Designing the Perfect Wedding Brunch Menu
Brunch weddings have made quite a comeback over the past couple of years, and for good reason; who doesn’t love brunch?
Whether you’re serving a subtle, yet stylish spread for an intimate gathering or a full-on family-style feast for a large crowd, hosting a wedding brunch will provide a great deal of food and beverage flexibility which, let’s be honest, may come as a welcome relief at this stage of the wedding planning process.
Venue Variety
Another benefit to hosting a wedding brunch is how versatile you can get with your venue. Would you like your brunch ambiance to blend in seamlessly with your overall theme or will your wedding brunch serve as a thematic intermission to the formal festivities?
The food you serve should be reflective of whichever setting you’ve selected, so if the venue you’ve chosen allows for it, consider going al fresco to take advantage of the warmer weather and the stunning seasonal scenery Vancouver has to offer.
We have developed strong ties with a variety of event venues throughout Vancouver, so you can rest assured that whatever your culinary vision is, we will work together to find the most beautiful backdrop for your wedding brunch.
Brunch Basics
When it comes to a hosted brunch, whether for a wedding or otherwise, we recommend thinking first about the basic brunch essentials and adding your own touches to ensure it stands out.
Your guests are going to have some general expectations upon arrival, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative or have fun with your menu. Add some effervescence to quintessential brunch items like waffles, omelets, and mimosas by setting up specialized build-it-yourself stations. In addition to letting your guests show off their culinary creativity, action stations can also serve as a fun conduit for getting the conversations rolling.
If you’re planning a plated multi-course menu, talk to your caterer about ways to elevate nostalgic family favourites. If pancakes or French toast are a part of your family’s brunch tradition, top them off with a mixed berry compote or serve them alongside a yogurt parfait and a fresh fruit salad. Vancouver is home to one of the best seasonal bounties in the world and our team works directly with regional suppliers and local farmers to source the freshest ingredients possible.
Keep in mind that plated services typically mean that some guests will be waiting longer than others to receive their food, so we recommend keeping your tables stocked with grazeable bites like locally-baked artisanal bread, specialty cheeses, and charcuterie boards. Offering a few rotational canapés can also go a long way towards keeping your guests feeling satisfied throughout the service.
If the main goal for your wedding brunch is simply to feed your friends and family until their stomachs are full, bottomless brunch buffets are a great way to accomplish your ambition without breaking the bank. From gorgeous seasonal grazing menus to authentic region-specific fare, to fresh coastal cuisine, serving a brunch buffet is one of the simplest ways to cover all the basics.
Brunch Bevvies
Your guests will likely arrive to your hosted brunch as thirsty as they are hungry and a strong selection of boozy brunch beverages will almost always be met with a warm reception, but we also recommend providing additional options for the non-drinkers and the kids in your crowd.
In addition to traditional brunch-based libations like sparkling wine, mimosas, Caesars, and specialty coffees, our versatile bar packages can include other options such as infused water stations, a multitude of mocktails and a selection of freshly-squeezed juices.
Going the Extra Mile
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, it's time to add the finishing touches that will make your wedding brunch stand out from the crowd. Our culinary experts and event specialists have their fingers on the pulse of the latest wedding trends, so don’t be shy to ask about creative menu suggestions and out-of-the-box ideas.
Looking to add a little luxury to your wedding brunch experience? Consider kicking your brunch off with an elegant afternoon tea service and an assortment of fresh-baked pastries and premium loose-leaf teas. If your ideal afternoon tea experience includes more mimosas, try mixing it up with different combinations like prosecco and peach or rosé and grapefruit.
If you know there are going to be some seafood-lovers on your guest list, surprise them with a succulent platter of prawns and freshly shucked oysters or serve your eggs Benedict with fresh asparagus and a side of king crab or a lobster tail.
Want to end brunch with a bang? Whether it be a personalized custom cake or specialty-crafted dessert bites like cheesecake bars and lemon verbena panna cotta shots, our talented team of pastry chefs will make sure that the final moments of your wedding brunch are as memorable as they are delicious.