1. Lush toast
This is not your basic ham and cheese toastie. Rather, opt for upmarket ingredients to get a shot of that gooey dairy and umami: apricot jam, goat’s cheese and thyme crunchy sarnies can really hit the spot as can fontina, prosciutto and sage whoppers.
2. Asian dumplings
Steamed pork dumplings? Bring them on! This Asian speciality can come in various sizes, catering for a wide range of appetites, so you’re on to a winner if these feature on the menu. Plus, they’re ever so easy to just pick up and eat!
3. Baked eggs
When the cold travels on the wind, and into your wedding venue, your loved ones will be grateful for something which gives them enough protein to keep their metabolism going, as well as being warm enough to thaw the chill off their extremities. Eggs tend to do the trick, especially when baked with deeper tones, such as beetroot, thyme and goat’s cheese.
4. Small bowls of soup
Whatever the flavour. Soup does not need to be messy, and if you’ve booked a stand-up reception, have them served in thick cups – with a handle, making it much easier to sip, sip, sip, until it’s time for the next set of canapes.
5. Indulgent meatballs!
Some believe winter and meat go together like love and marriage – beef slips down to the stomach with ease, giving more ammunition for your body to fight off the chill. And, while meatballs are super handy, they also come in a wide range of flavours to suit every palette. If you’ve got vegan or vegetarian guests, swap these out with patties made from beans.
6. Vibrant tarts
Pies are another cold-weather guilty pleasure, which can easily be devoured whether your guests are standing or sitting. Fill them with asparagus and tomato, pear and camembert or, even, go wild and have lamb included as a key ingredient. Whatever the filling, make sure they’re served warm.
7. Deep-red biscuits
Nothing screams winter than Christmas-themed fare, whose intense colour can really add warmth to your wedding look. More-ish jam-filled biscuits, for example, do the trick – especially when accompanied with a cup of tea or coffee, sipped just before you throw the bouquet.
8. Chocolatey churros
And, the piece de resistance: churros dipped in sticky, can’t-get-enough-of-it chocolate. These hefty sweets will top off your big day in style and you won’t even need to hold back. After all, you won’t need to fit into your wedding dress again, right?