flavors that are in season this time of the year, like asparagus, melons, apricots, lavender, and mint.
Summer Wedding
Let your guests cool down from scorching temperatures with refreshing foods like cooling cocktails and frozen desserts.
Fall Wedding
A menu full of rich flavors is your seasonal flavor pick to complement the outdoor weather. Think apples, pumpkin, and cinnamon.
Winter Wedding
Hot meals and cocktails are always a plus alongside flavors like hot chocolate and cranberry to truly complement the vibe of winter nuptials.
Glamorous feast or keep it simple?
Not every caterer is perfect for every type of event, and many caterers themselves admit that they have a unique specialty.
So when you plan to hire an outdoor wedding catering service, remember that it’s not just about finding a caterer with a great reputation, but also choosing a service that can handle your specific type of event: an outdoor wedding.
Here, you need to be specific about the type of event you’re aiming for, the food choices, and the presentation you are expecting.
For example, if your event has a more casual, rustic charm, your food needs to align with this aesthetic, so veer away from three-course meals.
For a glam garden wedding, however, simple BBQs and canapes won’t do. Instead, aim for a more complex menu.
If you plan to serve breakfast the day after your night reception, make sure you hire a service that does hot breakfast catering services so your guests can sate their appetite in the morning.
Ready for rain or shine?
One of the most important things to communicate with wedding catering services when planning an outdoor wedding is your contingency plan.
The weather outside is unpredictable so preparing for weather changes with the right supplies can help save your food in case of a downpour.
Setting up a canopy provides shelter for your guests, but if you aren’t planning to set up a separate dining area for your guests underneath a canopy, ask if your caterers can provide coverage and protection for the food.
Beyond this, your caterers need to be armed with all the equipment needed to prepare for weather changes; it’s not just about which caterer puts together the perfect menu, but also who’s best prepared to provide the dining experience you want for your big day.
Check if your caterers are ready with backups, are willing to adhere to local and venue rules, and are flexible to meet your menu needs.
Outdoor Wedding Catering Services can give your guests the Best Gastronomic Experience
When it comes to catering an outdoor wedding allows you to be innovative with your menu, from serving items like BBQ and lemonade to whipping up a full-course meal for an early spring wedding.
Consider all these factors to put together a day you (and your guests) will never forget!
