Food isn’t just sustenance, its an experience. It plays an important role at your wedding, it sets the tone, creates memories, and indulges your guests in luxury. When its executed flawlessly, your guests will rave about the food for weeks or even months after the big day. Beyond the main meal, small, thoughtful touches can transform your food service into something unique and unforgettable. Here are five simple yet effective additions to elevate the culinary experience on your wedding day.
Oysters with edible citrus pearls and granita of yuzu gin and elderflower
1. Food platters during the cocktail hour
The canapé hour, following the ceremony, is the perfect time for guests to mingle,
sip on drinks and snack on light bites. At most weddings, there are often several canapés and a grazing platter to enjoy. However, there are ways of elevating the experience by adding indulgent food platters. Picture a lavish seafood platter, overflowing with fresh oysters, succulent prawns, and delicate sashimi, complemented by an array of sauces and garnishes. This will keep guests satisfied and extend the mingling period, giving you more time as a couple for photos and relaxation before the formal reception begins.
2. Premium canapé upgrade
Canapés are a staple of the mingling period directly after your ceremony before entering the main reception area for speeches, dinner, and the other evening formalities.
There’s a way to take your canapés to the next level by opting for premium upgrades
that showcase high-end ingredients and bold flavours. Whether it's pan fried scallops in XO sauce, pork belly with hot honey, or korean fried chicken with gochujang sauce,
these elegant bites exude sophistication. These elevated options also allow you to tailor options to your guests’ preferences.
Scallops with XO sauce served in a chinese spoon
3. Live Canapé Station
Bring the energy of a live kitchen to your wedding with a live canapé station. Imagine chefs grilling skewers, assembling sliders, or garnishing freshly made tacos right before your guests' eyes. Not only does this add an interactive element, but it also ensures that every bite is served hot and fresh. Plus, the staff at wedding venues are always there to ensure that this delicious food is served directly to you no matter where on the venue you are taking couples photos. This allows you to enjoy the live station while getting those much-needed photos.
Garlic, parsley and chilli prawn skewers cooked on the grill in the garden and served directly to the guests
4. Entrée service
Another exceptional way to elevate the dining experience for your guests is the addition of an entrée prior to the service of the main meal. Whether you already have a plated service or a buffet, the entrée is an excellent way for your guests to start their dinner, preparing their tastebuds for the exceptional food. Not only does it mean more food for your guests, but it also provides more breaks between formalities, giving space for more speeches or performances.
Moroccan lamb ribs with tzatziki
5. Party Time Snacks
Keep the energy high with late-night snacks to fuel the dance floor. From champagne ham sliders to house-made gourmet pies, these delicious bites are perfect for guests who need late-night munchies for a pick-me-up after hours of celebrating. At Markovina Estate,
for example, this comes complimentary as part of the hour-long time extension to
your wedding. However, at other venues, ask their team for what they have available for late-night wedding snacks.
At Markovina Vineyard Estate, we’re here to help make your wedding day unforgettable. Our team is ready to provide pricing and tailored options for any of these enhancements to bring your vision to life.
