When couples tie the knot in Sydney, wedding receptions live long in the memory thanks to incredible cuisine. From passed canapés during cocktail hour to dessert spreads capping off celebrations, menu planning is paramount. This article spotlights nine must-have dishes and sweet treats to wow wedding guests.
Whether envisioning a classic plated dinner or interactive food stations, wedding caterers in Sydney couples trust can seamlessly execute these crowd-pleasing ideas.
Oyster Bar
Get receptions off to a shucking great start with bountiful oyster bars. Have an expert shucker on hand preparing freshly shucked bivalves served over ice with lemon wedges, tabasco sauce, champagne mignonette and cocktail sauce. Guests will keep coming back for more of these succulent local starters.
Charcuterie Grazing Board
Loaded charcuterie and antipasti grazing tables make stunning cocktail hour centrepieces. Arrange artfully sliced salamis, prosciuttos and chorizos alongside specialty cheeses, pickled veggies, marinated artichokes, nuts, chutneys, crackers and sliced baguettes. This visually impactful way to nosh sets a lavish tone guests adore.
Seafood Towers
For Sydney weddings with a coastal or nautical motif, dramatic seafood tower centrepieces anchor tables beautifully. Each icy level overflows with fresh prawns, oysters, mussels, cured salmon and more. Guests graze DIY-style reaching right from the table to enjoy the fruits of the sea.
Alternate Entrée Duos
Rather than limiting guests to one set entrée that inevitably some dislike, provide options by including two stellar mains with RSVPs. Pairings like seared snapper with lemon caper sauce alongside slow-braised lamb shoulder with gremolata please all palates.
Late-Night Nourishment
As dancing and revelry continues late into the night, additional catering gives partiers an energy boost. Have sliders, tacos, noodle boxes or loaded fries arrive around 9 p.m. to power the dancefloor. After-parties back at hotel suites also thrive on thoughtfully boxed burgers and shakes.
Plated Dessert Duos
Dessert demands doubled options just like entrees. Offer guests two mini sweets plated side-by-side. Pairings might include classic tiramisu with mixed berry pavlovas, chocolate pots de crème with caramelised lemon tarts or the best of both worlds with half NY cheesecake, half molten lava cakes.
Interactive Dessert Stations
For more casual receptions, dessert stations encourage sweet sampling every which way. Adored concepts include create-your-own doughnut walls, s’mores roastings at fire pits, crepe grids, ice cream sundae bars and chocolate fondue fountains. Add tiny takeaway boxes so guests can enjoy final sweets back in their hotel rooms.
DIY Decorated Cookie Favour Bags
Sending guests home with whimsical gifts is a darling touch. Set up a cookie decorating table with batches of sugar cookies, bags for shaping/packing favours, and loads of icings, sprinkles, candies and other edible embellishments. As an interactive activity, its future keepsake deliciousness seals celebrations sweetly.
Champagne Toast Cupcakes
A champagne toast is customary at all weddings but serving the signature sip in dessert form adds excitement. Craft a custom cupcake mimicking everything wonderful about bubbly’s effervescence and taste. Fill vanilla cakes with berry compotes and top with lightly sweet Swiss meringue frosting. Finally adorn with golden sprinkles and a ring of edible pearls for toast-worthy treats.
Achieving Wedding Catering Success
When couples rely on Sydney’s wedding caterers expert to “wow” pull off receptions flawlessly from cocktail hour through late-night bites, wedded bliss abounds. Use these nine menu must-haves beloved by Sydney brides and grooms as inspiration when meeting with caterers in initial planning stages. Food and drink details worthy of the special day will have everyone smiling, celebrating and utterly satisfied!
And on the big day itself, experienced caterers foresee potential needs, troubleshoot promptly and handle all food quality and presentation details start to finish. For more advice on event catering best practices, check out some guides about memorable wedding catering.
