Destination: Dinner
By Anna Sachse - CTW Features | posted on December 16, 2011 at 7:00am
Plan a fantastic meal that shows guests your style – and gives them something to smile about
The wedding reception dinner – not only can it help set the mood and serve as a hearty “thank you” to guests who’ve gathered to celebrate your union, it furnishes the kindling to keep your festivities going all night long. The centerpiece of your soirée, it typically starts off slow after the cocktail hour, and can last an hour or two, itself, depending on the style of service.
Speaking of service style, asking which ones (plated dinner, family style, buffet, stations or heavy hors d’oeuvres) might be the best fit for the style of your fête (formal, casual, big, small, indoors, outside, etc.) is a good way to get started when interviewing potential caterers, says Anne Chertoff, a New York-based wedding expert and author of “The Wedding Organizer” (russell+hazel, 2008). You’ll also want to discuss your personal food preferences and budget, and decide if the caterer’s strengths reflect your needs, advises Kurt Beadell, creative director and co-owner of Vibrant Table Catering & Events in Portland, Ore. “For example, are you looking for a creative personality to help build your vision from the ground up, or do you need a more methodical, organized personality to manage the details you’ve already got worked out?”
Scope out candidates by reading your local bridal magazine, scanning online reviews or attending area bridal conventions, and then request a tasting. It’s best to start this process early on, says Chertoff, as good caterers will book up fast.
As for the pricing, it can vary drastically depending on where you live, the size of your event and your food selections; however, most couples are looking at $20-$40 per person, excluding beverages. A key component of keeping costs in check is picking the right venue, adds Beadell. “If, for instance, your wedding is at a park with no kitchen, your caterers will have to build one,” he says. “That can limit menu options and will increase the total bill.”
Mind the Menu
An experienced caterer will be able to advise you on how to work with your venue, as well as get creative with a tight budget – which means you should also spend some time dreaming up ways to have fun with your food.
Recently, Beadell has seen a resurgence of traditional dishes with an elevated twist along the lines of cherries jubilee made with fresh, local Bing cherries, kirsch, roasted pistachios and crème fraiche ice cream, as well as a continuing focus on regional dishes featuring local, organic and artisan ingredients. He also suggests personalizing your menu with dishes that reflect a special family recipe (e.g. serving mini portions of Grandma’s famous mac and cheese as appetizers) or incorporating foods that are indicative of your travels together. “We had one couple that had traveled through Asia and every course represented one of their destinations,” he says.
For a fabulous finish, Chertoff recommends offering a dessert buffet with sweet treats like gourmet candies, cookies, pastries or pies. Or you can really make a memorable impression by hiring a dessert cart or truck that specializes in cupcakes, donuts or good old-fashioned ice cream cones and sundaes.
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