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    In Advice

    Should you serve a buffet or plated meal at your reception?

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    One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.

    A PLATED MEAL

    The facts

    A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).

    The pros

    All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises – in-between each course.

    The cons

    It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.

    A BUFFET

    The facts

    Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.

    The pros

    Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.

    The cons

    Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.

    ALSO SEE: Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

    Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    wedding during ramadan
    In Advice

    How to plan a wedding during Ramadan with Muslim guests in mind

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    If your wedding falls during Ramadan and you have Muslim guests, you might wonder how to make the experience a respectful one for them during this time. With a little thought, you can ensure everyone feels included while you enjoy your day. These simple tips help you plan a wedding during Ramadan that works for all your guests.

    Time it right
    Avoid food-focused moments like canapés, cocktail hour or dinner before sunset if you can. Ramadan shifts each year, so sunset (iftar) times change daily and by city. Check a local timetable online. Even noting sunset on your programme helps guests plan.

    Offer simple iftar
    A small iftar table at sunset is thoughtful. Dates, water, juice or light snacks — enough to break the fast comfortably.

    Talk to your caterer
    Let your caterer know in advance about fasting guests and halal meal requests. Keep meals warm or plated later if needed. Small adjustments go a long way.

    Cocktail hour before sunset?

    If you have a cocktail hour before sunset, provide comfortable seating and social spaces so fasting guests can enjoy themselves without focusing only on food.

    Provide quiet spaces
    Some guests may want to pray after sunset. A small, private room is helpful. Not mandatory, just considerate.

    Share information in advance
    Mention that your wedding falls during Ramadan on your website or invitations. Let guests know you’ve considered fasting and halal options. It helps them plan and shows respect.

    Don’t assume everyone is fasting
    Children and those with health reasons may not fast. Flexibility is key, so focus on consideration, not assumptions.

    Small gestures count
    A quick check-in with Muslim guests before the day — asking if there’s anything that would make it easier — is often appreciated more than any big arrangement.

    ALSO SEE: 7 quirky wedding ideas perfect for summer

    7 quirky wedding ideas perfect for summer

    Feature image: Pexels

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    wedding canape
    In Food

    Pork and mushroom vol-au-vents for the perfect wedding canapés

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    Looking for the perfect cocktail-hour starter while you and your new spouse step away for your photoshoot? These pork-and-mushroom vol-au-vents are an elegant wedding canapé option that keeps guests satisfied and the celebration flowing.

    Serves: 4
    Prep Time: 45 minutes
    Cooking Time: 3.5 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

    Ingredients

    Pork filling
    • 200 g boneless, skinless pork shoulder
    • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
    • 2 tsp fresh thyme
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp pepper
    • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 cup chicken stock
    • 100 g brown mushrooms, finely chopped
    • 1 tbsp brandy
    • 1/2 cup cream
    • 30 g grated Parmesan

    Vol-au-vent cases

    • 2 x 400 g rolls of frozen puff pastry, thawed
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 tbsp milk

    Bacon crumble

    • 100 g streaky bacon

    You’ll need

    • 1 x 4 cm diameter cookie cutter
    • 1 x 1.5 cm diameter cookie cutter
    • 1 tbsp chopped chives to serve

    Method

    Pork filling

    1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
    2. Place the pork shoulder into a deep oven tray. Mix the garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and olive oil in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork and pour the chicken stock into the tray. Cover the tray with foil and place into the oven.
    3. Roast the pork for 3 hours, or until pull-apart tender.
    4. When the pork is roasted, remove it from the oven, pour the juices into a jug, and reserve. Use two forks to shred the pork.
    5. Heat a medium-sized saucepan and add the olive oil. Add the chopped mushrooms and fry until browned and caramelised.
    6. Deglaze the pan with the brandy and cook for 1 minute. Add the roasting juices to the mushrooms and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and add the cream.
    7. Add the Parmesan cheese and simmer for about 3 minutes, then add the shredded pork and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

