Top 5 Wedding Food Myths

One comment we hear constantly in the wedding business is, "We're not exactly foodies..." or "we love good food but we don't know much about gourmet." So we'd like to debunk the top 5 wedding food myths.

Myth #5- Family Style means Cheap and Easy

 

Eh, not exactly. From a caterers point of view, family style (when large platters of food are set out on the table for guests to pass around) certainly brings a level of intimacy to the event. However, it can be hard logistically. There tends to be a lot of extra food gone to waste, extra platters need to be rented, extra dishes to be washed, centerpieces are small or nonexistent... And unlike served dinners, your guests will be determining their portion size, instead of the trained Chef. So little Timmy might have eyes bigger than his stomach, leaving Uncle Joe with a smaller size (or feeling ripped off!). Family style can be done very nicely, but note that it requires a lot of planning to appear this casual.

Myth #4- Your alcohol choices are limited to nonalcoholic, wine and beer OR full bar. Period.

Mango Mojitos

While your venue may have specific limits on alcohol, you are by no means limited creatively in your cocktail conundrum. If you choose just wine and beer, add sangria to a summer wedding or hot spiced wine to a winter affair. Or champagne smoothies for a more whimsical touch.

     

Wanting to do a full bar but not sure what to get? Stick with the basics (vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey), add in some mixers (triple sec, vermouth, sour mix, grenadine, soft drinks, juice), some garnish (lemons, limes, cherries and olives) and just a couple add-ins (Kahlua, Bailey's, etc.). Wedding guests know what they like to drink, but if offered a world of free liquor, most people use the opportunity to taste test (costing you more money).

    

A word on dry weddings... unless your venue forbids it or it's a morning ceremony, please consider cocktails. Remember that your guests will be mingling with strangers, sitting at a table of mixed company and dancing in the midst of many flash cameras going off. Since they are here to support you, libations are appreciated.

Myth #3- Buffet Food is straight out of the 80's

Garden Themed Buffet

The word buffet has become somewhat negative over the years- conjuring up images of chafing dishes, mirrored platters and servers with really bad hair. But the word has long evolved into a fresh, new take- ranging from towers of sculpted cuisine to creative arranged bites. And while chafing dishes may still show up at your wedding, rest assured that they will not be the centerpiece. Most caterers create beautiful food displays without being prompted, but be sure to let them know what your vision is. A candy themed wedding? How about strands of gumdrops draped in the background, with colorful layered platters holding your food. A rustic, outdoor celebration? Handwritten menu items on recycled paper can be hung from cut tree branches in a vase.

  

Myth #2- Vegetarian Bride means Vegetarian Wedding

Summer Pasta Toss

Oy. This is a popular one. Again, it's about personal taste and respecting that everyone might not share your love for tofu. But instead of the "Beef, Chicken or Veg" option, mix it up with a strolling station wedding. Offering tables and bars set up around the room with various items (both vegetarian and carnivorous) lets your guests mingle, cocktail in hand, and enjoy the best of both worlds! Besides, it much easier to convince your meat-and-potatoes family of the joy of vegetables when it's offered from an exotic station and not off of your fork with a plea of "try this!!"/

We suggest a Spanish tapas style mixed with Mediterranean. Garlicky, delicious hummus with freshly baked tortilla chips mingling with assorted olives, savory beef empanadas and lamb meatballs means heaven for your eclectic group of guests.

    

and the #1 Myth about Wedding Food- It Must Be Gourmet

Mac N' Cheese Cakes

This is your wedding. Don't let anyone tell you what "should" be or what they would do. If you and your fiance fell in love over a plate of Mexican food and a pitcher of margaritas, incorporate it into your wedding with Exotic Nacho Bites (individual baked tortilla chip bites topped with fresh pineapple mango salsa) with a Tropical Margarita Bar. Are you more the picnic type that can't stand stuffy affairs? Throw an outdoor wedding with Martini Hamburgers (to-die-for burgers stuffed with bleu cheese and olives and topped with crispy onion slices), a Smoked Sausage and Mixed Vegetable Grill and an array of salads and fresh fruits. 

Anything can be made "gourmet". Mac N' Cheese, Bagels, Pizza, Sushi, Popcorn... Just stick with the foods you love and you can't go wrong.