01/11/2024
GRAZING TABLES/CHARCUTERIE; THE NEW CRAZE FOR WEDDINGS: THE TRUTH ABOUT USING THEM INSTEAD OF A MEAL AT YOUR OUTDOOR WEDDING:
Charcuterie tables are in no doubt, a beautiful display. But what are the health risks, if used as a main coarse, instead of just an appetizer? Can you really leave them out for people to "graze" on throughout your celebration ? Are they, in fact, much cheaper? Will your guests feel fed in this day full of festivities?
First we will go over, Can you just leave a grazing table open for guest to enjoy the duration of your reception and just let people "graze"? That can depends on if you are serving a variety of meats, cheeses, cut fruit, and dips? Food sitting out for a party should be chilled after 2 hours, at typical room temp. If it is above 85 degrees food should NOT be left out for more than an hour. Even on ice, the ice will need replenished ( labor intensive ). Utensils, spoons for dips, tongs and toothpicks must be used to keep guests from contaminating the food.
Costs of Charcuterie are not as cheap as traditional appetizers for a wedding . Cheeses and meat varieties can be quite expensive. The amount of labor to keep it attractively stocked can be expensive and labor intense. If you only plan on simple items such as nuts and crackers and common cheeses, yes, it is cheaper. If you want variety, it can surpass the price of a fine meal. Remember cost depends on # of guests, selection of foods, as well as, props and decorations you want to incorporate and whether you need staff to refill. Catering costs usually include food, prep, set up, and arranging and clean-up. Don't use your friends/ family, let them have fun and enjoy your wedding, not work it.
Grazing tables are a fun and exciting idea for appetizers. If you are planning on it being the main coarse, we recommend putting this on your invite so your guests are not expecting a meal. One bride wrote, " I wish I would of thought this out better. The tables were beautiful but they lost some attraction as they sat out, cheese and meats began to sweat. Some of my guests were surprised that we did not have a meal. I am embarrassed to say some guests left to get something to eat."
Winding Path wants you to have what you want. Good information, planning and organization can make this happen. Remember when the desserts come out, usually this is what your guests graze on. Charcuterie boards for appetizers are great. We see that protein and fruit charcuterie boards used as grazing tables throughout your reception NEED WORKED; which means, more hours for a caterer to stick around.
Just food for thought. LOL
