So the wedding day is a big deal. The main event. The piece de resistance. But, in this age of the modern wedding - where the exchange of vows and a quick spot of high tea with the family no longer cuts the mustard - the spotlight is increasingly falling on the days that bookend the big one.
Kicking off with the elation of the wedding eve, weddings are fast becoming a two or three day celebration. Amidst the excitement of family and friends arriving and the butterflies-in-the-tummy anticipation of the next day, it is magical to gather for a relaxed, ice-breaking feast before the big day dawns.
Then, after the heady wonderment that is the wedding day, it's time to party some more. After all, guests might be travelling from across the country - or globe - to be with you - so why cut off the party when it's in full swing? This is an ideal time to get together and reminisce over the romance and antics of the previous day, perhaps share photos and play games - and, of course, tuck into some delicious food.
Whether you're planning a lazy al fresco meal in the summer or a cosy feast in the winter, a menu of barbecued favourites sets the perfect laidback vibe. Tender meats, juicy prawns and smoky flavours, paired with light, colourful salads, are just the ticket for a summer menu. For the colder months, serve up hearty dishes such as turkey, beef and smoked salmon with charred vegetables.
Chock full of fresh, local produce, these sumptuous dishes from The Gourmet BBQ Company are perfect for a laidback party. Caesar salad sprinkled with crispy chicken, and flavoursome prawns and seared tuna rolled in sesame seeds, are light and lovely dishes - ideal for serving al fresco. Then there's melt-in-the-mouth brisket, sticky barbecued ribs and sausages bursting with must-eat-more flavour - a hearty dish for party-weary guests seeking a belly-filling pick-me-up.
And who doesn't love a burger? Made with utterly delicious chuck steak, your guests will relish sinking their teeth into this flavoursome number. Accompany these crowd-pleasing dishes with charred corn and a scrumptious homemade sauce - think piccalilli, sweet chilli and barbecue - and there you have it: one delicious pre or post-wedding party.
MENU
Prawn and seared tuna rolled in sesame seeds with salad
Caesar salad with Captain K's crispy crunch chicken steak
Slow-cooked brisket with barbecued ribs and in-house hot link sausages
100% chuck steak burger
Charred corn
The Gourmet BBQ Co
www.thegb.co.uk
Wed magazine 2015
