There’s something very special about a Tasmanian wedding. You could get married by a convict ruin or in a canyon at Cradle Mountain. Say your “I Dos” amid the treetops or in the depths of a strange museum, a grand Cathedral or community hall. There’s a place and space for the closest or most epic nuptials across the wild Apple Isle.
A great Tassie caterer is as dynamic as the landscape, adapting and changing with each theme and style to add wow to a wedding day. Here are some things to throw in the mix when planning what and how to feed your friends and family:
1. Celebrate Tasmanian Produce
We’re spoilt rotten for good food in Tassie – a chef’s delight! Our produce is often dropped at the door by a muddy farmer, fresh from the field. Some of our favourites are 41 South Salmon, York Town Organics, Coal River Farm cheese and Casalinga Meats. Chat with your caterer about where they source their produce, or how you could present the best of the region you’re marrying in, on a plate.
Images by Renee Marshall
2. Pair with Tassie’s Finest
There’s PLENTY of good booze to match Tasmania’s produce, starting with outstanding bubbles such as Jansz, Pirie and Clover Hill. We have spritzy Rieslings like Waterton Hall Wines and warming pinot by the likes of Tamar Ridge and Moorilla. We suggest guests have their pick of one of each of these styles – although there should ALWAYS be bubbles!
Also offer a light or heavy ale (Cascade or Boag’s, depending which end of Tasmania you’re in), and maybe a refreshing spritz or prosecco to start. Of course, offer lots of non-alcoholic drinks like Capi sodas, to keep guests refreshed, particularly on a hot Tassie day (yes – they do happen!) or look for a local cordial such as Ashbolt Elderflower to mix with mineral water. A gin bar is always fun (Poltergeist being a fave of ours), too – and another good mingling opportunity for guests. 
Image by Renee Marshall
Image by Melanie Kate Photography
3. Roving and DIY Treats
- Shuck as you go oysters: is there anything better than a fat, sweet oyster straight from its shell?
- Picnic style grazing: a well-styled table overflowing with cheese, bread, fruit, charcuterie and condiments can be the perfect centre piece for your big day. Don’t be scared to pile it high – if you think it needs more, it probably does!
- Dessert canapés: a great alternative to cake and something you can have a lot of fun with – think mini eclairs, panna cotta or lemon tart.
Image by Melanie Kate Photography
Image by Hubert and Dan
4. Bowls
There’s been a definite swing toward meals in bowls, too, as happy couples aim for cocktail-style dining with substance. Meals must be easy to manoeuvre and satisfying (think good amounts of protein, veggies and a side of carbs) and are a great choice for a more informal affair.
Image by Melanie Kate Photography
5. Gourmet BBQ
Our gourmet bbq is a hot favourite: our chefs prepare protein over flame and add it to a table laden with seasonal veg. As guests help themselves, they mingle and make friends – another bonus of the bbq!
6. Mopping Up The Grog
This is H&D’s late night snack and it’s always a winner. You know the drill: it’s hit 11pm, everyone is a few drinks in and all that dancing has got people craving carbs. Sandwiches, arancini, fish’n’chips, pizza slices and savoury toast are quick and easy and may help to avoid a few nasty hangovers!
Image by Renee Marshall
7. Think About the Planet
Any big event such as a wedding can produce plenty of waste, so have a conversation with your caterer and/or venue about minimising this the best you can. Choose recyclable plates and cutlery where possible and don’t go throwing around the napkins. Where appropriate, encourage guests to keep cutlery and crockery for the next course, to save on washing up – a win for everyone! Offer a water station rather than bottled H20, recycle booze bottles and consider keeping food scraps separate for compost – or maybe some lucky chickens!
Image by Melanie Kate Photography
Ms Zebra Says: What an epic way to finish off a great Tasmania Issue! I wish I could eat and drink all of your suggestions.. I may have to do bits at a time – or perhaps plan a wedding in Tasmania! Thanks for this great insight into the planning and produce that goes into your catering.
About Hubert & Dan: are caterers based near Launceston in the state’s north, but travel high and low for weddings. Working by riverbeds, atop plateaus, by the beach and in barns, Hubert and Dan dishes up delicious, interesting and satisfying food with local flare. We cater for intimate gatherings or swathes of guests and guarantee no one will leave hungry. With bowties and grins our fantastic crew deliver the H&D experience in style.
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