Food and drink questions answered

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Published Tuesday, 11 March 2008
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We give you the answers to the most common questions when it comes to eating and drinking!

• How do I serve a fabulous menu without spending a fortune?
Keep it simple and seasonal. Popular choices still tend to be chicken, lamb, beef and salmon. They're universally well-liked and don't have to be boring in the hands of a creative caterer. The best menus also feature quality produce so keep the costs in check and the quality high by doing less, but doing it well. Consider serving substantial canapés instead of a starter, and a luxurious chocolate wedding cake for pudding.

• How many canapés should I allow per person?
Depending on the length of the drinks reception, allow between 8 and 16 per person. Canapés should always be one bite, and avoid dips that might drip down peoples clothes.

• How many glasses can I expect from a bottle of Champagne or wine?
You get around five glasses from a bottle of wine and six from a bottle of Champagne. It's a good idea to allow half a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine per person (two glasses before dinner and one for the toast), and around two thirds of a bottle of wine per person.

• Can I serve Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco instead of Champagne?
Any good sparkling wine is worth looking at and preferable to cheap Champagne. There are also some great quality sparkling wines from Australia, New Zealand and France.

• Is it best to supply your own wine? If so, what's a reasonable corkage charge?
Buying in your own wine can be a great idea, but it's important to do your sums, and work out whether it's worthwhile once corkage is included. Shop around. While heading to France is a fun idea, there are great deals to be had in UK wine merchants and supermarkets. Expect to pay around £8 corkage per bottle, although some places charge corkage per person so you know exactly what you're going to be spending before the event.

• Is it worth buying magnums of Champagne?
Magnums look good, but they're difficult to pour and can work out slightly more expensive than two single bottles.

• What soft drinks can I serve other than boring orange juice?
How about homemade lemonade, or a non-alcoholic cocktail? Don't forget to serve water, allowing at least one bottle per guest, perhaps more during the summer.

• Is it essential to have an evening buffet if my wedding breakfast is late afternoon?
If your guests are staying for longer than three hours after the wedding breakfast, it's a good idea to offer something to eat. Instead of a buffet, consider having breakfast canapés, bacon sandwiches or platters of bread and cheese.

Tashkin mint mule, blueberry crush and lychee sour cocktails, from £3 each, Absolute Taste (020 8870 5151)

Photography: Dan Duchars