Starter ideas needed, please help!!

What about something light to start with? I would say with your main and desert being pretty rich/filling then something simple like a great salad might go down well. There are loads of nice salads which can be done, beetroot and goats cheese is one of my favorites. Another option is carpaccio of beef or carpaccio of vegetables (thinly sliced usually with a dressing and rocket).

How about sharing platters of antipasti? Parma ham, olives, cheeses, breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar? Ties in with your Italian main, a very social way of eating to get guests talking and sharing, plus people can pick and choose what they like.

Thank you both, I think a salad might be a good option but although I love beef carpachio we have some fussy eaters coming and I'd be concerned they wouldn't like it! We love antipasti bit are having that for our evening food instead of a traditional buffet, so can't do it as a starter too. This is so difficult isn't it!

Do you think a spiced fish cake would be too much with the other courses? Also thinking of a bruschetta?! So confused!!!! ??

Mmmmmm bruschetta would be nice, especially if it had some goats cheese on it!

We've chosen crab cakes with a chilli and lime dip and salad. Might work for you too.

I thought this too when I read the OP.

You could also do a simple tomato, mozarella, basil salad.

Thanks all, we both like bruschetta but not sure if it's special enough for a wedding (it's what we have when we go to pizza express!!) and also is it too similar to the antipasti we're having in the evening? I've just ha a look at the menus and Thai fish cakes are an option, but not sure if this goes with our main course? Argghhhhh!!!

One of our options was pan-fried king prawns with chilli and lime on a bed of rocket. It was really popular with our guests (we had several options and guests pre-ordered).

Yummeeeee. This for me please!

I'm not great at knowing what goes with what to be honest, but here are the options our venue gave us in case they give you any inspiration:

Chargrilled Local Asparagus with a deep fried poached egg & shaved pecorino
Buffalo Mozzarella marinated in creme fraiche, pea & mint bruschetta & pea shoots
Portland Crab with shaved fennel, celery & wild rocket, lemon aioli
Pomodoro Soup with warm focaccia
Trio of Crostini, chicken liver parfait, black olive tapenade & tomato, mozzarella & basil, with new season’s olive oil
Tortellini stuffed with buffalo ricotta, lemon zest, chilli & pine nuts with marjoram butter & parmesan
Ravioli of Jersey Royals, mascarpone & pancetta with sage butter & parmesan

We have gone for the first two and the crostini.

Could they maybe do the starter you like but not the balls of goats cheese? could it be slices instead?

That way you get to keep the starter you like?