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)

Pretty Little Ice Cubes

When I stumbled upon this idea, I smiled from head-to-toe thinking about the guests when you place this refreshing drink idea in front of them showcasing flowers and/or fruit.  Not only could you see ice glistening in a drink glass during the cocktail hour, but they would certainly add a punch of color to the water glasses on the reception tables.  Or better yet, save the ice cubes for your speciality and signature drinks.  Either way, it's always those smaller details that get noticed and discussed by the guests...so now you can add ice cubes to that list!

***side note - when adding flowers to your ice cubes, make sure they are edible flowers and that they have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.culinarytribune.com, www.weheartit.com, www.luxefinds.com)

Cocktail Reception Planning

The cocktail-style reception is a GREAT alternative to the traditional full-meal reception.  It's a cost saver if nothing else, but there are some things to consider when planning this type of reception for your wedding guests:

• Cocktail receptions are more relaxed and you don't have to worry about a seating chart. But consider a few reserved seats for the elderly guests that will be attending.
• When designing the cocktail reception space, bring in a mixture of hi-boy and low-boy tables with chairs and some lounge furniture like couches and ottomans.  You do not need to provide seating for all your invited guests.  The idea is for them to move around.
• Food service should consist of stations and passed hors d'oeuvres and plan for at least 10 pieces per guest.
• I suggest you hold your cocktail reception for no longer than 3-hours. That way, guests won't be looking for a full meal.
• When designing your wedding invitation, let your guests know the style of reception by stating, "Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres following ceremony".  That way, they can plan accordingly.
• Eliminate many of the formalities - 1st dance, cake cutting, parents/family dances, toasts - or have them done early before to avoid breaks in the party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Brides.com | an Colin Cowie Event)

Food and Beverage Wedding Carts

I'm always about adding something fun and whimsical to a wedding reception or event.  Something that your guests don't typically see everyday.  So when the dessert tables and buffets gained momentum, my clients leaped at the idea of designing tasty treats for their guests.  But how about putting a spin on those distinct buffet tables and stations...bring a cart into the space!  Yes a cart. On wheels. With a fun food. Candy. Beverage. Dessert.

Beverage cart for your bar or specialty drink
and it could include some tasty finger foods

In love with this wheel barrel of candies and nuts!!!

How fun is this pink old fashion cotton candy cart!

Don't go out to a hot dog stand. Bring the cart inside to your celebration.
This would make a GREAT late night snack!

And instead of a popcorn station, have a popcorn cart and containers!

But due to food ordinances, make sure to check with your venue to make sure this is allowed and where can it be placed (indoors or outdoors).  And should you really want to make this a DIY project, check out your rental companies to rent a cart and add your own "treats" to make your wedding and/or event more personalized.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - wheel barrel; beverage cart; popcorn cart; hot dog cart; cotton candy)

Food and Beverage Bar Ideas

I love the fact that food and beverage bars are becoming a staple at wedding receptions and events.  Venues are even adding these bars to their menu selections.  Giving your guests options outside of wedding cake and your standard bar brings delight to guests.  Check out some of these alternatives to your candy and cupcake stations...I'm sure they will add some spice to your reception!

Mimosa Bar

Cookie Bar

Donut Bar

Mashed Potato Bar

Mini Pie Bar

Sushi Bar

Until next time...WEDologize!