Hi, y’all! I’m so sorry for the unexpected delay in “Emily Plans a Wedding” posts! Can I make it up to you with a loooong post about food, full of pretty photos and even a pair of guest experts? Yes? Okay, let’s go!
When we ask our real wedding couples what their top three wedding priorities are, food and/or drink is almost always one of the areas listed. For all the time we spend thinking about the pretty details, the food is often what guests remember most about the wedding – whether it was tasty, whether it was served at the right temperature and at the right time, and whether there was enough. Food and drink also account for the largest portion of most couples’ budgets, so it only makes sense that we’d all want to serve something that shines!
All that being said, I am VERY excited about what we’ll be serving at our wedding!! What will we be dishing up? In a word (or two): mini food. What does that mean? A little something like this:
From top to bottom and left to right: Baby Greek salads via Martha Stewart Weddings, mini grilled cheese sandwiches from Fresh Tart, mini chicken and waffles by Cru Catering (photo by Bryan Johnson via Southern Weddings), sliders photo by Jose Villa, fancy pigs in a blanket photo by Thorsen Photography via Weddingbee, fancy deviled eggs by Cru Catering (photo by Bryan Johnson via Southern Weddings), mini lobster rolls from Martha Stewart Living, mini crocks of mac and cheese by Martha Stewart Weddings, shrimp BLTs by Cru Catering (photo by Bryan Johnson via Southern Weddings), mini tacos and tequilas by Peter Callahan, mini pulled pork tacos photo by SMS Photography via Style Me Pretty
Fun, right? In addition to some of the small bites pictured above, we’ll be serving small plates of composed mini meals at our evening reception. I don’t want to give away all of the details, but let’s just say I think our guests will be verrrry excited.
Once we had decided on mini food (full disclosure: it took a bit of convincing to get John on my side on this one!), it was time to find a caterer who could bring our somewhat unusual vision to life. We were looking for a few specific things in our food provider:
1. Someone in whom we had complete confidence. We knew that if our plan was executed incorrectly, our grand idea for a meal of minis could, quite literally, leave a bad taste in our guests’ mouths. Not exactly what we’re going for.
2. Someone who was willing to work with us on budget. We were prepared to pay a bit more per person than we might have for a traditional dinner, since more staff is required, but definitely needed to keep the overall cost within our budgeted amount.
3. Most importantly, someone who was open to our “mini” ideas, and who could run with them and make them even better than we had imagined.
On one whirlwind weekend home in Connecticut, we interviewed three caterers in a row. We almost immediately crossed off the first option, as we felt like they were a bit hostile to our ideas, instead wanting us to simply pick from their list of standard appetizers. We were pleased with the second option based on our first meeting, but they ultimately lost us as customers in the way they followed up after said meeting. The third option, however, was just right.
From the moment we stepped into the kitchen of A Thyme to Cook, we felt taken care of. Could it have been from the welcoming sign on the front door? Why yes, I think it could!
Our meeting, too, was exactly what we were hoping for. Instead of nailing down a menu right then and there (which would have been a bit absurd), Linda, the owner, spent considerable time getting to know John and I, asking specific questions about what type of wedding we’re planning and what type of foods we love and loathe.
I also loved Linda herself — she was, honestly, a tiny bit intimidating, but that’s what I’m looking for in a caterer! Someone who gets things done. Bonus points for feeding us (yay!), and for reminding me of Martha Stewart — Linda built her business from the ground up twenty five years ago, and it’s now housed in an adorable building behind her house. We also couldn’t have been happier with their follow up time: we received a menu and budget proposal within two weeks of our meeting, and it was clearly crafted with John and me in mind, and not cookie cutter. We are so happy to be working with A Thyme to Cook, and know we are in very capable hands!
Before I wrap up this post, I wanted to share a few tips from Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert of Ritzy Bee Events. It was actually one of their weddings featuring a “strolling small plates” menu that inspired me to try something similar for our wedding, so I figured they’d be the perfect people to help any readers who might be curious about what pulling off an event like this entails. Here are a few of their expert tips:
What are your suggestions for making the food seem like a well thought-out meal, and not just a parade of appetizers?
We suggest you work with a caterer that is well-versed in this type of food service. It is important that enough of each item sweep the floor at the same time so that guests feel like they are taken care of. Work with your caterer to offer composed plates that are essentially a mini entree. Each plate should contain layers of flavor to keep things interesting. An example of a plate we love comes from Design Cuisine in Arlington, VA: braised beef short ribs and gnocchi with black trumpet mushrooms, baby carrots, and English peas.
How much and what type of seating would you recommend?
We suggest about 60% seating to help keep guests moving and out on the dance floor! Cocktail style seating is best. We suggest mixing 3′ cafe tables with chairs, bar height cabaret tables, and some furniture groupings to encourage guests to mix and mingle. It is always considerate to reserve a few cafe tables for any elderly guests that might not be able to be up-and-down as much as others. Be sure to let those guests know in advance that they have a reserved seat.
Examples of a clever “floor plan” from a Ritzy Bee cocktail-style reception, and a reserved seating sign from the same event (photos by Kate Headley).
How would you recommend altering the flow of the reception to accommodate the unusual food service?
It is a great idea to begin the event with more traditional cocktail hour with beverages and 1-bite passed hors d’oeuvres. Then, consider introducing the bridal party and kicking off the remainder of the reception with a speech or two and perhaps the first dance. From there, introduce the small plates in “flights” of food as opposed to offering every item at once. This will simulate the same dining experience and timing as a multi-course plated dinner. It will allow the kitchen and servers plenty of time to plate and stroll with each item and your guests will have a nice variety of food offered throughout the event.
What are your recommendations for making food and drink easily “walkable”?
