The Must Have Wedding Menu of 2024
A garden-to-plate philosophy is just one of the reasons why couples continue to choose Blanco Weddings to organise their dream day. As weddings turn a green chapter in 2024, the award-winning operators tell us why a sustainable menu is trending this year.
It’s good to be green in 2024, with sustainability a major focus point for couples planning their wedding day this year. Family-owned local producer Blanco Weddings prides itself on its eco-friendly operations, particularly its ever-changing seasonal menus, expertly crafted by a team of talented chefs keen to put South Australian flavours in the spotlight through its ‘garden-to-plate’ philosophy. Here, venue and events manager Emma Mockridge tells us about how Blanco’s green mindset shapes their award-winning practices.
Tell us more about your garden-to-plate philosophy. Why was this an important concept for Blanco Weddings to develop?
Our garden-to-plate philosophy promotes sustainability, ethical sourcing and supporting local communities. At Blanco Weddings, we prioritise using locally sourced produce to establish a connection between diners and the origins of their meals. This way, we can ensure that every wedding is a memorable gastronomic journey reflecting our appreciation for the nature surrounding us.
How does this mentality influence the menu design, especially with changing seasons and produce?
As the seasons change, so does our menu. In autumn, we showcase the best of South Australia's produce by featuring ingredients like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples and figs. We also foster partnerships with local farmers for ingredients like artisanal cheeses and organic meats. Our flexible menus are tailored to clients' preferences and the seasonal offerings.
What other ways are Blanco strengthening their eco-friendly attitude?
We have taken steps to follow a sustainable food system, ensuring that the commitment to sustainability is not just limited to the kitchen. Apart from adopting a garden-to-plate philosophy, we focus on local and seasonal sourcing, sustainable partnerships and community engagement. We prioritise sourcing event materials from local suppliers, reducing transportation-related carbon emissions. In addition to this, we also take careful steps to reduce single-use plastics in our kitchens and replace plastic items with bio alternatives.
You work closely with local producers - what do you think are some of the best flavours found in South Australia?
The opportunities are endless here in South Australia! As an example, the 36-degree south beef from the Coonawarra is one of [the] hero pieces of produce used in our menu. The premium quality combined with being locally sourced ticks all of our boxes.
Why should couples consider choosing a company committed to sustainability this season?
By choosing a green wedding, you can reduce the environmental impact of your celebration by minimising waste, energy usage and carbon footprint, all while still having a grand celebration. As sustainable caterers, we can help couples achieve this goal by prioritising ethically sourced and locally grown ingredients. This promotes local farmers and producers and supports the local community. By choosing sustainable catering for your special day, you can celebrate your special day while also celebrating the community and showcasing the beauty of South Australia.
Blanco Weddings exclusively operates at venues and destinations like Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty Gardens, Rose Garden Pavilion, South Australia Museum, The Sanctuary and Adelaide Town Hall.
botanicgardenweddings.com.au
blancocatering.com.au
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