Wedding Tasting Goals

 
Depending on your venue, catering will either come with the price of renting the reception space or you will need to outsource a caterer.  Regardless of your decision, you should taste the food prior to serving it on wedding day to your guests. 

But what should you expect and what will you discuss at a tasting?

Well first, a tasting is just that...a taste. Do not expect to be served a full meal.  You will see the full presentation of the soup, salad, entree and possibly the hors d'oevures.  You may even get to sample the wines that will be served during dinner and cake should the caterer be providing the wedding cake. 

Next, bringing your entire family and friends to a tasting is not appropriate.  Most tastings can only accommodate 4-6 guests (couple and each set of parents).  Plus all those extra opinions will truly dull the experience.

Also, be very honest about how the food tastes.  That is the purpose of this meeting.  So if you feel it needs extra salt, let the chef know.  There are no repeats in wedding planning so you want to make sure you have voiced your opinion especially during the tasting.

Last, during your tasting experience, consider some of these questions:

• Do you like the look of the food presentation?
• Are hot dishes served hot and cold dishes served cold? 
• How's the plating of the entree?
• Are the hors d'oevures easy for your guests to eat?  
• Do the courses make sense for the season?
• When is the latest date you can make a change to the menu?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(repost from 2013)

Carving Stations for Cocktails

When planning the hors d'oeuvres for your cocktail hour, consider offering a variety of ways to entice your guest's palette.  Carving stations are one really cool way for guests to interact plus have a say about what they are eating in regards to cooking temperature.  This carving station created for one of our events focuses on Prime Rib and was paired with delicious Pretzel Bread. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.RushPhotoVideo.com)

All Things Mini...and Cute! (Day#20)

I know when I attend industry parties, the caterers are always trying to WOW us with the most unique canapes they can create.  Combinations I would never imagine joining hand-in-hand are being passed around on trays for us to try and hopefully enjoy.  But the same concepts might not work for your wedding guests with a variety of taste palettes.  So consider the overall experience of your guests, rather there are appetizers for the cocktail hour or late night snacks for the party-goers, make them unique, fun and appealing. Add your personality to the mini delights that are served!

A min version of the Chicago favorite

Imagine this cutie with a cup of Java

Mini grill cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

A fun spin on veggies and dip...only from Martha :)

Now who could pass up tacos and tequila???

So now you can see that apperitzers are more than just bruschetta, chicken skewers and shrimp cocktail.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.marthastewartweddings.com; www.japgar.wordpress.com; www.iowagirleats.com; www.callahancatering.com; www.wandering-albatross.tumbler.com)