Your wedding day will involve a celebration that revolves around food, making the wedding catering something everyone remembers. Everything from the cocktail hour to the reception will involve a dining experience. Explore these tips for the perfect wedding catering.
Cocktail Hour
Most of us think about the cocktail hour and envision cocktails. The reality of this main event is quite different. The cocktail hour is designed to keep the guests entertained with delightful hors d'oeuvres and drinks while the newlyweds snag a moment. The couple will escape for a private toast, delicious appetizers and wedding photography moments. This highlight moment on the timeline will involve some wedding catering for the guests. When you plan your reception, you will need to plan the foods you want to serve during your cocktail hour. It is recommended that you follow your theme, while trying to provide a variety that most will enjoy. Keep in mind that this will be a flavorful teaser just before the fine dining experience. Choose a selection that pairs well with what comes next.
Wedding Catering for the Reception
Guests will be invited to dine and take their assigned seats in the reception area. Each table will be part of the design, and the dining experience. Each table will be staged with food and décor to match the theme and tone of the event. Even the chinaware will be part of the design. As the first course is being served, it is tradition that the host of the wedding stand to welcome guests and offer a toast. Speeches should be kept to a couple of minutes and never go beyond five. Keeping it short will avoid timing issues with the dining portion of the reception. If you are planning a buffet-style event, guests can be called by table to a line for service. Carefully consider whether you want full-service catering or a buffet-style event.
Choosing the Cuisine
Presentation and food selection are equally important. It can be a challenge to please every palate. You should never plan your wedding catering with an expectation that you will serve exactly what everyone wants, unless you are allowing each guest to select their dining options on the RSVP card or taking orders table-side. The best way to choose your cuisine is to consider your theme and offer a variety that creates options. Most couples choose to serve chicken or beef. Seafood is a less common option. You should consider food allergies and vegetarians. If you are inviting children, you might consider dishes that children will enjoy.
Candy Bar and Dessert Cart
Every wedding venue should be perfectly designed and decorated according to the way you dreamed it up in imagination. Vow to your true love in a space filled with romance, elegance and the sweet flavor of a candy bar. A candy bar is a buffet-styled candy station with decorative glass dishes, décor, lighting and your favorite candies to match your colors and theme. Fill your candy bar with individually wrapped candies in colored foil. Mix and match type and shape from a variety of chocolate truffles, caramel balls, M&M’s, peanut butter cups, chocolate gems, twisted lollipops, swirly lollipops, rock candy sticks, pillow mints, jewels, and more. Consider rolling a candy bar or dessert cart to the dance floor for a late snack of chocolates or a confectionery dream of petit fours or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
Catering the Cake
The cake cutting ceremony is a very special main event at the wedding reception. This is the sweet and playful moment where the bride and groom cut their wedding cake and share the first slice together. The cake cutting ceremony should take place about forty-five minutes after the main course is cleared. Try to avoid waiting too late into the wedding reception for older guests and parents with small children that might need to leave a little earlier than the rest. Your catering company will probably not be the cake designer; however, your caterer might offer desserts or a late night snack during the reception.
The Grand Exit
The grand exit should be an unforgettable getaway. Most traditions involve a glamorous exit with fireworks, sparklers and a stylish vehicle. In some cultures, the bride and groom see the guests off. However your guests make their exit, it is a good idea to have a small treat or favor to handout as they leave. Handing out the favors upon exit prevents guests from leaving treats behind on the table.
Crystal Ballroom Clearwater
Crystal Ballroom Clearwater is a luxurious wedding venue designed to match the wedding of your imagination with all of the furnishings, floral designs and décor. Every table is set for an exquisite dining experience. Plan with Crystal Ballroom, and create your fairy tale.
Comments