A summer wedding is a wonderful time of year to celebrate your love with family and friends. Nature will naturally provide beautiful settings, from flower-filled meadows to sand-covered beaches for your special occasion.
But wedding catering Melbourne owner Sean Robertson warns that the joys of summer come hand in hand with potential pitfalls. High temperatures can make an outdoor ceremony unbearable without proper planning and preparation.
Make sure you take these important steps to ensure that your guests are comfortable on your big day.
Serve small portions
It’s easier than ever before to track the amount of food served at any event. Many catering services offer pre-printed labels or customised stickers which clearly indicate how many people will be sharing each serving so that no one guest takes more than their fair share.
Use fresh, natural fruits and vegetables
No one wants to see wilted or limp greens on their plate at a wedding. Make sure to pick the freshest produce available when you are putting together your menu so that your food photographs beautifully for years to come.
Keep in mind guests with allergies
If any of your guests have specific dietary restrictions it’s important to be aware of them when planning the menu. To avoid any embarrassment they might feel if their needs can’t be met, make sure all staff are well informed about any allergies before the event takes place.
Offer water with every meal
Many summer weddings are held outdoors or in hot rooms where hydration is critical. Water should always be available to guests throughout the reception.
Don’t forget about ice
One of the best ways to reduce heat is by using large blocks of ice in low-sided glasses or metal bowls. If you are having a seated meal, these cold elements can be placed on every table for guests to help themselves when they need it most.
Save costs with pre-plated desserts
It’s common these days for wedding planners to skip plated desserts in favour of buffet stations where guests can pick only what they want. This way your expensive cake is not wasted and everyone can enjoy their favourite flavour regardless of whether it matches the rest of their meal choices.
Beware of flies!
Inclement weather in summer usually means an increase in the number of buzzing guests at your celebration. Ensure there’s a specific place indoors where tables can be covered to protect food from insects during outdoor receptions.
Plan ahead for inclement weather
In summer, rain is always a possibility and it’s better to prepare for the worst rather than get caught off guard by unexpected showers. Make sure to have enough shelter at all points whilst your event is underway, from open-sided tents and gazebos to even luxury yachts if you’re having an oceanic wedding!
Have plenty of cold drinks on hand
When it comes time for mingling and dancing after dinner, nothing beats a cold glass of champagne or iced tea in the summer months. As we all know, heat makes us tired and thirsty. Make sure all guests can enjoy a revitalising beverage at their leisure by placing plenty of coolers strategically around the venue – indoors as well as outside.
Prepare for afternoon showers
One of the most frustrating things for planners is to have their outdoor wedding ceremony rained out. An indoor space with large windows looking out onto the beautiful scenery is essential if you are planning an outdoor wedding – so that your guests can still see your lovely surroundings despite being inside instead!
Offer watermelon slices on sticks at dessert time
Another useful trick for keeping thirst under control during summer events is serving ice-cold cubes or slices of fresh watermelon on little sticks. If you’re feeling creative you can even make watermelon roses!
Customised menus
One of the most important ways to add a personal touch at any wedding is by having table place cards. Personalise your menus with the names of each guest and pair them up with their plate for an added touch of extravagance.
Warm weather calls for cool colours
Nothing says summertime like bright shades from the colour wheel. Make sure to select light, breezy tones for everything from tablecloths and carafes to invitations and centrepieces. If it’s too hot to wear white, why not go for pale pink or baby blues instead?
