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)

Not Your Ordinary "Bar"

When you think of "bars" at wedding receptions and social events, you probably are thinking about wine, champagne, mixed drinks and fancy glasses.  Well today's blog will give you a different viewpoint when it comes to "bars" and how they can be used creatively in some fun over-the-top ways.

Champagne & Strawberries Bar

Infused Water Bar

Donut Bar

Mashed Potato Bar

Waffle Bar

Yogurt Bar

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: Champagne & Strawberries - http://magazine.fourseasons.com/the-spark; Mashed Potato Bar - http://letspartymagazine.com; Waffle Bar - http://www.colincowieweddings.com/; Donut Bar - http://www.tinywaterblog.com/; Infused Water - www.blueplatechicago.com; Yogurt Bar - http://omecaterers.blogspot.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)

Cater To Your Guests (Pt.2)

One Monday's blog I spoke about different ways to spice of your reception menu. Today I plan to discuss the different catering service styles and the cost factors involved. Let's begin...

• Sit-Down: Formal restaurant style service and the most traditional of reception services. Can become extremely costly based on your meal selection, especially if you have dual-entrees.
  
• Buffet: Tables of displayed food where guests can serve themselves. This service is thought to be the least expensive, but don't be fooled. The chef has to prepare enough servings of each item since the guests make their food selection at the buffet table.
  
• Food Stations: Multiple mini-buffets set up for the more contemporary bride who wants a modern and fresh look for their meal. You will need a lot of space for this style reception and is typically used for the less-conventional bride. GREAT idea for a cocktail reception.
  
• Family-style: Seated dinner where the platters are placed on the table and guests serve themselves. The least expensive service of those listed, but make sure you use larger tables at your reception to accommodate the platters of food.
  
• French Service: Staff will serve guests table-side from large serving dishes. Very costly because of the amount of staff needed.
  
• Russian Service: Staff will hold the platters table-side while guests serve themselves. As mentioned in French service, very costly because of the amount of staff needed.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - WeddingChannel.com)