Charcuterie As The Main Course?
Of course! Why not make one of the most popular, delicious and dynamic foods out there the very thing that everybody nourishes themselves with. Let me break down a few reasons why this idea can be exactly what you need to keep a wedding fun, social and very cost effective.
1.) It is almost endlessly customizable, for any and all guest palettes and restrictions.
Uncle Frank is lactose intolerant. Your bridesmaid Crystal is vegan. What to do, what to do? With a charcuterie board, you can have absolutely anything from heavy meats and cheeses, to veggies hummus and vegan yogurts. Date raisin chutney, apricot jam, falafel, crackers, grapes, oh my gosh… any thing you want. And is it enough food? Absolutely.
2.) How can it really be “meal-like" if it is just charcuterie?
Easily. Larger portions on select boards. So, you still have your typical boards, but then you have 2-3 main course items on their own boards. Say, a 2 oz. chunk of tenderloin, a piece of smoked salmon, or a vegan tar-tar. When you add a healthy scoop of vinaigrette greens to your plate, some select veggies, fruits and starches - pretty soon your guests have got a full plate. Add a few sauces and dips, and it makes quite a meal - with much less waste than a traditional meal.
3.) The leftovers are bangers.
This might be the best part. Let’s say you want to have a bloody mary bar the next day, or even lunch for the next few. Nothing keeps like charcuterie items, because most of them are already preserved foods. They’re either smoked, pickled, canned, or they are fresh with a decent shelf life that will last you a while of safe eating. Can you say that about a sushi wedding dinner? I wouldn’t say it too loud, lest the gnomes of food-borne illness hear you and have you sprinting to the bathroom.
4.) Does it save money?
Yes. There’s just one course. There’s just a-lot of it. Whatever you do for dessert, that’s a fixed cost anyway, right? Although having doughnut holes, baklava, and other small cakes can pair nicely with a charcuterie wedding style, and be a very versatile way to still get sweet treats into your guests.
5.) People can socialize the whole time.
There’s something about finger foods that just inspires people to socialize. They want to share items they picked with others that haven’t tried it yet. They can stand and eat. They can sit and eat. They can talk with their hands, waving a cracker with brie and lox, holding a drink in the other. It’s a cocktail party. It’s your wedding. It’s a wedding cocktail party.
6.) Charcuterie is super easy to deal with.
Whether you slave away for a day making it all on your own with your mom and aunts, or you hire a pro, charcuterie is extremely mobile. Other than having any freshly cooked meats, or warmed items that need to be done on the scene, you can transport charcuterie to almost anywhere in sealed containers and it will still be beautifully edible, and totally presentable once laid out on boards.
Is charcuterie right for every wedding? Well… nah. But, it really is a great way to keep your costs down and make sure people eat very elegantly, and still have a fantastic culinary experience at your wedding. If you want more info on where to start with charcuterie for all, I’ve got a great vendor partner who’s ready to take care of your boards!
These beautiful spreads by our vendor partner’s
Boards and Pours!
Reach out to us today to get on their schedule!
