FOOD: CHIC WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
Let's face it- your wedding food and cocktails are key ingredients for a wow wedding event. Long gone are the days where sit down dinners are mandatory or even providing an evening long of full bar service, though nice if you can.
We will not belabor the state of economic affairs, but the truth is some of us are having to cut our budgets. However, that does not mean we trim the chic out of our weddings. hctB sat down with caterer extraordinaire, Rob Hoaglin, owner of Hoaglin Fine Catering (custom menus) and American Pie (simpler, budget focused with easy planning menu packages).
Rob set the stage for casual fabulous dining over 15 years ago and offers tips to help you plan your wedding menu and maybe shave off a few dollars with some money saving tips!
* SMALL BITES: Mini burgers and petit orders of pomme frites served in parchment with your wedding logo. Another fabulous treat is Sushi, you can never go wrong with this wow item.
Serving suggestions: Set up stations or serve butler passed during the evening.
$ SAVER: Stations will reduce wait staff costs.
* DESSERTS: Stations are big this season with a variety of small, individualized bites. Amaze your guests with out of the ordinary dessert choices: Pies, Cherries Jubilee, Banana's Foster or even gooey S'mores. Cupcakes will continue to be in but need a refreshed presentation versus the cake stacked look. However, never discount the glory of a beautiful cake.
* COCKTAILS: Shorten your cocktail hour and then move on to beer and wine only. You are sure to save a bundle. Another option is to create a specialty drink for the evening along with the beer and wine offering. This is a very lovely, personalized gesture you guests will certainly enjoy and not feel cheated.
*BACKYARD WEDDINGS: Save $ with stations or butler passed small bites. Family style meals at long, beautifully dressed tables also reduce waitstaff costs.
Please note: backyard weddings can be more than other venues because you are starting from scratch.
* SEATING: You don't need a seat for everyone. Have a cocktail party and reduce your rental cost by providing less seating. Plus, your guests will be forced to mingle and not park it in one seat all night.
*OUR FAVORITE TREND
Pre-Wedding Reception (def. not a money saver): As guests arrive a bit early for the ceremony, usually not at a church, they are greeted with either wine, champagne or your signature drink. What a great way to get the party started.
You can find out more about Hoaglin Fine Catering at HoaglinFineCatering.com
