Catering to Wedding Guests, Both Royal and Common

"Dum dum de dum.  Dum dum de dum."  The season of the wedding march is leading us right down the aisle. Some of us were glued to the TV, watching the beautiful royal spectacle unfold.  The grandeur and glamor of the handsome couple, their romantic tale, and the fairy tale nature of it all.  We saw the dress she wore, the carriage they rode in, the glances they exchanged, the ceremony itself.  The pomp and circumstance.   Aaaaaah.  But, hey, this is a food blog.  What did they eat?  (The following is taken from The Royal Wedding Reception Menu, Revealed by Hilary Weaver.)

• Scottish langoustines wrapped in smoked salmon with citrus crème fraîche
• Grilled English asparagus wrapped in Cumbrian ham
• Garden pea panna cotta with quail eggs and lemon verbena
• Heritage tomato and basil tartare with balsamic pearls
• Poached free-range chicken bound in a lightly spiced yogurt with roasted apricot croquette of confit
• Windsor lamb, roasted vegetables, and shallot jam
• Warm asparagus spears with mozzarella and sun-blush tomatoes
• Fricassee of free-range chicken with morel mushrooms and young leeks
• Pea and mint risotto with pea shoots, truffle oil, and Parmesan crisps
• Ten-hour slow-roasted Windsor pork belly with apple compote and
  crackling
• Champagne and pistachio macaroons
• Orange crème brûlée tartlets
• Miniature rhubarb-crumble tartlets

How are we "catering to wedding guests" this summer, here across the pond?  What's fun, festive, and trending?  We're still loving fresh, organic, and locally sourced food.  We're all trying to eat healthier, and with that should come a conversation with your caterer about where your food comes from.  Inquiring minds want to know!  Comfort food, served in a unique way (think sliders and fries), and rustic food, served family-style and passed, are always a hit!

Here are my top fav's!

1.  The Morning Wedding:
Who doesn't love breakfast or brunch?  The morning wedding can be as formal as you wish with table-served eggs benedict and a bubbly bar featuring champagne, prosecco, or artisan fruit-infused sparkling water.  It can be casual with a pancake bar and topping station...or chef-prepared omelettes.  The A.M. wedding boasts a cost-saving option that can boost your budget without skimping on verve or style.  You have the added benefit of partying on into the evening.  Our own personal weddings were brunch-tastic.

2.  Something To Talk About:
Getting wedding goers involved with the food provides an experience that sparks conversation and connects guests.  People love to watch oysters being shucked (seafood raw bar) and feeling the rhythm of the mortar and pestle as fresh guacamole is created. Imagine a ramen bar first course station (thank you Palm Event Center!) on a crisp, cool evening.  Our youngest daughter opted out of a wedding cake and invited guests to indulge in "donut flambe" - fresh glazed donuts swimming in a boozy bath lit on fire.  They were topped with fresh vanilla whipped cream and shaved chocolate.  This delicacy was also created at the divine Palm Event Center in The Vineyard in Pleasanton.  Admit it.  Your mouth is watering right now.

3.  A Late Night Little Something Something:
How about a late night snack as the wedding evening winds down?  A savory mug of clam chowder, a mini-pizza, a crispy bag of french fries, or housemade potato chips.  A warm chocolate chip cookie given with a hug on the way out of the venue always leaves a lasting impression.

So challenge your wedding caterer to go rogue and stretch their creative muscle.  It helps to inspire them too.  Believe me they get tired of serving banquet-style chicken and salmon. Send a few bottles of wine and a hand-written thank you note into the kitchen after the event.  A little acknowledgement for the love and good wishes poured into your meal goes a long way.