Congratulations! You're about to take one of the most important steps in your life, and at Ibéricos Torreón we want to help you make your wedding perfect. Iberian ham is the undisputed king of weddings in Spain , and we're here to answer all your questions and make sure that the ham table is one of the highlights of your celebration. So get ready, because after reading this guide, queues will inevitably form at the ham table.
How many hams do I need for my wedding?
The number of hams you will need will depend on the number of guests and the type of wedding you have in mind:
- For a traditional wedding (where the ham is served during the cocktail before the main meal): 1 ham of 8 to 8.5 kg is recommended for every 80-100 people.
- For a cocktail-style wedding (where ham is served throughout the celebration) guests will not sit down to eat and it will be necessary to complement with products such as two or three 100% Iberian acorn-fed loins or consider cutting a ham of more than 9 kg, since there will be greater consumption despite the number of guests being between 80 and 100 people.
- Another option is to also serve ham during the late night snack . To do this, the carver can leave a plate already cut, ready to be enjoyed at this long-awaited moment by the most festive guests.
How many master cutters do I need?
The number of master cutters is also crucial to ensure that everything flows smoothly:
- For weddings of 150-200 people : it is recommended that a single carver prepares 2 hams. The carver should leave one ham cut before the event so that the waiters can serve it at the beginning of the cocktail party and while he is cutting the other one in front of the guests.
- If the cocktail space is very large : it is better to have 2 cutters working simultaneously to avoid long queues.
- For weddings of more than 200 people : 2 slicers and 3 ham cutters are recommended to ensure smooth service and sufficient quantity for everyone.
How long does it take a master carver to carve a ham?
Cutting time is an important factor for cocktail planning:
- It takes a skilled master cutter between 1.5 and 2 hours to cut a whole piece.
- If the cocktail party is running for less time, the cutter should start cutting several plates before the guests arrive to accommodate the time available.
Where should the cutting table be placed at the Cocktail Party?
The location is essential to ensure that the quality of the ham is maintained and also for the comfort of the cutter. As in this guide we are talking especially about summer, we will say that it is essential to place the table in a good shade to prevent the product and the cutter from suffering from the heat.
What if the wedding caterer already offers this service?
It can happen and we think that's perfect. We don't want to disparage other suppliers, but we do want to make sure that you apply what we tell you in this guide so that you have an impeccable service. And we want to insist on one thing: having the master carver is as important as the ham itself, which is why at Ibéricos Torreón we have alliances with the best master carvers in almost all of Spain. Click here to find out about our proposals.
Extras you can add to your wedding cutting service
To make the service even more attractive and complete, consider these extras:
- Cold cuts (loin, chorizo, salchichón): These products can be served with a professional cutting machine, adding a touch of spectacle.
- Breadsticks as accompaniment: Perfect to complement the flavor of the ham.
- A cheese table. Both ham and cheese have a special place at weddings.
What does the cutting service usually not include?
It is important to take into account certain details that are generally not included:
- The table where the cutting board or ham holder will be placed: This is usually provided by the venue or the catering company.
- Dishes for plating the ham: This should also be coordinated with the catering service.
And this is because both details tend to blend in with the rest of the decoration and tableware that is displayed at the celebration.
And we're not done yet, because we can think of one more aspect that we can add if we relate the Iberian ham cutting service to the success of your wedding:
How to ensure that all guests can enjoy the ham without long waits?
Here are some tips we've mentioned that help avoid long queues: make sure you have enough cutters and cutting tables strategically placed around the cocktail area. This not only speeds up service, but also improves your guests' experience.
How to coordinate cutting service with catering?
Whether or not the ham service is included in the catering, you should consider all the details of the service in advance. Make sure they know the number of dishes needed and can provide the appropriate table and a good location.
If you decide to hire the service outside of catering, contact both parties so that they can discuss all these issues.
What hams do we recommend for weddings?
At Ibéricos Torreón we have a lot of experience in this field. We know that you are looking for a touch of elegance and sophistication in your banquet, making the best possible choice. We consider that the most appropriate are:- 100% Iberian Acorn-fed Ham is the TOP option.
- 50% Iberian Bellota Ham also offers excellent value for money and remains a delight for your guests' palates.
In our Events and Weddings section, we give you the details. Don't just read, call us and we'll talk about what you have in mind, we can adapt. Your choice will depend on the prices that best suit your possibilities and your specific needs.
And another thing... even if your catering service already offers you a specific ham, don't hesitate to ask us or request a quote, as we usually have very competitive prices and, of course, with guaranteed results.
We hope that this guide has been helpful to you and that your wedding is a complete success with the presence of the best Iberian ham. At Ibéricos Torreón we are ready to help you make your special day even more unforgettable with the incomparable touch of our hams. Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions or to request your personalized quote!
Congratulations and long live love and good ham!