— Serve fork-friendly food that is perfectly portioned to be eaten in a few bites.
— Keep plates small. 5″-6″ is a great size. Be sure to pass a reception fork and fresh cocktail napkin with each plate.
— Use big trays that hold 8-12 plates each and make sure that you have enough waiters that you can easily feed half the guests in “one sweep of the room”.
— For every server on the floor passing plates, make sure you have another server following behind to bus empty plates and flatware.
— Keep in mind that food, service, and rental costs are generally a lot higher for this style reception due to the quantity of people and items needed to provide an exceptional experience for your guests.
Thank you so much, ladies! Readers, can’t get enough Ritzy Bee? Be sure to preorder their new wedding planning book, due out in January!
My stars! If you’ve made it this far, pat yourself on the back! Then tell me: What sort of food will you be serving at your reception? Breakfast? A buffet? A sit down meal? Just dessert? I’m dying to know, so please comment and fill me in!
P.S. In case you missed a post…
The main characters
Where we’re getting married
I go dress shopping
We choose a photographer
I ponder bridesmaid style
Our idea? A combo – The band IS going to take a break or two. That’s just the facts when they are playing 110%. To fill the gaps, work with a Pro DJ that you love to craft a dance playlist that can be run from an iPod.
Hi uberbrides! We don’t really have a budget for a professional DJ since we’re already spending the money on a band, but we’re hoping a carefully crafted playlist, on a professional sound system, managed by professionals (the band members) will do the trick!
Great thoughts! We had a band and it was a huge sticky point with our parents, but it was worth every single penny. People danced the entire night! I saw people dance that I have never seen dance including my new hubby and his brothers. It was a blast! I still have guest talking about them. I would talk to the band about what they recommend. Ours said that they usually play jazz type music during cocktail hour, light music during dinner, oldies to get the party started and when it was going they switched to more pop music. It was a nice transition and worked out really well. By the last hour everyone is having so much fun, they will want to pep it up a bit. Good luck!
Love that idea! I would like to do a mix of a fun band and then more contemporary music on an iPod. Let us know how that turns out!! I’m curious!
Hi Clair! I definitely will!
We are actualy switching between ipod and band throughout the night since the band we have is a “friendor” and we want to be able to give them long breaks to try the food and join the fun! I think as long as your sound system is good enough and you are enjoying the mix you will be fine! It should really only take you a song or two to transition between any style. And you will probably judge the transitions harsher than anyone else so if you are happy, your guests will be too!!
Don’t be embarrassed! Oldies, motown, swing…it wouldn’t be a southern wedding without a big band!! I think you may be surprised at how many pop songs must big bands cover, which would eliminate the need to switch over to an ipod (which may be a buzz kill if the crowd thinks the party is over as the band exits and tears down their equipment). My fiance’ and I were at a wedding recently and when the big band lead sister busted out “Party in the USA” the crowd went NUTS! Good luck planning!
Hey Katie! The only thing is, if I’m hearing Rihanna (or a country song, or whatever else we’d choose to put on our iPod mix) I think I’d want to hear the original version, not the band’s version. We’re choosing our band based on their repertoire of swing and big band tunes, so I’m not sure if they’d be able to (or I’d want them to!) play all of our current favorites.
And yes, it would DEFINITELY be a buzz kill if the band starts taking down their equipment, so we’re going to have to figure out a way around that!
I’m a HUGE music buff, and I love seeing what type of music couples choose to be on their Big Day soundtrack. I LOVE the idea of a band and an ipod! It’s the best of both worlds! It’s also a way for you to have the songs you truly adore serenade you on your wedding day (cause uh, someone try to tell me Sam Cooke doesn’t make you weak in the knees).
As long as the music on the ipod has the same volume as the band, I don’t think it would be a huge deal. As far as the empty platform – you could always make that part of the dance floor one the band is off…maybe?
Good luck picking out the tunes! I have a whole site dedicated to this if you need any help along the way :)
PS – If you did go the ipod route I’d LOVE to know what you put on your mix ;)
Hi there! Will do! I’d love to share our mix if we go this route :)
This is my idea – find the best of both worlds! A lot of good musicians can play contemporary stuff as well as old school and/or original stuff. Our guy plays dave mathews to usher to journey to ray lamontagne! They’re out there and they’re awesome!
I love that idea!!
I feel like there is always one or the other, and generally a band (esp. a big band focused one) let’s you have all the “cutting a rug — partner” moments.. Whereas Top40s let’s you just cut a rug with whoever is around you, which is equally fun.
Exactly! The swing/big band is definitely more geared towards those with a date, and though I think most of our guests will have a date, I think it will be fun to just get everyone together on the dance floor at the end of the night!
Hey Emily! I really love reading about your snippets from your wedding planning. It’s an awesome peak into what my brides are going through {love}! I think since you’re getting a live band – ask them if they can incorporate some newer tunes (pick like 5-10 songs that they could learn, maybe?). I know my band leader was stoked bc he hadn’t heard of Zac Brown Band (this was over 2 years ago, btw) and he was so tickled to have learned some of their music for future gigs…all bc we really wanted to dance to Chicken Fried. And…yes, if you’re having a band, they’ll need breaks! So I think its a great plan to have a playlist ready for them to play in between…perfect time for “yellow diamonds in the skyyyy” :) xoxo
Go for it!!!! I’ve been to several weddings & dances where they do the more contemporary music at the end {when the older guests leave, usually}, and it’s always a huge hit!
hi emily! i’m trying to plan my wedding now and had the exact same idea as you with having a live band for most of the night then wrapping up the last hour with a playlist. could you let me know how that turned out? would you recommend doing that or just having the band do more covers of songs we want? any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! thanks!!