Wedding Dining: The “Tucking In” Trend

In the latest trend in wedding dining, couples are swapping the formal three-course meal for family-style eating. Family-style eating encourages diners to share and tuck in. It may seem like a relatively new idea for us but in European countries like Spain, Italy and France, this is a customary style of eating at special occasions. This makes for a more relaxing way of dining but is suitable for both laid-back and high-end surroundings. Think this might be the right dining style for your wedding? Read on for more information on this latest trend and for tips on how you can pull it off on your big day.

The main benefits of family-style dining

• If you want a warm, relaxing affair, then family style dining is the way to go. As platters are shared, conversations are started, creating a comfortable and jovial atmosphere.
• It can still be very elegant. Think long trestle tables decorated with candles and beautiful bouquets. This style of dining would work perfectly for an outdoor wedding, or one that focuses on rustic charm.
• It will cost less than formal style dining. A far smaller team of waiting staff will be required because your guests are not being served individually.
• It makes wonderful photo opportunities. Make sure you ask your wedding photographer to take plenty of snaps during the meal. You’ll love the images of you and your family and friends smiling, laughing and sharing.
• You can take your time. Your guests can enjoy their food at their own pace and won’t feel pressured to finish in time for the next course.

Image source

The practicalities

Food

The food at a family-style wedding meal has a strong focus on sharing. It’s really easy to pull off, and with a little imagination and creativity, most types of cuisine will work in this style of dining. It’s all about large, central dishes where everyone helps themselves and others around them. Or, platters containing individual portions that are passed and shared.

Think antipasti platters to start, with various cold meats, cheeses, olives, breads, etc. For something hot, a large bowl of soup where everyone helps themselves, or a selection of hot tapas would work well.

For the mains, a central serving dish containing seafood pasta, carved roast beef or vegetarian couscous are all possibilities.

For dessert, cake stands with individual portions of almond and raspberry cake or delicate cupcakes would delight your guests.

The table

As mentioned earlier, long trestle tables are conducive to family-style dining. They tend to fit more people on them than the traditional small round tables, and they make it easier to share. However, family-style dining will work on round tables, just on a smaller scale.

The caterers will split the tables into “sharing sections” to ensure there is enough food and that everyone tries every dish.

You can have fun with the crockery. Think wooden serving boards or slates for a rustic themed wedding or large, ornate central plate and bowls and beautiful serving cutlery.

The “tucking in” trend is taking the wedding world by storm. As well as creating a causal and conversation provoking atmosphere, it can be a very elegant way to dine.