2007 Reception Trends

Colors to look for: Traditional black & white, bold wedding colors with hues of oranges & reds with espresso—other "hot" colors include aqua and aubergine.

One of the most common mistakes couples make today is not realizing they're in control of their reception food, ambiance and style—t's okay to ask questions! Chefs and catering companies are usually more than willing to work with couples on unique and interesting food ideas. Today's wedding trends for food have never been more fun than they are right now—so go ahead and be daring with your palette, chances are your guests will enjoy the culinary experience.

Let's begin with my personal favorite and a new trend that I have seen more recently over the last year:

PAIRING FINE DINING & WINE

What's more enjoyable than sitting at a table enjoying fine dining and wine? I would dare say, not a whole lot, except for celebrating the marriage of a family member or a friend at the same time. This reception style tends to be smaller in number of guests invited, ranging from 50 to 175. The setting? A five-course dinner-each course paired with the ideal wine and enhanced service. Consider a meal sophisticated yet simple so all your guests' palettes will be pleased. It is ultimately more intimate and down-to-earth. Wine expert Jay Fields, Certified Specialist of Wine from Indiana Wholesale Wine & Liquor suggests: "Use the resources available through your catering company and event planner. It's important to have a wine professional select the appropriate wine pairings to enhance your food selections."
 

ACTION STATIONS

Action Stations are an excellent alternative to the traditional buffet. Stations are more "interactive" than seated style dinners. They allow guests more movement throughout the reception with more opportunity to socialize. At the same time, they also provide a variety of food choices, which is often why couples gravitate towards the buffet option for their guests' dining experience. I suggest setting the room as if it were a seated dinner presentation, with the appetizer and salad courses served, while leaving the main course a free-form prolonged event, where guests are open to sample a variety of cuisines. Decadent dessert buffets are huge this year (also called "Viennese Tables.") Wedding cake is a given, but many couples will opt to have their cake and a dessert buffet too. Consider having some of your favorite indulgences like chocolate covered cashews, or perhaps key lime pie. Action Stations can be spectacular, but don't be surprised when you scroll down to the bottom line; they are commonly more expensive than the traditional buffet.

COUPLING ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS

Personalizing an affair to match your personalities and backgrounds is a great thing. Choose to honor your roots-be it Greek, Italian, Indian or Mexican. More and more people are open and excited to taste the flavors of ethnic foods. Even if you should just choose to add traces of your heritage with appetizers & desserts, it still personalizes you both as a couple; it says who you are. The standard reception fare is over—ask your Chef or caterer if you can bring in old family recipes specific to your heritage, requesting that they "re-create" your childhood memories. What a great way to celebrate your future by embracing your past. While you're thinking of it—go ahead and hire the mariachi band for cocktails—it will serve as great fun!
 

FAMILY STYLE

Although I have not seen many receptions of this style, I still enjoy the tone of the informality it brings. A casual informal "family-style" dinner presentation can add a relaxing comfort, which for many couples is the perfect fit. The act of passing trays helps break the ice of guests getting to know each other—it's definitely for the couple who are very casual and just love family, friends & fun.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Destination weddings are hotter than ever with Italy at the very top of the list. With its architecture and exquisite cuisine, Italy is the perfect place to host an unforgettable celebration with immediate family and maybe even a few of your closest friends. After the intimate ceremony and honeymoon, it might be just what the doctor ordered for you both with 200 of your friends & family ready to dance the night away. The ambiance can be a formal jazz cocktail party or club-like with dancing—either style is a perfect finish to a perfect beginning. The menu & decor can be simple or elegant, but should be relevant to the destination ceremony. This reception style is perfect for the budget-conscious but party-loving couples who can't afford to invite everyone they would like to a sit-down dinner. It's also an ideal way to budget in that dream honeymoon.
 

As couples search for unique ways to celebrate their big day, a hot trend continues in 2007 with the cocktail extravaganza. Couples are serving "signature cocktails" and imaginative bite-size hors d'oeuvres with elaborate displays, which are all about the adventure this year. While multiple bands play throughout the evenings events, you're sure to "wow" your guests. This reception style tends to cost more than a sit-down dinner. It is less formal and completely interactive with soft seating throughout.