I don't know about you, but I'm a massive fan of charcuterie boards. They're perfect for serving to pals over a few drinks at home, so it's no surprise that a slightly more elaborate version, known as grazing tables or feasting tables, are trending in wedding catering right now! Our very own Joanna was ahead of the curve - she had a grazing table at her wedding in 2016, and it was just fabulous! Grazing tables are brilliant for creating an informal vibe at your wedding - if there's one thing that gets guests mingling, it's a table piled high with delicious antipasti, charcuterie and dips!

Whether you chose to skip the canapés and offer grazing tables as a cocktail-hour option, replace the main course with a family-style spread, or bring them out for late-night snacking, this is a fun and delicious way to look after your wedding guests!

How to get a gorgeous grazing table or feasting table for your wedding:

1. Chose a delectable selection of cold meats, cheeses, antipasti and delightful accompaniments such as dips, assorted bread, crackers, salads, and fruits. Abundance is the key word here.

2. Include plenty of flavours and an array of textures to ensure there's good variety for your guests. Cheeseboards will be sitting out for some time, so choose items that can be eaten cold, or at room temperature, and won't perish quickly. Good options include:

• artisan cheeses
• cured meats
• pâtés
• handmade dips, including pesto and hummus
• gourmet crackers
• lavoche (a delicious Middle Eastern, cracker-style bread)
• freshly baked bread
• assorted spiced or candied nuts and seeds
• olives
• artichokes
• sun-dried tomatoes
• pickles and cornichons
• falafel
• fresh vegetable crudités
• scotch eggs and pork pies
• fresh and dried fruit
• salads
• fresh herbs
• chutneys, honey and quince paste
• gourmet condiments
• balsamic vinegar and flavoured olive oils
• dark chocolate

3. Choose local producers where possible - this is a good excuse to hit up your local cheesemonger, grocer or your favourite bakery! Caterers like Andrew Holmes, Naomi's Kitchen, Love Food and The Gourmet Kitchen can also help you create a delectable grazing table.

4. Styling is the key to nailing a the grazing table trend. Choose rustic wooden boards, marble slabs, glass platters or porcelain bowls to wow your guests. You may also need to create some height for visual impact. Make sure to discuss your vision with your caterer or stylist to get the look you want. Add signage, flowers, herbs and greenery for a show-stopping look.

5. Whether you're having a spring, summer, autumn or winter wedding, you can easily incorporate this idea with seasonal produce. For example, vegetable crudités in spring, fresh fruit in summer, dried fruits in autumn or festive chutneys in winter!

6. Make sure to include options to accommodate dietary requirements. This is quite easy to do with grazing tables - once you've received the relevant information from your guests, you'll probably find that they're already covered, but if not, refer back to point two to find some tasty alternatives for them.

Need more grazing table inspiration? Look to Katie & Dan's foodie's wedding to see a feast table in action!

Hungry for more? You'll find lots of delicious wedding food ideas here!