Wedding catering Spain: Indulge in culinary bliss with these top tips

Wedding catering Spain – When it comes to planning a dream wedding, couples often seek the perfect blend of romance, elegance, and unforgettable experiences. One aspect that can elevate the celebration to new heights is undoubtedly the cuisine. Enter Spain, a country renowned for its rich culinary heritage and gastronomic delights. In this blog, we’ll explore why Spain stands out as an ideal destination for couples looking to tie the knot in style, with a particular focus on its exceptional food culture.

With an eclectic mix of Spanish food available throughout the country, from mainland Spain to the Balearic islands, there are various styles you can choose from to add to your theme for your wedding in Spain.

Firstly, when you have decided on your chosen Spanish wedding destination, take some time to understand the local food and produce, you might find some local delicacy that you could add to your menu to bring your Spanish theme to life.

Think about the venue you have chosen and consider the type of food available and what would best suit your location, if you are getting married in Spain by the sea then it would be wonderful to have some fresh fish served for one of the courses.

These decisions do not have to be made solely by yourself, that’s why we are here. Sunshine Weddings Spain will help to guide you through the process and liaise with either your wedding venue, if they are providing the catering, or to your wedding caterers in Spain. But first, let us help you by giving you some crucial insights into Spain’s rich food culture and history which may help you decide what you want to serve up to guests on your special day.

Wedding catering Spain: A tapestry of culinary traditions

Spain’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse regional traditions, each offering its own unique flavors and specialties. From the hearty stews of Castile to the fresh seafood of Galicia and the exotic spices of Andalusia, every corner of Spain boasts culinary treasures waiting to be discovered.

The Mediterranean diet

Spaniards have long been heralded for their healthy approach to eating, with the Mediterranean diet forming the cornerstone of their culinary philosophy. Focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, and lean proteins, this diet not only delights the palate but also nourishes the body and soul.

Tapas culture

One cannot speak of Spanish cuisine without mentioning tapas, the beloved small plates that have taken the world by storm. Perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of dishes, tapas embody the convivial spirit of Spanish dining, encouraging guests to linger over good food and conversation late into the night.

Michelin-starred excellence

Spain’s culinary prowess is perhaps best exemplified by its impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants. From the avant-garde creations of elBulli to the traditional Basque cuisine of Arzak, Spain boasts more Michelin stars per capita than any other country, making it a paradise for food lovers and connoisseurs alike.

Wine wonderland

No discussion of Spanish gastronomy would be complete without mentioning its world-class wines. From the robust reds of Rioja to the crisp whites of Rías Baixas and the sparkling cavas of Catalonia, Spain offers a wine for every palate and occasion, ensuring that your wedding celebration is accompanied by the perfect pour.

Farm-to-table freshness

Spaniards take pride in their commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients, with many restaurants sourcing their produce from local farmers and markets. By embracing the farm-to-table ethos, couples can treat their wedding guests to dishes that are not only delicious but also environmentally sustainable.

Culinary creativity

Spain’s chefs are celebrated for their boundless creativity and innovative approach to cooking. Whether it’s molecular gastronomy techniques or contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, Spain’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, ensuring that every meal is a feast for the senses.

Catering options galore

When it comes to catering options for a destination wedding in Spain, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional paella feast on the beach, a formal sit-down dinner in a historic castle, or a casual tapas reception under the stars, Spain offers a wealth of options to suit every taste and budget.

Wedding catering Spain: Top dining tips on how to plan the best culinary experience

If you are getting married in Spain, we have listed below a food and drink running order to help you decide on the best options for your wedding party.

Welcome drinks on arrival

Due to the temperature at your wedding in Spain, bridal couples like to offer a combination of water, beer and soft drinks. Some only serve water, it is up to the individual bride and groom and their budget.

Reception

Aperitifs are served, which could be a mixture of champagne Cava, Cocktails, Sangria, which is a local drink served in Spain, soft drinks and water. At this point light finger food; hot and cold canapes, can be served comprising of 4-12 pieces per person and can be created by your wedding cater in Spain or the hotel chef.

Tips for the perfect dinner

This can be served in different formats, as follows.

Buffet

A buffet style offers guests a collection of different dishes to choose from which provides the opportunity for you to taste an array of styles and combinations, all beautifully put together and presented on stunning decorative food stations.

BBQ

This option is extremely popular with our stand-alone venues and for those getting married in Spain who want a relaxed feel to their day.

