Few things hit better than a big summer party, but a summer wedding definitely levels the season up. Everyone gets excited planning their weather-friendly looks, witnessing the couple spreading their love under the hot blazing sun, and dancing as if fueled by the heat. However, it’s not a secret that the actual longed-for moment of the party is when the food is served. Besides being the perfect time to indulge in something delicious, it’s an opportunity to gather the attendees around the table and connect through stories, jokes, but most importantly, for setting their mood for the rest of the celebration.

Yes, we know it sounds like a big deal and indeed it is, but luckily there are experts you can count on to make this task easier; chefs and caterers whose creative ideas are transformed into a tasteful gastronomic experience worth enjoying and remembering. That’s why we teamed up with the Colombian chef Miguel Marenco, who with his experience in menu development and catering gives us some useful tips and ideas for hosting a killer wedding meal.

1. Stay on trend for the season

Using warm colors for plating, serving refreshing drinks or treats, and creating a tropical scene will always be a constant in summer weddings. However, the taste of the bride and groom, the coherence between all the elements in the party (decoration, costumes, location) and most importantly, the practicality of each of the ideas should always be taken into account.

2. A winner food combo

When planning a summer wedding menu, seasonal products must be considered; seafood and citrus fruits will always be the best options. The idea is to bring elements from the Mediterranean and integrate them with those from the Caribbean to evoke freshness and sophistication, all at once.
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3. Big NO for the menu

Although they might be delicious add-ons, dairy and gravy might be too much for a wedding meal. It is highly recommended to make all preparations with light, fresh and not so processed ingredients such as olive oil, lemon, pomegranate, etc., so that the guests do not have discomfort when eating and can enjoy the whole celebration.

4. The ideal tableware

The tableware should be chosen depending on the structure of the menu, i.e., the type of preparations and number of courses to be served. The design of the plates, glasses and napkins should match the rest of the decoration, make the food stand out, and also allow diners to eat comfortably. You can find the perfect pieces for topping your wedding tables here, at The Gloria.

5. Buffet or Full-course meal?

This decision is based on the location, since it may not have the necessary facilities or equipment to prepare a full menu. If this is the case, a buffet meal would be ideal. Otherwise, a full-course menu is the best option to give the event a touch of elegance and grace. It is estimated that a proper number of attendees to serve a large number of courses ranges between 100 and 150, but keep in mind that it would be a slow service compared to the buffet, and it is necessary to have identified people’s dietary restrictions.

6. Time to eat!

The ideal time to serve the food is between 35 and 45 minutes after guests arrive at the party. Immediately after the waltz and/or bride and groom’s speech, the food service should begin. Besides quality, the timing of the food is extremely important to keep the attendees in a good mood, and therefore, create a good atmosphere for the rest of the evening.

7. Elevating the experience

Knowing who you are cooking for is key to providing excellent service from the moment the guests enter the place, but undoubtedly the most important thing is to serve them dishes that have been inspired and cooked with love. Of course, the flavors and appearance are important, but passion is the secret ingredient of every good food. This way, diners will feel well taken care of and at ease with every bite.

Food is undoubtedly a must at every wedding, as it brings people together and leads to all the fun of the celebration. Now that you have what you need to plan a good menu and organize the service for your party, it’s time to find some inspiration, jot down some ideas and find an excellent culinary expert like Miguel to make your summer wedding the event of the season.