Weddings911-New Food Trends Can Spice Up Your Reception

 Whether it is going to be an over the top, amazing wedding reception for 500, or a small backyard family wedding, getting creative with food, will make a huge impression on your guests. Think about it this way; you have a small budget, but want to do something different and fun. How about a morning wedding, and then serve brunch afterward? A pancake station would be awesome. Include several varieties of pancakes, 7 or 8 different toppings, fresh fruit, mimosas, and coffee. Pancakes are not your thing? Try an afternoon wedding with a lite menu of mini-burgers and fries. Let's not think about the local fast food drive through, but a gourmet quality burger; dressed up for a party. Burgers can be presented in a variety of ways: in custom printed paper bags, in little paper boats, or on a station. Then add in lots of fun toppings like different mustards, cheeses, grilled onions, flavored ketchups, or bacon. The list can go on and on. And the fries! They can have their own set of flavored salts and sauces. A little research on the Internet can provide you with a very long list of options. Another budget friendly idea for an afternoon wedding is the retro garden party. Serving champagne cocktails, tea sandwiches, and mini hors d'oeuvres as guests mix and mingle gives an elegant feel with a minimum price tag. If you are having a large event think about themed stations! Bacon is a really hot food trend right now. If you love bacon, nothing would be better than bacon doughnuts, chocolate covered bacon, bacon cupcakes, bacon ice cream, and even bacon cheddar popcorn. Or you could have a savory bacon bar. Serve up mini BLTs, bacon grilled cheese triangles, mini bacon burgers, bacon wrapped shrimp, etc. The options are endless. Another fun station is to have a "comfort food station". And, whether your fav is mac and cheese, pasta, or potatoes, put it out there with fun and creative toppings.What about those food trucks? They have been on the wedding scene for a few years now, and have really taken over just about every city. They are so much fun for cocktail hour, or even a late night snack. But again, get creative! If you do not want the traditional wedding cake, have a food truck serve up gorgeous cupcakes in your favorite flavors. Of course, it is important to style any of the options above so it does not look like your local pancake house or all you can eat buffet. Glam it up a bit! Having cute and creative signs placed on the stations will not only inform your guests as to their options, but will complement your vision and style. Your take away: It does not take a huge budget to make a huge impact. Just think out of the box, and do something fun and creative with your menu. Cute napkins, serving pieces, and table linens will all add to the overall look. HAVE A WEDDING QUESTION? Send questions to weddings911@ idoidoweddingplanning.com Alene Gamel is a Master Bridal Consultant and owns Alabama-based I Do, I Do! Wedding Planning