culinary services | caterers
sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, along with sparkling wine—typically cava and prosecco because of its budget-friendly price point— are the biggest sellers for weddings, shares Kris Mulkey of BevMo. She cautions brides to consider what her guests will like, rather than sticking to her personal favorites. “Young brides like sweeter reds,” Mulkey has noticed. “Maybe, though, the wine they like isn’t what guests like.” Instead, stick with tried-and-true dry wines and order a couple of bottles of your favorite varietal for the head table. It doesn’t just have to be your favorite wine that you special-order for the reception. Foreman of Pour Masters has a lot more couples asking for local beers on the bar menu, such as SanTan Brewing or Four Peaks. It does add cost to the final bill, he admits, but “The economy is humming, and they want to enjoy it,” he says. As in years past, couples are still offering signature cocktails, but not much has changed in that arena. “It’s typically a traditional cocktail such as a Moscow mule or a vodka cranberry with the name changed,” he says. Foreman predicts that next year, couples will offer up margaritas as their signature cocktail. “There aren’t a lot of new drinks,” he adds, but there’s a lot more interest in local and organic options.
The Main Dish Generally speaking, you have three options when it comes to your main meal: Plated, buffet or stations, although food trucks are an emerging trend that truly creates an “Oh, my goodness” moment for your guests—but more on that in a moment. Plated meals are strong right now, Salinas says; however, “It’s not your typical meal—it’s filet with Poblano cream sauce; it’s pineappleglazed carrots; it’s surf-and-turf innovation.” In keeping with that sentiment, she also notes that she’s getting fewer requests for prime rib carving stations, a wedding reception staple. So, what stations are popular right now? Breakfast for dinner! More and more couples are requesting from Salinas an omelet bar, a waffle bar and other breakfast classics. If you think this all seems very down-home, don’t arizonaweddings.com |
221