Q. Patti Asks: My daughter is getting married in November, we are planning a backyard wedding and we are doing the cooking. We have our menu planned out; pulled pork, cheesy hash brown potatoes, baked beans, fruit salad and green salad. I was wondering if you had any advice for out preparations for the big day. I was reading your blog about the Strata brunch you had and how organized you were, that is how I want my daughters wedding to be but I’m a little nervous I won’t be prepared. Any suggestions you have would be great.
A. My biggest piece of advice has nothing to do with cooking. If you’re catering your daughter’s wedding, your biggest challenge will be knowing when to stop being the caterer and when to become the mother of the bride. Five years ago I catered Maggy’s wedding. The Thursday afternoon before the Saturday wedding I took off my apron and turned it over to professional cooks and servers and I really enjoyed myself.
The end of this week I’ll be writing about another wedding that I catered and hosted for close friends. Once again, the success was knowing when to stop being the caterer and start being the host.
I’m not my best when I try to do it all at the big parties. You want to talk to your friends but there are casseroles to pull and salads to toss and cream to whip. Some people are great at delegating. Me… not so much.
So good luck. Let me know how it goes. I hope you’re able to relax and enjoy the day!
