Etiquette: Food and Beverages

Dear Dotty Answers Food & Beverage Questions

Dear Dorothy

My fiance has just started working at a new company and we have little money saved up for our wedding. I am still in college. Our parents have offered to sponsor the wedding. I have younger brothers and sisters still in high school and I really want to help my parents save money. What menu can we serve our guests which will be tasty yet not too expensive?

Anne K, Kangemi, Nairobi County

Dear Anne

Depending on the time of day you will have the reception party, there are a variety of menu choices you can choose from which are affordable, tasty as well as filling.

If your wedding ceremony is held in the morning, you can serve your guests brunch from 11 am to 1 pm, either at a hotel or at a restaurant close to your church where the ceremony will be held. Alternatively, if your parent’s house can accommodate all your guests, you can plan to have the reception party there. All you need to do is find a good, reputable catering firm.

The main meal served at brunch may consist of a variety of pastries, scones, sandwiches, samosas, mandazis and an assortment of muffins and biscuits. You can serve a one or two tier wedding cake as well. Offer your guests hot tea, coffee and drinking chocolate. Cold drinks you can serve include soft drinks, fruit juice, squash and water.

If, on the other hand, your wedding ceremony is held in the afternoon and you are wed by 3 pm, you can serve your guests cocktails, usually served in the late afternoon or evening. Meal options include mini pizzas, skewers of chicken and beef, sea food bites, vegetable fritters and white meat stuffed parcels. For a wedding cake you can celebrate your new union with croquembouche (mini French pastries filled with cream) or with a cheese cake. Beverage choices are the same as the brunch menu.

Your guests will be delighted with these meal options which are both delicious and filling. They are also not so usual and will make for a memorable wedding day. They also do not cost as much as Buffet or A la Carte menus which will help save your parents money.

Wishing you luck in planning a successful wedding day!

Best regards

Doris Njoroge

Certified Wedding Specialist