Wedded Bits: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Do you have to serve alcohol at your wedding?
Brides.com readers discuss whether a bride and her recovering alcoholic groom should serve alcohol at the wedding.... read more
November 6, 2009 10:00 AM
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Should a vegetarian bride serve meat at the wedding?
See what suggestions Brides.com readers have for helping a vegetarian bride create a menu with her meat-eating groom.... read moreOctober 9, 2009 10:00 AM
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Shocking sugar flowers
Let me tell you, I've seen a lot of wedding cakes in my life. And I've become pretty good at distinguishing a sugar flower from a fresh flower. ... read more
October 7, 2009 6:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering NY, NJ and CT Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Win a free cake!
One of my favorite New Jersey cake designers is Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box. Turns out she's holding a raffle where you can win a free cake!... read more
September 29, 2009 6:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Enter to Win NY, NJ and CT Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Tapas and tango
If you or your guests need a little practice getting down on the dance floor, check out Pura Vida, a warm and vibrant tapas and wine bar in Atlanta. ... read more
September 20, 2009 12:00 PM
category: Atlanta Cocktails, Menus & Catering Showers & Parties The Wedding Party
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Tasty drinks
During cocktail hour, we recommend offering some of your favorite libations. ... read more
September 18, 2009 6:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Michigan
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Custom coasters
If you're like me and totally into letterpress, you'll flip for these letterpress coasters by Atlanta-based Red Bird Ink. ... read more
September 14, 2009 6:00 PM
category: Atlanta Cocktails, Menus & Catering Invitations & Stationery
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Late-night snack
A late-night snack is always appreciated by guests who've worked off dinner by dancing the night away.... read more
September 12, 2009 12:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Houston Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Coasting along
New York-based company Motel Deluxe has a collection of quirky, vintage-style letterpress coasters that would be a creative way to add a unique touch to your celebration.... read more
September 3, 2009 5:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Local pop
I'm always on the lookout for locally-made treats to highlight here on the blog and in the magazine. ... read more
August 29, 2009 10:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Michigan
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Tuna casserole or tuna tartare?
So a bunch of us were talking yesterday about party food that we love, and there are definitely two camps. Camp A—let's call them the Tuna Casseroles—say that wedding food is tastiest when it's simple and homey. They like finding a buffet groaning with fried chicken, mac & cheese—you get the picture.... read more
August 25, 2009 9:30 AM
category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Something to sip on
I love the idea of incorporating locally distilled liquor into your cocktail hour. You may want to consider offering Bluecoat Gin,a dry gin that is distilled using organic juniper berries. ... read more
August 24, 2009 6:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Philadelphia
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Joe to go
A trend we like: Offering take-home favors for guests to enjoy as they depart from the reception. One of my favorite "valet favor" ideas is a steaming cup of coffee for the drive home. ... read more
August 23, 2009 10:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Favors & Gifts Florida
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Summer menu from Katchkie Farm
This weekend, I stopped by Katchkie Farm in Columbia County, NY, for a special "Farm to Table Dinner" to celebrate the"100 Mile Menu" from event caterers, Great Performances.... read more
August 11, 2009 3:20 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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We bash the cash (bar)
Every part of the country has its own traditions, and we're all for that. But we can't get on board with the cash bar. We keep telling people that this is a major no-no (like inviting people to dinner and asking them to pay), but in response, brides tell us that this is customary in their area, and to lay off. ... read more
July 21, 2009 9:30 AM
category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Natural menu tips from the TODAY show wedding caterer
How would you like to have the next Mr. Big serve at your reception? You might if Great Performances caters your wedding. The catering company, which was founded in 1979 as a waitress staffing service for women in the arts, continues to provide flexible employment for actors, dancers and artists (Sex and the City actor Chris Noth is an alum).... read more
July 16, 2009 11:10 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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July 8, 2009 8:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Florida
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Bone Suckin' Sauce for your patriotic party
Forget Smuckers! With a name like Bone Suckin' Sauce, it really has to be good. And that it is. I got to taste some of their varieties at the Fancy Food Show in New York this past week and they are truly delicious. ... read more
July 2, 2009 4:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Fancy Food follow-up
I love covering the Fancy Food show—aisles and aisles of chocolates, cookies, candies, ice creams, all with free samples!... read more
July 2, 2009 10:00 AM
category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Design your menu
When you're planning your wedding, sometimes the best advice will come from recent brides who know exactly what you're going through. ... read more
June 30, 2009 8:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering MD, DC and VA
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What type of food will you be serving at your wedding?
