The choice of mise en place is an element that can really make the difference on the look & feel of your special day.
Have you chosen the location, identified the mood of the day and have you got a fairly precise idea of the layout of your wedding? It’s time to think about the mise en place, that is, the arrangement and choice of the elements that will make up the table setting of your wedding reception.
Too often this important element is overlooked, probably because it is occupied by the rest of the organization, that we limit ourselves to the standard provided by the catering or restaurant that will follow the reception, without thinking about the importance of the elements that will adorn our table.
A refined mise en place immediately catches the eye and is the best way to present yourself to your guests. It is able to emphasize the emotion of the most convivial moment of the entire wedding, so much so as to create amazement in the eyes of the guests.
Plates, glasses, cutlery… are the protagonists of the equipment and contribute to enhancing the setting and the pleasure of sitting at your table.
Now you may be wondering “Are there any rules to follow?”. Naturally, etiquette imposes some aspects that your wedding planners, designers or banqueting managers will be able to develop for the setting of your table!
- Mise en place: what does etiquette say?
- The table linen
- The Dishes
- The Cutlery
- The Glasses
- The Bread
- Mise en place proposals
1.What does etiquette say?
When we talk about etiquette we immediately think of something from the past, a bit boring. In reality, this concept is more current than ever, timeless, and provides us with the basis for not making mistakes and falling into error. Let’s find out what he says about the mise en place of the wedding.
2 The table linen
Tablecloths and napkins complete the table, colors and fabrics should be harmonious with each other and consistent with the style of the location. The tablecloths, immaculate and well ironed, must reach the floor without touching it.
Paper napkins are absolutely banned, they should be placed to the left of the plate, but more and more often it is preferable (for aesthetic and space reasons) to keep it in the center of the underplate together with the menu. The ideal size is 50x50cm. It must be perfectly folded and ironed. To avoid strange inappropriate bending or even insertion into glasses.
3 The dishes
Etiquette requires the use of a mat, the choice is preferable to materials such as ceramic, silver or crystal. It must be placed 3 cm from the edge of the table. It will be the element that will remain on the table for the entire reception, so its choice is extremely important.
4 The Cutlery
We have seen in many films how there is often confusion about the use of cutlery in formal settings but there is no need to be scared. We always start from the outermost cutlery to get to the plate.
The forks should be positioned to the left of the plate, with the tines upwards and facing us. If the forks have the coat of arms on the back we will position them so that the guest can see it.
Spoons and knives are placed on the right side, with the blade always facing the plate.
5 Glasses
They are positioned at the top right, in decreasing order of size. On the left the glass for water, the middle one for red wine, white wine and finally (if dessert is provided at the table) the one for sparkling wine. Great attention to the shape of the glasses which must not create confusion and disorder on the table.
6 Bread
Very important element, the bread plate is placed to the left of the glasses.
It is inevitable that these rules will undergo changes depending on aesthetic and space needs. Often we decide not to place everything we have described. To avoid impediments or inconveniences you can choose to arrange the necessary cutlery according to the course served.
Let’s not forget the centrepiece, a fundamental element of every wedding reception. Everything must be harmonious so the choice of mise en place cannot be separated from this important decorative component that we remember: it must never create disturbance to the diner’s view.
7 Mise en place proposals
Finally, we want to offer you some mise en place proposals from which to draw inspiration: “light”, elegant, dreamy, suitable for different tastes and a prelude to an innovative wedding menu.
7.1 Minimal chic
There are many reasons to say yes to minimal chic! In this case, as regards the mise en place, the minimal chic style will streamline everything, making both the decoration and the use of the table itself easier. A single centerpiece and also basic plates, glasses and cutlery. Less is more, even at the table!
7.2 Rustic chic
Those who choose the rustic chic allure know that with the colours-flavours-scents of simplicity, earth and tradition, they will make a great impression! And sorry for the rhyme! Place cards in wood or cork accompanied by simple plates and crockery, will be placed on “uncovered” tables, on the raw raw material, which is so reminiscent of picnics and outdoor outings.
7.3 Ultra chic
And for incurable romantics, and especially those who never say no to elegance, the ultra chic, ultra refined, ultra refined style also materializes at the table. Rich, embroidered tablecloths, embellished with precious stones and floral inserts. And also plates and glasses with gold details; candles and lights to warm everything up. A dream? Yes, yours… but it becomes reality!Raise your hand if you still don’t know the industrial chic style?! So basic, tending towards “cold” but at the same time of great impact. That’s why even the industrial mise en place will have to follow these dictates: cutlery without doodles, squared plates, napkins in dark colors. And still microlights to illuminate everything. Do you like the idea?
7.4 Industrial
Raise your hand if you still don’t know the industrial chic style?! So basic, tending towards “cold” but at the same time of great impact. That’s why even the industrial mise en place will have to follow these dictates: cutlery without doodles, squared plates, napkins in dark colors. And still microlights to illuminate everything. Do you like the idea?
Now you are ready to face everything concerning your table with great serenity. Follow these simple rules, put all your good taste into it and listen to the advice of the professionals you have hired for the final choices: your mise en place will be fantastic!
