Informal Dining

How to Make Your Wedding Feel Relaxed with Informal Dining

At Tyn Dwr Hall, we understand that while a wedding is a momentous and often formal occasion, it doesn’t have to feel that way. If you’re dreaming of a day that’s full of elegance without the fuss — where guests can really relax and soak it all in — then informal dining might just be the key.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a full hall of revellers, here are our top ideas for bringing a more casual, sociable feel to your wedding day — without losing the magic.

Start with a Relaxed Menu

When it comes to creating a laid-back atmosphere, the menu can do so much of the heavy lifting.

Our 2025 menu includes brilliant choices that lend themselves perfectly to a more relaxed vibe. Think hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort foods served with finesse — the kind of dishes that feel warm and familiar, but with a touch of theatre.

Some of our favourite informal combinations include:

• Canapés: Sticky Dragon Sausages or mini Shepherd’s Pie – big flavour, no cutlery needed!

• Starter: Our build-your-own Charcuterie Plate — perfect for nibbling, sharing and chatting.

• Main Course: A generous helping of Welsh Beef dinner or our comforting Chicken, Leek & Ham Hock Pie served with creamy mash and buttered greens.

• Dessert: The ever-popular Tyn Dwr Sticky Toffee Pudding or our White Chocolate and Raspberry Blondie — sweet, simple and so satisfying.

You can even extend the relaxed feel into the evening with one of our street-food-inspired stalls. Options like Who’s That Chick (buttermilk chicken, dirty gravy, Cajun fries) or Let’s Get Piggy With It (pulled pork rolls and apple jam) are real guest-pleasers — and give everyone the fuel they need to dance the night away.

Keep the Table Plan, But Ditch the Formalities

While we do require a table plan — it’s the best way to manage dietary needs and allergies safely — that doesn’t mean the setup has to feel stiff.

Instead of a traditional top table, you might consider:

• No top table at all – mix in with your guests or sit on a central long table with your nearest and dearest.

• Banquet-style long tables – they naturally feel more sociable and communal.

• Mismatched or informal place cards – consider handwritten notes, fun facts about guests, or even little games or ice-breakers.

It’s worth remembering: after the ceremony, photos, and drinks reception, your guests want to sit. A good two-hour meal gives everyone a breather before the big party gets going, and creates a natural rhythm to the day — rather than one long stretch of noise and dancing.

Drinks that Suit Your Day

While wine works beautifully with your meal (and sits nicely in the glass during speeches), we absolutely welcome additions that match your personality.

• Buckets of chilled beer or cider on the table alongside wine are a lovely casual touch – think local brews or your favourites.

• Mocktails or house cocktails like an Elderflower Fizz or Tyn Dwr Spritz offer something a bit different.

• For summer weddings, jug cocktails like Pimm’s or sangria on long tables can feel wonderfully sociable.

Speak to our team and we’ll walk you through the best options to suit your food choices and the time of year.

Add Personality to the Table

If you’re looking to make things feel even more ‘you’, here are a few extra touches that work well with informal dining:

• Personalised menus with a note from you and your partner.

• Table games or conversation cards to break the ice.

• Mini Polaroid cameras on each table – guests can snap moments for your guest book.

• Family-style sides for the starter or evening food – think baskets of warm bread or bowls of fries to share.

And When It’s Time to Party…

Once everyone’s fed, speeches are done and drinks are flowing, the atmosphere naturally shifts. That’s where the more ‘moveable’ and playful elements of your day can really shine.

You might add:

• A roaming dessert station or ice cream cart.

• A ‘speech-in-the-round’ style with informal toasts given in the middle of the room or from different table interaction.

• Late-night snacks like sausage baps or pizza slices for the final refuel.

---

Our final tip? Embrace the flow. Casual weddings are all about celebrating your way – and our team is here to help make that vision a reality.

If you’d like to explore your own relaxed menu or chat about ways to make your day feel more like you, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help you dream it all up.