Gala dinner

This service normally comprises of a minimum of 3 courses where your wedding venue in Spain, or your wedding caterers in Spain, will come up with various courses and food combinations to the individual taste of the bridal party. Dinner will be served at the tables via a waiter. When choosing your food combinations, your caterers in Spain will normally have a number of example menu’s to help guide you and which can be amended to your personal taste.

All the above types of food options would include a dessert and some a wedding cake unless you have decided on using a separate bakery.

Beverages

During dinner wine and water will be served; you would be asked to choose from a selection of wines to be served for your guests and would request that guests are invited to have soft drinks during these courses also.

Open bar

As your guest have flown from various places to be at your wedding in Spain, and you want to celebrate with them after the food has finished and the dancing starts, ‘you would provide an open bar. Here you can agree on what drinks are included in the open bar which is normally a minimum of 2 hours upwards.

After dinner snacks

Some bride and grooms like to offer their guests a snack, a few hours after dinner, which often helps keep the party going and the drink flowing for everyone to enjoy so they can make the most of being at a wedding in Spain.

Andalusia: A culinary journey through history

Nestled in the sun-drenched south of Spain, Andalucía is a region steeped in history and culinary tradition. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa has made it a melting pot of cultures, each leaving its indelible mark on the region’s vibrant food scene.

Moorish influence

Andalucía’s culinary heritage is deeply influenced by its centuries-long Moorish occupation. During this time, the Moors introduced ingredients such as almonds, citrus fruits, and spices like saffron and cumin, which continue to flavor Andalusian cuisine to this day. Dishes like gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made from tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, and pastries like the delicate almond-based marzipan, bear witness to this rich cultural exchange.

Wedding catering Spain: Tapas culture

Andalucía is widely regarded as the birthplace of Spain’s iconic tapas culture. In cities like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba, it’s not uncommon to receive a complimentary tapa with every drink ordered—a tradition that dates back to the days when bartenders would cover glasses with small plates (tapas) to keep out insects. From crispy fried fish to succulent Iberian ham and creamy salmorejo (a thicker version of gazpacho), Andalucía’s tapas bars are a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered.

Food and flamenco

In Andalucía, food and music often go hand in hand, with flamenco—the passionate dance form that originated in the region—providing the soundtrack to many a lively meal. From intimate tablaos (flamenco venues) to bustling street corners, the soul-stirring rhythms of flamenco provide the perfect accompaniment to Andalusian cuisine, creating an unforgettable sensory experience for locals and visitors alike.

Seafood sensations

With its extensive coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Andalucía boasts some of the freshest seafood in Spain. From plump prawns and succulent squid to tender octopus and briny anchovies, Andalusian cuisine celebrates the bounties of the sea in all their glory. In coastal towns like Málaga and Cádiz, visitors can savor traditional dishes like espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines skewered on bamboo sticks) and pescaíto frito (fried fish), washed down with a glass of chilled fino sherry.

Mallorca: Island Paradise for Food Lovers

Mallorca is a fabulous place to show off to your guests the classic Mediterranean gastronomy. The island’s cuisine is centred around fish, vegetables and pork, and with generous use of garlic and olive oil. Spaniards love their rice and you can count on every region either having their own take on a traditional paella, or another similar rice dish. In Mallorca, it is very common to see arroz brut (rice stew) on the menu. Ingredients change with the seasons and range from chicken to pork, game, snails, sobrassada, rabbit, wild mushrooms, pepper, peas, beans, artichoke. A common breakfast is the pa amb oli (bread with oil). It is delightfully simple – less is more. It’s local bread, rubbed with garlic, local tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Those are just a couple of examples of how Mallorcans eat, the simple, but beautiful taste of the island, and just imagine your guests enjoying this beautiful food as they all celebrate your wedding day.

Acclaimed luxury catering company Fosh Catering pays homage to the beautiful Mediterranean diet in its dishes. Everything on their menu is handmade, starting with a rigorous selection of the finest ingredients available.

 

Spain’s rich culinary heritage, diverse gastronomic traditions, and commitment to excellence make it the perfect destination for couples seeking a wedding celebration that is as unforgettable as it is delicious. Whether you’re drawn to its world-class restaurants, vibrant tapas culture, or stunning natural beauty, a wedding in Spain promises to be a feast for the senses and a celebration to remember for a lifetime.

If you love food, love Spain and love the warm weather then contact us today who can help you to make your wedding vision come to life!