Cocktails, Menus & Catering

1. To boldly go where no caterer has gone before...

   If you're looking for a more modern take on the wedding banquet, check out Bold American Catering. With linear, modern displays of flowers and food, and creative twists on traditional bites—such as mini tuna tartare tacos or tiny pizzas with upscale ingredients like duck confit or filet mignon—an edgier offering is certainly where BAC excels.

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   October 15, 2007 2:03 PM

2. Seasonal splendor

   Brides can find relaxation and a reception with five-star splendor at the Four Seasons Atlanta in Midtown. The hotel offers options for a grand wedding in a large ballroom that opens onto a terrace, and a city view through the windows adds panache to either an evening or daytime affair.... read more

   October 19, 2007 10:14 AM

3. Meet the parents (at Lumiere and Park 75)

   If you're trying to orchestrate a meeting of your respective in-laws, you may want to ditch the idea of preparing an elegant meal at your place. Who wants to slave over a hot stove and clean incessantly beforehand, when what you really want is to have a good time? Try these high and low tables to set your folks at ease.

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   November 5, 2007 11:30 AM

4. Java jive hideaway

   If you're in the mood for somewhere unexpectedly chic to host an announcement reception, bachelorette party, or wine tasting, consider booking at Javavino, a cozy wine and coffee bar right off of Freedom Parkway and North Highland.

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   January 14, 2008 11:03 AM

5. One stop shop

   Katriesa Raines got so fed up with the ins and outs of planning her own wedding that she skipped town (contracted venue, caterer, and all) to elope. But it wasn't all for naught. The designer behind timeless, 50s inspired local dress label Olive, was inspired to open Paisley Umbrella (2971 North Fulton Drive, 404-274-5432) - a one-stop shop salon where it's possible to plan dozens of tiny details bridal under one roof.

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   January 17, 2008 10:00 AM

6. Gloriously Gloriosa

   Gotta love the fact that everyone from the butcher to the baker to the wedding cake maker is jumping on the "green" bandwagon. What's even more delightful? When local event planning firms like Gloriosa pull it off with such organic style and elegance.

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   January 24, 2008 10:00 AM

7. Keep it cool, daddy

   Remember Fat Tuesdays? The casual resto chain with killer drinks from back in the day? Turns out that Cool Daddy's founder Sean Bacey was a managing partner there before launching his own frozen beverage company here. The man catered everything from private parties and weddings to Music Midtown and the Olympics, so he knows his frozen drinks.

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   January 25, 2008 11:00 AM

8. Underground romance at Aria

   We've already talked about high-in-the-sky proposals. But if you majored in romantic British lit in college (or even just liked Poe's The Cask of Amontillado), you may prefer a more gothic setting. In that case, the subterranean wine cellar of Aria on East Paces Ferry boasts a small booth that's perfect for a romantic, candlelit proposal.... read more

   March 5, 2008 10:01 AM

9. Piece of cake

   Calling all brides: Piece of Cake is opening a new location in Roswell! Drop by the open house on Wednesday, March 12 to try samples of cakes, cupcakes and cookies all day. Yes, we're calling it research. (What?)

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   March 11, 2008 10:10 AM

10. Wedding-day wine tastings

    In an age when some wedding try to outdo others with expensive or exotic activities or gifts, I think this simple idea is a great one: host a wine-tasting event at your reception, courtesy of the Atlanta Wine School.

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    March 24, 2008 9:00 AM

11. Winter Weddings at Villa Christina

    

    Looking for a breath of Tuscan air for your winter wedding? Look no further than Villa Christina in Dunwoody, where lush-but-affordable winter wedding packages will let you have your cake and eat it, too.

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    May 8, 2008 10:30 AM

12. Duck's Cosmic Kitchen

    

    We love weddings that look good at any budget. And whether your budget is large or small, Duck's Cosmic Kitchen caters fine food that will make your wedding look and taste like a million bucks.

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    May 23, 2008 10:24 AM

13. Shaun's patio for receptions and special dinners

    

    I've long been a fan of Shaun Doty's, and if you haven't trekked into Inman Park to his eponymous resto Shaun's, you're missing a prime party spot that's perfect for a hip reception, rehearsal dinner, or even a wedding-weekend after party.

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    May 30, 2008 9:38 AM

14. Bachelor party food: Maxim Prime Steakhouse

    

    Here's what's great about Maxim Prime Steakhouse downtown (in the Glenn Hotel): the food is good, it's part of a great boutique hotel, and it's manly enough to stand in for a bachelor dinner if your guy isn't up for the usual cheesy bachelor party gags.

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    June 5, 2008 9:15 AM

15. Tasting and Design Event at The Grande in Kennesaw

    

    It's easy to center bridal events on the Buckhead and Midtown circuits, but we know brides get married all over our fair city. Kennesaw brides, here's one for you: a tasting and design show at The Grande.

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    July 7, 2008 3:58 PM

16. Callaway Gardens Food and Wine weekend

    

    Callaway Gardens is a great setting for an outdoor wedding. Think about it: you'll have a gorgeous garden backdrop (that you don't have to water or weed). Your guests have a range of villas and resort hotel rooms to stay in, a golf course and beach to play on, and miles of garden paths to explore.

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    July 23, 2008 12:04 PM

17. The Mansion on Peachtree

    

    The Mansion on Peachtree is so gorgeous and fun that it's setting a new standard in luxury service and attention to detail. I'm really hoping the other high-end hotels in Atlanta take a look and follow in its stride. What you'll find: glamorous event spaces both indoors and out for ceremonies and receptions, a great restaurant perfect for an old-Hollywood-style rehearsal dinner, and of course spa and hotel space for guests and the wedding party. Frankly, I cannot add enough exclamation points to express my newfound appreciation of The Mansion, so read on for more details.

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    July 28, 2008 2:31 PM

18. Cakes & Ale: where local ingredients make a great rehearsal dinner

    

    >Decatur is home to dozens of fun casual restaurants, but sometimes what you want for a rehearsal dinner is something just a tad more... special. To the rescue is Cakes & Ale, a sprightly little boite on Ponce focusing on posh food made with local ingredients as well as on keeping an eco-friendly footprint.

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    July 31, 2008 3:45 PM