To ask what meal you would prefer at a wedding

[Eliza9919]

Choices are:

BBQ
Meats (not sausages & burgers), salads, bread etc

Small hog roast
Suckling pig (only 26 guests), salads, bread etc

Steak or fish & chips, wedding cake as dessert

3 course meal with chocolates & coffee etc

Free choice off the menu: starter/main/dessert

Other, please elaborate

What would you prefer and any particular reason why?

Isn’t go for the steak or fish with wedding cake dessert personally but according to the first page I’m pivoted by bbq which I’m not a fan of, but I’m always the odd one out where that’s concerned so probably a good bet for you and your guests, it seems to be a real crowd pleaser and can be a bit more informal and enjoyable for everyone x

I would say bbq. But that's only because I can't afford to buy meat ( besides the odd pack of sausages) so I tend to go a bit crazy on it when I can. I always regret it afterwards though my stomach doesn't like it.

Ooooh hog roast sounds gorgeous ( maybe more than bbq)

We had 25 at our wedding and had a BBQ. They did meat skewers and it was lovely.

While I love a bbq and hog roast is think they don’t go with a wedding where everyone is dressed up. I also like to sit down and being served.

The only one bbq I have been to on a more formal affair was staffed. You had proper tables, they asked what meat and sides you wanted and you just helped yourself to the bread baskets on the table. The best of both worlds. Properly eaten with cutlery.

Free choice of a menus are a nightmare with a large group.

We had a three course sit down meal but not plated. We had a starter with green salad plated and a variety of smoked/poached salmon and fish for people who wanted some protein, two choices of meat (knowing the guest we were save regarding food issues), several sides and staff who plated from bowls/serving plates depending how much and what you wanted. They came back and checked and offered more if required. Dessert was the wedding cake.

The food was served as dinner after a round of cream tea 2.5 hours earlier.

Either of the first two. I find formal sit down meals at a wedding a bit tedious, particularly if the quality is a bit mass catered, as so many are.

I prefer three course or free choice when attending weddings, I actually really like being able to sit down and enjoy a meal comfortably and if I can have a choice then that's great.

I've been to many weddings and honestly I think many from my own assumptions either prefer free choice three course menu or a buffet. Buffets always seem to go down a storm.

What would you prefer, you’re paying for it!

I like a three courser but with two choices, such as melon or soup, chicken or beef etc. Gives the guests a choice but keeps it simple for caterers.

I went to a hog roast wedding once and found it left me really hungry. I didn't want more than two pork rolls and the salad wasn't filling. It wasn't enough for a whole day affair.

A bbq sounds good but you would want a big selection of foods so guests aren't having just meat rolls and a bit of salad.

I love suckling pig. That and a bbq are my favourites.

I also love fish and chips, but I have it quite frequently, so would probably hope for something different from my first choice of take away at a wedding.

Are you doing a free bar?

Hog roast only works if everyone likes and eats pork. Awful choice for vegetarians, Jewish or Muslims, and vegans.

I think it depends what type of wedding you’re having. If you’re in a big formal dress, posh venue, table clothes etc then formal 3 course meal. If you’re having a more relaxed or boho affair then a bbq sounds great. Less formal dress, pretty garden, relaxed seating, twinkly lights etc.

I personally hate rocking up with my plate in a queue, but if it’s a really relaxed summers evening in a pretty garden, less formal dress etc then that sounds just the ticket.

I’m vege so would like the kind of food you have on a vege sharing platter at a bistro pub. That’s if you have vege guests!

Have a lovely day OP!

Definitely the barbecue. But why can't I have a pud with that?

There doesn't have to be a big queue, as long as there is a system where one table goes up at a time.

I understand it's an hour informal wedding but would much prefer a sit down meal.
I don't think you can ever make queing up for good glamarous, it's always like a canteen.
Also please have formal seating arrangement not just sit down anywhere.
The last time we went to a wedding where there wasn't a formal seating plan
and I ended up not sat with my children, and no the other guests did not move for us.

IMO the "one table at a time" system is worse. Some people can be eating their meal a good 45 minutes after the first table . Food is gone or cold. I was at one recently and it was terrible. (and we were NOT the last table)

It works fine if the place is good at catering this way. Whatever system you have, if there isn't enough food, and the food isn't hot when it is meant to be, it will be terrible whether you have been waiting in a long line or sitting at the table chatting and drinking wine until it was your turn. Having to queue for ages in heels doesn't put me in the best mood though, especially when you can see food is going to run out.

A BBQ sounds great - just have veggie options too. I often prefer something lighter if I'm dressed up so I don't feel all bloated. And no one wants their guests getting the meat sweats.

@Aprillygirl Fri 24-May-19 02:27:14
Definitely the barbecue. But why can't I have a pud with that?

The cake will be dessert, or the pub can provide something. There will definately be a dessert.

@BadLad Fri 24-May-19 00:25:32
Are you doing a free bar?

Yes.

@clairemcnam Fri 24-May-19 00:34:53
Hog roast only works if everyone likes and eats pork. Awful choice for vegetarians, Jewish or Muslims, and vegans.

There are none coming. Everyone eats the same way we do. Even the kids.

A free bar? Delicious meaty food?

Sounds fantastic. The sort of wedding I'd love to attend.

So everyone likes hog roast? Seems unusual IMO.
I always prefer a sit down meal. Sit down meals are much easier for older or disabled guests as well.
Buffets can be good if done well, but a good buffet costs more than a sit down meal. Most buffets are not that great because people choose them as the cheaper option.
Personally can't stand barbecued food, but I can see I am in the minority with that.

Son and DIL who had BBQ, but suckling pig awesome as well!

@clairemcnam Yes, everyone eats pork. What's so odd about that? We also all eat chicken, beef & lamb.

There will be tables with named place settings (gender/sex/whatever specific favours) with cutlery and proper napkins and maybe even charger plates. I'm sure they can serve it to people at the table if we so wish but no one in our party is particularly precious.

The cake will be dessert, or the pub can provide something. There will definately be a dessert.

In that case you can pop my invite in the post

BBQs for larger groups suck, people served at random times and no one feeling like they have had enough or is more coming at all times. often badly cooked foods (so i go veggie to avoid this at BBQs)