We partnered with the Associated Press to poll American wedding guests about their opinions of "I do" festivities. The results were interesting—when asked what they liked and disliked about weddings, 60 percent of respondents said the liked watching the ceremony. ... read more
June 17, 2009 2:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering I Will/I Won't
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Toast to the tree
A drinks tree is a great way to put a personal stamp on your wedding toast.... read more
June 17, 2009 10:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Masters of Reception sneak peek tonight
TLC's new Masters of Reception is one wedding reality show that's definitely worth watching. The show follows New Jersey caterers Robert and Jerry Frungillo as they pull off outrageous weddings requests.... read more
June 12, 2009 12:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Food and entertaining wedding frenzy from Epicurious!
Food site Epicurious.com has compiled everything you need to know about food and entertaining while you are planning your wedding--from party ideas to kitchen tools
... read moreJune 11, 2009 10:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Put your signature on a drink
A signature cocktail is one way to give a cocktail hour a little extra shot of style. Russell Kwiat, of the famed Kwiat jewelers, just shared with us the recipe for the signature cocktail served at his recent destination wedding in Florida -- the Kwiatini.... read more
June 10, 2009 12:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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The happy marriage of truffles and ice cream cones
If you love ice cream and chocolate truffles, check out these cute and tasty sweet treats.... read more
May 26, 2009 2:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Favors & Gifts Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Cool hotel in Beacon Hill
Hosting a wedding at a hotel is particularly convenient if you're inviting a lot of out of town guests—you've got guest accommodations and a wedding site rolled into one! The Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill is a great example of a venue that's great for out-of-towners, but also has some very cool settings for smaller weddings. ... read more
May 26, 2009 8:00 AM
category: Boston Ceremonies & Receptions Cocktails, Menus & Catering Showers & Parties Wedding Planning
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Just desserts
Trying to save money on your reception? This week in our Brides.com Forums, everyone is talking about the correct way to throw a tasteful dessert-only reception.... read moreMay 15, 2009 10:00 AM
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Dylan Lauren's sweet tips
If you want your wedding to be a grand production but don't have the budget, remember that tiny flourishes like thoughtful candy will make the moment just as delightful. We employed the help of Dylan Lauren, daughter of Ralph Lauren and owner of Dylan's Candy Bar, a dessert outpost with locations in New York, Houston, and Florida.... read more
April 28, 2009 11:30 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Favors & Gifts Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Ari Starkman of Sterling Caterers
The majority of your wedding budget will be spent on catering. Whether you serve a brunch or dinner menu, a buffet or formal sit-down meal, you want to make sure that you hire a caterer that will work with your budget to create a delicious meal for your guests. We asked Ari Starkman of Sterling Affair what brides and grooms should look for when hiring a caterer, trends in catering and how you can really save money on you catering budget. Here's what he had to say:... read more
April 27, 2009 10:00 AM
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Cute cups
I thought these cups from Georgia-based company Mud Pie were so cute and great for a bridal shower. ... read more
April 24, 2009 8:00 AM
category: Atlanta Bridesmaids Cocktails, Menus & Catering Favors & Gifts Showers & Parties
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Pink champagne & a slice
I recently attended an intimate dinner at the Plaza hosted by the Champagne house Laurent-Perrier, who were promoting their Cuvee Rose Brut.... read more
April 19, 2009 3:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering NY, NJ and CT Showers & Parties
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A blinged-out coaster
Use ring-inspired coasters from Sallbo Design Atelier at your engagement party. ... read more
April 16, 2009 9:51 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Food for thought: A post-wedding brunch idea from Aria
The Aria bridesmaid collection was show to bridal editors at famed New York restaurant, Jean Georges. Before the runway show began, editors were treated to a delicious breakfast, with a menu you may want to consider for your post-wedding brunch.... read more
April 4, 2009 11:41 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Runway Review
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Candy for grown-ups
Want to serve something more unique than a specialty cocktail at your wedding? Try liquor lollipops. ... read more
March 28, 2009 12:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering NY, NJ and CT
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Some like it hot
If you're planning a wedding during these cold months it's a nice gesture to serve a hot beverage during your cocktail hour. We asked Boston cocktail guru Ed Garland of Beverage Events for his favorite winter warmer. ... read more
January 23, 2009 6:00 PM
category: Boston Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Inaugural menu matters
If you are looking for inspiration for your reception or rehearsal dinner menu, consider drawing on a menu from the past or incorporate favorites that have special meaning to your family or heritage. The upcoming Inaugural Lunch is following just such inspiration. ... read more
January 18, 2009 11:42 AM
