Sure, you want to feed your guests the most amazing spread Maui has to offer. This sounds daunting, but it might be easier than you think. We asked Chef Travis Morrin of Three’s Catering how you can have your coconut shrimp and eat them, too, at your reception. You might be surprised at his answers which include a sample menu, wedding planner advice and rolling up in a food truck.
MAUITIME: Tell us five things we don’t know about planning food at a wedding.
TRAVIS MORRIN: First, have a coordinator. Too many times I’ve seen brides and moms try to plan their own weddings and end up stressing themselves out and don’t enjoy their wedding day. Leave the planning and execution to the professionals and enjoy your day.
Second, try to choose a location that’s not gonna break the bank. You’re already getting married on Maui. Just about everywhere you go is gonna be beautiful. Try somewhere on the South Maui to avoid the chance of rain.
Third, plan your wedding before it’s too late. Allow your self at least six months to carefully plan and seek out exactly what you envision. Rushed weddings are stressed weddings.
Fourth, stay within budget. It’s okay not to offer filet mignon and lobster tails. Weddings are to celebrate the couple’s commitment and future together, not about having the most glamorous show.
And fifth, don’t stress it. It’s just a wedding, we’ve all been to many of them. Enjoy your day and don’t sweat the small stuff.
MT: What’s the secret to planning a wedding menu?
TM: Don’t get caught up in the little stuff. It’s virtually impossible to please everyone at your event because everyone has different diet restrictions. Be mindful of those with allergies or gluten intolerances but don’t worry too much about not having something for absolutely everyone. It’s just gonna create headache and stress for you. I also recommend to brides to spread out the diversity of menu items through out the whole event and not just in the main course.
For example:
Cocktail hour: Coconut shrimp (seafood), BBQ kalua pork quesadilla (pork), multigrain toast point, guacamole, tomato mint relish (vegetarian)
Main: edemame crusted mahi (fish), kalbi marinated flat iron (steak), mac nut crusted chicken (chicken) Side: Molokai purple potato mash, Asian ratatouille.
This menu offers something for everyone. The key is balance in your menu. Don’t forget that if you’re visiting Maui for the wedding, you and your guests will most likely be eating a lot of fish already. Don’t worry too much if you don’t offer it as the main. Sometimes you just wanna eat steak and chicken, and that is okay.
MT: What if I want to be trendy at my wedding?
TM: Current trends are going organic, or focusing the menu on local and sustainable foods. These farm-to-table menu concepts gives couples and guests a real opportunity to taste the location. A big trend now a days is having truck roll up and serve the whole event casual food truck fare. From fries to tacos to steak and seafood trucks can offer it all. Food trucks are naturally fun and more casual. Lots of brides like this approach. It’s fun and interactive for the guests.
MT: Do you also provide servers? What about gratuity?
TM: Threes Cantering is a full service catering company. Meaning we not only offer killer grinds but can include servers, rentals (China, flatware, glassware, tables, chairs and linen), bar service with bar set-up and liquor permit and chefs. All for an inclusive price of $85 per person. When you’re researching your caterer specify your needs, some may provide full service, others may work with a network of other businesses they recommend. As for gratuity, it’s a standard 18 to 20 percent in the industry. Expect to pay this and to calculate it into your overall or per person budget. No surprises is the best way to go.
All photos Courtesy of Sean Hower, Howerphoto.com
Want More Maui Wedding Guide? Click Here
THREE’S CATERING
Threescatering@hotmail.com
http://threescateringmaui.com/
All photos Courtesy of Sean Hower, Howerphoto.com
Want More Maui Wedding Guide? Click Here
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