Amazing Winter Wedding Menu Ideas
As the winter season approaches, couples can capitalize on the benefits of getting married during this time, including lower rates for suppliers in the off-season. This means you can allocate those savings towards treating your guests to a warm and comforting winter meal. To ensure your loved ones leave feeling happy, satisfied, and cozy, consider incorporating these fantastic winter wedding menu ideas into your celebration.
One notable trend is the shift away from traditional buffets, where dishes are arranged haphazardly. Instead, chefs are opting for individually plated servings, focusing on hearty winter fare that’s heavy on vegetables and light on starch. Think slow-cooked goodness, smoky meats, and vibrant veggie-centric dishes.
Not a fan of reading? No worries! Check out the accompanying video by Niel van Zyl at Concept Food to get inspired.
Pre-Drinks
For a more intimate and inviting atmosphere, consider offering warm beverages like mulled wine or cider as pre-drinks. Not only will this help to thaw out your guests, but it’ll also give them a chance to mingle and relax. To complement these cozy drinks, why not set up a soup bar where a chef can serve up a variety of delicious options? This could include Ossobuco, of course, as well as other creative soups that pair perfectly with the truffle and mushroom duxelles.
Alternatively, you could also consider offering skewers of fresh ravioli – a unique and flavorful twist on traditional appetizers.
Warming Starters
There’s something special about a warm, comforting bowl of soup that can even elevate it to wedding-worthy status. To take it from ordinary to extraordinary, encourage your caterer to think outside the box and get creative with flavors or pairings. A spicy tomato soup served with crusty garlic ciabatta, for instance, offers a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
Alternatively, an earthy wild mushroom soup paired with rosemary and thyme rolls creates a harmonious blend of earthy notes. As long as that first course is served steaming hot, your guests are sure to leave the table feeling satisfied – and ready for more!
Winter Mains
When it comes to the main event, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and focus on bold flavors. With a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness and health consciousness, vegetables are taking center stage in many dishes. Opt for seasonal options like cabbage, organic tomatoes, and earthy aubergines that pack a punch of flavor and comfort. Don’t forget to incorporate traditional South African fare into your menu – think slow-cooked oxtail, biltong, and Cape Malay lamb curries.
These hearty options are sure to please even the most discerning palates. This winter, fermentation and pickling will be back in a big way. Dishes like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso, kombucha, and tempeh are not only rich in probiotics but also add depth and complexity to your menu. Spice things up with aromas that will leave your guests wanting more. And don’t forget about cooking stations – a great way to add an element of entertainment to your event.
Imagine charred vegetables sizzling on the open fire or tender meat cooked to perfection right in front of your guests. It’s sure to get their mouths watering and leave them talking long after the meal is over.
Warm Desserts
When it comes to dessert, couples want to leave their guests in awe – and winter is the perfect time to do just that. Unlike summer, where desserts often take a backseat, winter offers a chance to really showcase sweet treats like waffles in cones, cookies and cream shots, and coated doughnuts on sticks. As we all know, food has the power to bring people together and warm hearts and bodies alike.
That’s why it’s essential to incorporate seasonal flavors into your wedding menu – think cozy winter comfort foods that will leave your guests feeling grateful, regardless of the weather outside.