category: Celebrity Insider Ceremonies & Receptions Cocktails, Menus & Catering MD, DC and VA
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Creole cuisine
If you're from Houston, you've probably heard of Frenchy's Chicken, but did you know that the Creole chain caters? How much fun would that be for a casual rehearsal dinner?... read more
January 10, 2009 4:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Houston
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The Sweetest Thing
Ice cream is a tried-and-true complement to a slice of wedding cake. But for something more gourmet and whimsical, consider serving guests scoops of creamy gelato at your reception, perhaps as an extra treat to enjoy post-dancing. ... read more
January 6, 2009 8:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Colorado
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Chocolate cravings
Got a sweet tooth? Co Co Sala, a Penn Quarter chocolate lounge and boutique with sleek and sexy decor, is a great place to host a pre-bachelorette party dinner, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. ... read more
January 5, 2009 8:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering MD, DC and VA Wedding Cakes & Desserts Wedding Planning
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Winter menus
Paula Marrero of Gourmet Caterers offers original ideas on how to dress up the usual "chicken or beef" options using seasonal ingredients. Below are two menus (one plated, one with stations) she created for a winter wedding--be warned, you'll be hungry once you read them! ... read more
December 7, 2008 10:00 AM
category: Boston Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Wine tasting cocktail hour
Wine tasting is a hot topic these days, and I love the idea of hosting an 'educational' wine tasting cocktail hour as a way to help give guests who may not know each other something to talk about. ... read more
November 27, 2008 8:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Colorado
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Scrumptious sweets
If you're going to offer a dessert buffet at your wedding reception, be sure to stock it with a wide variety of locally made treats. The first stop for Houston Brides should be Ooh La La bakery, in Katy, TX.... read more
November 22, 2008 2:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Houston
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That's the spirit
Seeking inspiration for your signature drinks? Make it easy on yourself and hire a pro to create a custom cocktail menu for you.... read more
November 17, 2008 8:00 AM
category: California Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Make a cake
One of the highlights of wedding planning is choosing the flavors and design of your cake. In order to make the experience even more personal and fun, Palermo's Bakery in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, recently expanded their space to include a "cake gallery," a private room where couples can view samples of different designs, customize their cake one-on-one with a cake designer—and yes, taste as many flavors as they'd like!... read more
November 12, 2008 6:30 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering NY, NJ and CT Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Baked goods
One of my favorite bakeries, Baked, located in Brooklyn, just released a book titled Baked: New Frontiers in Baking.... read more
October 29, 2008 6:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Favors & Gifts NY, NJ and CT
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Drink up
This week in our Brides.com Forums one bride wants to know how she can serve alcohol at her reception without letting her guests get out of control. Take a look at what advice our brides have to offer... read moreOctober 17, 2008 12:30 PM
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Chocolate cravings
If you have a sweet tooth like me, one dessert is never enough-especially when it comes to chocolate. The Langham, Boston hotel's famous Saturday all-you-can-eat Chocolate Bar buffet (125 different desserts!) is a chocoholic's dream.... read more
October 4, 2008 10:20 AM
category: Boston Cocktails, Menus & Catering Wedding Cakes & Desserts
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Good grub
The rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity for both families to hang out and get to know each other a little better prior to your wedding day.... read more
October 1, 2008 8:00 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Houston Showers & Parties
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How sweet it is
I saw these chocolate gondolas as part of a dessert spread at an event for Vail Resorts a couple months ago, and thought they were so cute—each "gondola" is filled with different flavored chocolate truffles. ... read more
September 28, 2008 5:42 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Colorado Favors & Gifts
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Chow down
I'm always amazed at how delicious the food looks in the pages of Brides magazine, so I was excited to hear that the Food Network is giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the marvelous world of food stylists... read more
June 14, 2008 8:00 AM
category: Brides Magazine Cocktails, Menus & Catering
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Drink up!
Cookie cutter showers and bachelorette parties are so last season. For the bride who's looking for a special way to celebrate with her friends, Swirl Event's private in-home wine tastings are the perfect party choice.... read more
June 11, 2008 12:37 PM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Showers & Parties
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Like a fine wine
From hotel stays and spa treatments to mortgage payments and college loans, it seems like you can register for just about anything these days. Another item to add to your list? Wine!... read more
April 24, 2008 8:00 AM
category: Cocktails, Menus & Catering Registry
