A wedding does not have to be pompous and luxurious. Not everyone can afford such a celebration. A modest, stylish wedding has recently become increasingly popular among young couples. In this article we will talk about how to create a budget menu for a wedding.
Budget does not mean cheap and low quality. Budget means well-planned. If you don’t have a significant amount of money, then you shouldn’t throw a pompous party that you’ll be paying for for a long time. A modest wedding can be no less interesting and memorable.
Alcohol
Buy alcohol according to the number of men and women. Vodka for the male half of the guests, wine for the female half. Champagne is a must drink. The first ceremonial toast to the newlyweds, two bottles for the bride and groom on their wedding anniversary and the birth of their first child. For an event for 20 people (the average number of guests at a modest wedding), you will need to stock up on:
– a box of champagne,
– 10-12 bottles of vodka,
– 10 bottles of wine (red, white).
What to wear for a romantic dinner: what to wear
The outfit for dinner is selected depending on the place where it will be held. For example, for an evening at home, it is better for girls to wear an evening dress and shoes, and for men, classic trousers and a shirt. After all, this is also a holiday, even if only for the two of you! Well, if you will have dinner outdoors, then choose more comfortable and simple clothes.
It would be logical if both he and she were dressed casually for a romantic dinner near the home theater.
Is dinner supposed to be on the roof? Then, depending on the staircase leading to it, clothes and shoes can vary from jeans and sneakers to evening dress.
For a romantic dinner by the pond, it would be advisable to wear a swimsuit under your clothes for girls, and swimming trunks for guys.
And further. If your relationship is at an early stage and you want to have a dinner just for communication, then you should choose a discreet outfit. If the goal is seduction, then the ladies can be in a “candid” image, which will hint at the further continuation of the dinner. For example, a girl can wear a mini dress or clothes with a deep neckline, with a cutout in the back or along the leg.
The color of the clothing should also signal the intentions of its owner. Temptresses can choose a red, black or dark blue dress; “animal” colors are allowed. The outfit can be sewn from light, translucent fabric, through which the underwear will be visible.
Autumn menu
A wedding in the fall will cost much less. Autumn is the most fertile time of the year. It is rich in vegetables and fruits. In autumn, there is a large selection of fresh meat at farmsteads.
An inexpensive wedding feast in the fall can consist of the following dishes:
KNOWLEDGE BASE: Decorating a wedding in a rustic style - basic rules and ideas for decor
- a fresh vegetable salad;
– salad with chicken breast, cheese, corn and vegetables;
– “Mushroom Glade” salad;
– fish, cheese, sausage (meat) plates;
– sandwiches with red caviar, decorated with parsley leaves;
– canapés with red fish, cheese, vegetables and fruits;
– a mixture of baked vegetables as a side dish: potatoes, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants;
– pickled mushrooms;
– eggplant rolls with cheese and walnuts;
– homemade boiled pork;
– salmon fillet baked in the oven with lemon.
How to easily make delicious boiled pork at home, watch the master class from the chef:
Here's the salmon recipe:
The most economical option for hot dishes would be poultry. It is better to make portioned pieces than to cook the whole carcass. This way you can prepare a treat for a larger number of guests and there will be no waste (bones). There are a lot of recipes with chicken breast or fillet. They are all delicious and easy to prepare. One of them is medallions in French. The recipe is simple, and the dish turns out exquisite and beautiful, juicy and satisfying. Try it, it's easy:
For dessert, sweets, fresh fruit, light cake with cream cream, decorated with berries:
Don't skimp on the cake. The main wedding dessert should be both tasty and beautiful. Order it to a professional.
KNOWLEDGE BASE: How to make a wedding anniversary cake with your own hands
How to make a romantic dinner
People's imagination is limitless. And in such a creative matter as preparing a romantic dinner, there is no limit to the flight of thought. There is even some classification of styles.
1. Classic
Includes a candlelit dinner at home. Prepare food, dim the lights, turn on romantic music, place a vase of flowers on the table or sprinkle them with petals in the room, don’t forget about candles and champagne - that’s it, an evening for two is ready!
2. Dinner in oriental style
Fashion in the East is not losing ground, and you can surprise a loved one without breaking the bank. For example, having a dinner in the style of the land of the rising sun. To do this, move the classic table to the side and sit on the floor, placing food on small tables or trays with legs. The menu should correspond to the idea: cook or order sushi and rolls. Choose white wine for your drink.
