Wedding Catering Trends
Some recent wedding catering trends include:- Upscale versions of comfort foods: gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, lamburgers, baked pasta and so on.
- Little bites: Cups of soup, mini salads, tiny hamburgers, etc.
- Fusion menus: Why not mix the bride and groom's favorite types of cuisine?
Tips for Selecting A Caterer
The first consideration when picking a caterer is whether your reception site provides a caterer or a list of vendors to choose from. Other tips include:- Make sure to have your reception date, place and time set before looking for a caterer, so you'll know if your choices are limited from the start, if you'll need to pay a fee for outside caterers and what you'll need to rent.
- What does your potential caterer provide? (China, tablecloths, decorations?)
- Does the caterer charge corking or cake-cutting fees?
- Think ahead: good caterers are often booked over a year in advance.
- Has the caterer covered the type of event you are planning?
- How does the caterer present the food?
What To Serve at your Reception?
A dinner reception is not your only option; breakfast, brunch, tea and cocktail receptions are also popular. Once you've decided what kind of meal to serve, what kind of cuisine will you pick? Keep in mind that the bride and groom are often too busy to eat their own food, so the reception food is primarily intended for the guests. It's important, therefore, to keep your guests' preferences in mind.It's crucial to offer a vegetarian option for your guests, and wise to also provide kosher, vegan, and halal meals as well. Once you've considered your guests' needs, you are free to pick your favorite cuisine, be it traditional Southern, Asian fusion or haute French cuisine.
Southern Summer Wedding Catering Trends
If your wedding will take place during North Carolina's sultry summer, especially if you're planning an outdoor reception, you should consider a menu that will help keep your guests cool. Some refreshing ideas:- Cool drinks: Punch, lemonade, iced tea and refreshing cocktails.
- Cold appetizers: vegetable trays, shrimp cocktails, finger sandwiches and cups of gazpacho, for example.
- Refreshing desserts: Popsicles, chilled Éclairs and chocolates, even an ice cream wedding cake.
North Carolina Caterers
A few places to start:Savor Hospitality: Caterer and cooking school located in Cary, NC.
Celine & Company: Custom caterer in Asheville.
Panache Wedding Catering & Photography Services: One-stop shop located in Jacksonville, NC, that offers gourmet catering among its many services.