Your Kent Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

Our experts offer stellar advice on planning an amazing autumn wedding  HOT TOPIC FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD What would you suggest we serve our evening guests at our autumn wedding? It’s a difficult time for choosing evening food. English autumns can either still feel like the height of summer or like winter is creeping in, so we suggest serving a selection of canapé-style finger food. This way, wherever your guests are, we go to them with a fabulous selection of nibbles. It’s also a really good way of ensuring everyone gets something to eat. You can also mix up the selection with hot and cold dishes of different styles and flavours. The beauty of served evening food, is that guests who may have thought they were too full to go to the buffet table suddenly rediscover their appetite! We suggest the following as a mouthwatering evening menu using seasonal produce and catering for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests, as well as continuing the wow factor of your daytime food. ❤ Mini kangaroo and cracked pepper pies ❤ Slow-cooked pork belly skewers with apple chutney and crackling crumb ❤ Pheasant with spice crust and lime mayonnaise ❤ Venison sausage rolls ❤ Smoked trout arancini ❤ Thai-flavoured crab croquette with spicy dip ❤ Courgette, leek and sun-dried tomato filo parcels ❤ Mini baked potatoes with vegan chilli and cheese Debbie Green | chivescaterers.co.uk BALLOONATICS How can we style our marquee so our guests can make a grand entrance?  If you’re looking for something spectacular with major wow factor, organic balloons are most definitely on- trend. Not to be overlooked, balloons make great event décor, especially for a grand entrance or sweet table – they’ve come so far in recent years, as have the decorators. Previously, Australia and the U.S. have set the standard, but now UK balloonists are blazing their own trail. Your chosen supplier will work closely with you to create your bespoke palette, whether it’s a garland, ceiling suspension or balloon wall. Custom colours can be created especially for your design, and balloons mixed with flowers or even foliage look stunning. Mix with chromes and giant balloons to really bring your entrance alive. The other great thing about organic balloons is that they’re a brilliant environmentally friendly option. Latex balloons are 100 per cent biodegradable, taking the same time as an oak leaf to break down. Poppy Greenhalgh | theglitzyballooncompany.co.uk brigittethierryphoto.com EXPERT ADVICE 85