ARRANGING YOUR EVENING BUFFET

Think about what you like to eat when you have had a few glasses of wine, feeling tired and need a boost! The most popular options are finger buffets or hot sandwiches, hot or cold are suitable. The choices can be adapted to suit your theme too. The variations are endless - it could be your favourite types of sandwiches or just a cone of chips!
 
Your venue may have set buffet menus to choose from with a price per head, or the evening buffet may come as part of the package. This can be an easier option as it keeps it simple. If you feel you would like something a bit different from the set menus ask the venue if they are able to cater for your requirements - always ask the venue just in case.
 
If you would like to bring in a specialist such as a jacket potato vendor, fondue, BBQ etc, check with the venue first to ensure they are happy for you to bring in outside caterers. If you have some more adventurous ideas for the spread get a specialist caterer in to organise this for you.
 
Budget running short? What about you, your friends and family providing some nibbles? Asking your friends to 'bring a plate' can be a great way to cut costs, however this can take some organisation. You may end up wishing you'd paid for caterers when your guests all arrive with sausage rolls! Ask a friend or family member to liaise with guests to avoid embarrassment.

WHAT TIME OF DAY FOR YOUR EVENING BUFFET?

Think about how your plan for the day will pan out. If your ceremony is planned for the morning, your guests will be eating their main meal of the day - the wedding breakfast - possible as early as lunchtime, they will be hungry again by early evening.
 
Remember to have food available for your guests arriving in the evening too. For weddings held later in the day, your buffet could be left until later in the evening. Possibly as late as 10-11pm when the bar is suitably lower in stock and the dancefloor is full! People need a boost but don't wish to be too full. This is why a simple, one plate, finger food works well.

ANNOUNCING THE EVENING BUFFET

For early buffets, your toastmaster will make the announcement. Alternatively, you could give the task of looking after this to one of the Ushers or Bridesmaids? If your buffet is served late in the evening, the announcement will normally be made through the DJ or band.
 
Ask your ushers and bridesmaids to ensure that the older relatives get something to eat from the buffet table without having to get up. They can also let the staff know if something is needed and check that Bride & Groom remember to eat something too!

CHOOSING A SUPPLIER

Look out for recommendations, flexibility in options, quality & variety, price and delivery details. See if you can also try some samples! Check what equipment they have and if they need anything further such as power cables, a board to put a gas cylinder on, more tables etc. Do they also cater for any allergies, intolerances or beliefs? Do they look after the clearing up too?

NUMBERS, COSTS & DETAILS

When you have your rough estimate of the number of guests, take that number and I recommend you reduce it by at least 10%. Remember that not everyone will want to eat this late or some may have gone by then.
 
Also check if the hire of other equipment, delivery, crockery, cutlery, napkins are separate costs? Ensure they know exactly what your budget is too so they understand that this is the limit.
 
Where hot food forms part of the spread, check how long the food will stay out, and how it will be kept warm (if applicable).

Article by: WEDDINGS BY ANNABEL