No Knives Allowed

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When we first started planning our dream wedding, Evan and I both agreed that we did not want a seated dinner service. The formality of an assigned seated affair where dinner is served by waiters in white gloves just isn’t us. We also agreed that we didn’t like the idea of a buffet style dinner. We are both great table fillers since we are very social, so we have been to many a wedding where we were sat at the mixed table which is always last to be invited to the buffet line. So if we don’t want a waiter served dinner and we don’t want a buffet where does that leave us? Unfortunately, it leaves us in a gray area.

We want there to be food (obviously), and we want the food to be good, but we don’t want the food to be the focus of the event. This alternative request is causing quite a question mark with many of the caterers that we have met with so far. They are calling our request a “cocktail-style” reception. I am also being told that this type of reception is becoming more and more popular. Where we are getting stuck is that every caterer we met with has a different idea of how to manage the catering for this type of event. The food options that are being presented just wouldn’t work for this type of event. Carving stations, chicken, steak or pasta dishes just aren't going to cut it. What I have come to learn in many meetings trying to explain my vision is that we do not want any food that must be eaten sitting. If we are keeping people moving, some people will be eating while standing, so that means NO KNIVES!

How I envision the food service is: waiters with trays of mini-bites strolling for at least the first hour of the reception and 3 stationary tables of food that can be eaten while standing throughout the reception space. This way people will have to walk through the space in order to find all the food options and be more adept to mingle with each other. We will have a mixture of high-boy tables and seated tables in order to encourage guests to keep moving and mingling. We will not have as many seats set up as there are guests so that everyone will not be tempted to sit down. There will be no assigned tables (which is kind of sad, since table numbers are so fun to DIY). This could be great or it could totally backfire.

The food selection is particularly important to ensure the success of this style of reception. We need items that can be eaten while standing, items that are savory and satisfying (since they are replacing dinner) and a variety of items so that there is something for everyone. We are coming upon our final catering meeting and some decisions are going to have to be made. Here are some of the options we have and the pros and cons of how they will work for our “cocktail style” reception.

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Mini Crab Cakes - crab cakes are a must for this Marylander, easy to eat in one bite and perfect for passing

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Steak Bites on a Skewer - could work if the bites are small enough, no knife needed but you still have steak!

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Mushroom Tartlet - a good vegetarian option and still savory

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Tomato Soup Shots with Grilled Cheese Minis -could be really cute if done well, but is tomato soup could be too cozy for a summer wedding

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Spring Rolls - could be a fresh and savory addition, might need a knife for these unless they are pre-cut

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Bruschetta - a personal favorite of mine, but could get messy

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Mini Cocktail Meatballs - another savory option, could be messy, but could be nice on a skewer

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Blue Cheese Stuffed Grapes - definitely yummy, but not too savory

Anyone else getting hungry?