Or you can arrange an evening in the spirit of a thousand and one nights: scatter pillows on the floor, lay out a tablecloth and put pilaf, flatbreads, chak-chak, etc. on it. A bottle of red wine will brighten up the evening.
3. Date at the cinema
You don’t have to go anywhere at all: you can have a romantic movie viewing at home. But be responsible when choosing your film repertoire. It’s better to put off action films, dramas, and horror films until you meet friends, and choose a light comedy for a date. But you don’t have to worry about the menu: just order pizza and take wine or champagne as a drink.
4. Date on the roof
It will be very romantic if you invite your significant other to admire the view of the city in warm, windless weather. You can decorate the place in advance with lanterns or candles, prepare a table and chairs. Don't plan a very large menu; a salad, one hot dish and a bottle of champagne will be enough.
5. Romantic dinner in nature
A date by the river or a picnic on the lawn will allow you to chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Nothing will distract you from each other. Those who are especially sophisticated can organize dinner in the middle of a pond.
If you own a private home, then there is nothing easier than having a romantic dinner in the yard. Lanterns hung on trees and bushes, as well as candles, will help create the right atmosphere. You can sit at a table or on the lawn, on the terrace, by the pool, etc. Keep a blanket in case you or your significant other get cold.
The menu can consist of a salad, a hot dish and a drink, or you can simply treat yourself to a cake and champagne while watching the stars.
Sweet desserts for two
All that remains is to discuss desserts; I offer fairly simple ideas for a sweet end to the evening.
- Strawberries under the snow
It has long been established that strawberries are an aphrodisiac, so using them for dessert for a romantic dinner is practically a rule. Let's not deviate from it, having prepared this delicacy:
300 gr. strawberries, 5 pcs. proteins, 370 gr. sugar, a little lemon juice;
- make syrup from 100 ml of water and 370 gr. sugar, evaporate until the liquid turns into caramel
- Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, cut into halves, place in molds (one-piece glass molds are better, since the berries will then give juice)
- Separate fresh, cold whites from the yolks, pour into a large container, beat
- add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the syrup
- hot syrup is poured in a thin stream into the whipped whites
- All that remains is to put the “snow” on the strawberries and bake at 250 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
- Simple panna cotta
You can also surprise your loved one with a luxurious dessert that many have heard about but never tried. Shall we take a risk?
To do this you will need:
1 l. cream 15% fat, 150 gr. powdered sugar, 20 gr. gelatin, 60 gr. cocoa, dark and white chocolate, vanillin;
- Heat the cream until boiling, but do not boil, soak the gelatin with 3 tbsp. cold water
- add powdered sugar and vanillin to the cream, cool to 60°, add gelatin, stir with a whisk for 5 minutes;
- pour half of the masa into the molds, then add cocoa to the rest, mix, pour in there
- Place the frozen panna cotta on a plate (dip the pan in boiling water for a couple of seconds, turn it over), decorate with melted chocolate.
If you want to cook something more substantial, you can bake a chocolate cake.
how to invite to a romantic dinner
If you're planning a surprise, give your partner a reason why he needs to be home by a certain time. For example, friends or parents will come to visit you, and it is not advisable for him to be late.
You can use more sophisticated options. For example, send flowers by courier for your beloved and include an invitation to dinner in the bouquet.
More romantic guys can attract a child who will run up to his girlfriend on the street and hand over a postcard with an invitation, or a trained dog that will deliver the message to the addressee in its teeth.
You can come up with a lot of ways to invite someone to a romantic evening. The main thing is to show ingenuity and the desire to be original.
Romantic dinner ideas
Before moving on to scenarios for a romantic date, let’s outline some points that apply to any dinner for two:
- The most important thing is choosing the right time for dinner. Try to have your planned date fall on a day followed by a day off. Then the two of you can relax and not worry about getting up early in the morning;
- If you are giving a surprise to your lover, then make sure that he/she arrives on time at the appointed place.
Closer to the stars: dinner for two on the roof
Let's say you live in a high-rise building and you have access to the roof. Then why not admire the stars on a warm, cloudless evening with your loved one! The action plan will be as follows:
Plan your roof lighting. You can place more candles or hang small lanterns.
Bring a folding table and chairs, food, drinks, a bouquet of flowers (if the surprise is being prepared by a man). Take care of the musical accompaniment. This could be a small disc player, a laptop, or, in extreme cases, a smartphone.