    Vol au vent cases

    1. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
    2. Unroll one roll of pastry and leave it on the plastic it was rolled in. Using the 4 cm cookie cutter, cut out 25 circles (or as many as it yields), then place these pastry circles upside down on the prepared baking sheet.
    3. Beat the egg yolk and milk together, and then brush the circles with this mixture – take care not to brush too close to or around the sides of the circles, as this can cause the pastry not to rise properly.
    4. Unroll the second sheet of pastry and keep it on the plastic it was rolled in; cut the same amount of circles. You will end up with a doughnut-shaped ring of pastry.
    5. Lift these, turn them upside down and place them on top of the original circles that you have already egg washed. This will form the sides of your ring-shaped piece of pastry.
    6. Using a fork, prick the bottom pastry in the centre hole of the ring layer to prevent it from puffin up during baking. Brush the top of the ring circles with egg wash, but again, be careful not to get it on the sides, otherwise, your vol-au-vents may not rise properly.
    7. Note: The circles that were removed from the centre of the pastry rings, as well as any leftover pastry, can be egg washed and cooked separately. The round centre pieces can serve as ‘hats’ for the vol-au-vents, should you choose to use them.
    8. Place the tray into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vol-au-vents are well-risen and golden. Remove the pastry cases from the oven and allow them to cool.

    Bacon crumble

    1. Turn the oven to the grill setting. Lay the bacon on a baking sheet and place it into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes to cook until crispy. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer. Let it cool slightly, then chop to a fine crumb.

    To assemble

    1. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the pork and mushroom mixture to each vol-au-vent to fill. Sprinkle bacon crumbs over the top of each vol-au-vent and garnish with chopped chives. Serve immediately.
    Recipe and feature image: SA Pork 
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    In Advice

    Hors d’oeuvre ideas your guests will love

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    All you need is love and food. Your wedding should offer both. Cocktail hour is a crucial time for guests to whet their appetites before they sit down for the wedding feast.

    Typically running after the ceremony, cocktail hour is a perfect time for guest to mingle while enjoying some delicious dishes. Beyond just lining stomachs, it sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Whether you want to go big with fancy finger foods or prefer the more modest morsel, these appetisers are sure to get your mouth watering.

    Pretzels:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz0pnJAHhBz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Popcorn:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BgBlTX5H8Ln/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feta and watermelon skewers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk0JlUeljRz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Charcuterie:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zTic4l7-7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Ice-lollies:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cqlyzBRa_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Mini-tacos: 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1wvK1BFEff/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Fries:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mSCe-ja_C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Crostini:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B18M0xUg7xk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Fish fingers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Byaj_ZGjKCH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Chicken skewers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1n-02XAeJc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sliders:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqy2zNeH3H_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Milk and cookies:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2iyrQkByz8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Arancini pops:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0-j3IMhM7H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

     

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    In Food

    Wedding food trucks that will wow your guests

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    Food trucks have quickly become popular alternatives to the traditional wedding meal. These vehicles are transformed into stylish, mobile mini-kitchens ready to line the stomachs of eager wedding guests. Food trucks also work as extra decor pieces, providing a dose of whimsy sure to impress your guests.

    With so many fun and unique food trucks to choose from, you’ll be overwhelmed with having to choose. Here are our favourite wedding food truck ideas to inspire you:

    Gin bar:

    Gin is having a moment. Stun your guests with a gin truck offering various add-ons and botanicals to quench their thirst.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXxfKGlLLZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Gelato:

    Appeal to your guests’ sweet teeth with a gelato stand. This food truck works well for summer weddings and adds a fun, vintage feel to your wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2CoaN8APBN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Fresh juice:

    Homemade juice is the perfect drink for a hot summer’s day. Serve them on the back of a truck in massive juice jars, and you’ve got the cutest drink station.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eqSMnnO3h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Mexican food:

    If you’re a lover of spice then a Mexican food truck will be right up your alley! Tacos, nachos, burritos and churros make for perfect handheld delights at your wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ummJrJgz3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Fried Chicken:

    Having street food at your wedding creates a much more relaxed, informal atmosphere. If you’re not one for seated dinners, this food truck idea is perfect for you.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TmZWkpVqB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pizza:

    Who doesn’t love pizza? Give your wedding an Italian flare with some freshly made pizza.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2L3MaABljA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Snacks:

    We all get peckish, especially after a day of wedding festivities. Having a snack truck on hand will keep your guests coming back for more.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PwIzHH4rJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Breakfast:

    If you’re having an early wedding, you should consider providing a mobile breakfast bar. From pancakes, eggs, bacon and baked goods, there are so many options to fill your guests in preparation for the ceremony.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1g7Oe3HaI9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Toasties:

    Toasted sandwiches take us back to childhood days of lunches in front of the TV. Take a trip down memory lane with a toastie truck. It will be the perfect addition to a chilled afternoon wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3v-k7nAPX8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Charcuterie:

    Harvest tables have been trending for a while now. If you want to be different, think about having a charcuterie and cheese truck. Cheese, meats and wine go so perfectly together and make a great picnic-style wedding snack.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzpg3jqisge/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Picture: Unsplash

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