There is a simpler setting option. Instead of all of the above, you can prepare an air mattress, a blanket, a laptop, wine/champagne, wine glasses and pizza. You will need a blanket if you start to freeze, and you can watch a movie on your laptop while sitting comfortably on the mattress. Besides, it’s much more pleasant to watch the stars while lying down...
You make an appointment in advance on the street not far from the place of your future dinner. You meet your loved one and slowly walk towards the house, then under the pretext of something like “Have you ever been on the roof? Do you want to visit? take your significant other to the appointed place. Well, and then without us...
To enhance the impression of his companion, a man can present her with a small bouquet of flowers, previously stored on the roof.
Dinner in the bath
After a busy day at work, you really want to relax. And the best way to do this is in the bathroom.
We suggest making the menu for the evening from sushi and white wine or fruit, dessert and champagne. Don't forget to chill your drinks beforehand.
Place candles on the floor, on the table and along the edges of the bathroom. You can turn on the light partially (for example, only sconces or floor lamps) or do without it at all.
Next, make a path from the threshold to the bathroom from rose petals, and sprinkle them on the floor in the room itself.
Find out exactly when your lover will be home, and draw a bath at the appointed time, adding foam (if desired). Turn off the lights in the entire apartment except the bathroom, and leave the door ajar. Submerge yourself in the water. You can pick up a glass of champagne/wine. And when your significant other enters the room, offer to keep you company. Further, we think, our tips are not needed...
Dinner in nature
If you are the happy owner of a private house, and even one with a swimming pool, then arrange a romantic date for your other half there. Here it is better not to make surprises, but to immediately inform about the upcoming event so that your lover/beloved will dress appropriately in advance.
Most likely, you already have lighting. But it will be more romantic if you hang small lanterns or place candles along the edge of the pool. Their reflections on the water will look fabulous. You can also sprinkle rose petals around the pool and the water in it.
Plan your menu in advance. Don't make it too bulky. An appetizer and a main course, dessert plus champagne or wine - that’s probably the whole list. This dinner is meant for love, not hard digestion. And don’t experiment with new recipes, so that if you fail, you won’t ruin the whole evening. It is advisable to cool drinks in the refrigerator. You can do without a table by having a picnic on the lawn by the pool. In any case, your efforts will not go unnoticed.
Drinks for a romantic dinner
The traditional drink, of course, is champagne. The bubbles in it impart sparkling not only to the contents of the glass, but also to the playful mood of those who drink it. For a romantic dinner, choose high-quality champagne; do not buy it from dubious places where it is sold (the latter, by the way, applies to the choice of any alcohol).
The next common drink for such an event is wine. Based on your preferences, you can buy dry, semi-sweet and sweet. Choose the color of the wine depending on the main dish. It is known that it is better to serve red with meat, and white with fish.
The list of drinks for a romantic dinner does not end there. Why not make weak cocktails? They will help you relax and not cloud your mind.
Of course, some may choose stronger drinks - for example, whiskey, rum or cognac.
Whatever drink you prefer for a romantic evening, the main rule is not to overdo it. A glass of wine or champagne, or a couple of glasses of cognac is the norm, which is enough to relax. Otherwise, the atmosphere of romance may evaporate, and the evening may turn into a banal drinking session.
how to arrange a romantic dinner
Next, we move on to preparing the dinner itself. It is advisable to spend it in the living room. And even if you have a studio apartment, it is better to choose a place different from the usual eating area. For example, in front of the TV.
It is also undesirable to organize such an event in the bedroom. It can later “flow” there along with a bottle of champagne. But it's better to start in the living room.
Try to include heart-shaped elements during dinner. For example, the area around the table lined with rose petals or a dish decorated with a monogram. You can also inflate similar-shaped balloons with helium.
Since dinner is planned by candlelight, place one or two of them on the table, and also place a few more around the room.
It is better to set the table in a classic way: a salad plate, a hot plate underneath, a fork, a knife, a glass of champagne or wine. A rose in a glass vase would look quite appropriate. Don't forget to put napkins.
Now it’s time to prepare yourself: take a shower, put on beautiful underwear and an outfit, based on our recommendations above. Light candles, dim the lights, turn on romantic music.
Next there are several options:
1.You do not meet your partner at the door, but wait for him in the living room at the table. Lay the path from the front door to the living room in advance with rose petals.
2. You can open the front door for your significant other, then blindfold him/her with a silk scarf and walk him/her by the hand to the living room.
