The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

STYLE + PLANNING
ngaged foodies are transforming their wedding
reception into a must-eat event with countless
creative takes on traditional catering. From fire
and flames to custom curated menus and photoworthy
installations—a meal is no longer just a
meal. Want in on all the delicious fun? Check out
five of our favorite food trends happening now.
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INSTA-WORTHY
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DISPLAYS
If you’re looking for a standout
moment that will leave guests
’gramming, hire a catering team
with creative display techniques.
Delicious food is a must-have,
of course—but setups that have
guests interacting with their meal
are an even better upgrade. Look
to bring in a local catering team
that injects their food service
with a bit of theatrics (like having
guests press their own grilled
cheese, pluck the cocktail of their
choice from a conveyor belt or
spin a prize wheel for a surprise
pizza slice). The goal? A wayabove-average
food experience
that entertains your guests while
they eat and will leave everyone
talking long after your wedding is
over. If you’ve already nailed down
your menu and catering team,
infuse your day with a little bit of
magic by dreaming up creative
ways to package or pass some
bites already on your menu, like a pegboard wall of
cotton candy or a late-night burger bar with a cheeky sign
that reads “friends don’t let friends go home hangry.”
PERFECTLY PERSONALIZED PICKS
You and your partner want every inch of your wedding to
reflect the two of you, so your food selection shouldn’t be
any different. Couples are personalizing all aspects of their
day, down to the menu they’re serving at their reception.
For a fun twist on signature cocktails, why not try signature
Swipe your
cocktail from a
conveyor belt for
an interactive
bar moment.
menus? Maybe bae is a bit more spicy, while you prefer
rich, savory classics—you can each work to curate your
own courses for the day and allow your guests to choose
which side they’ll take. Or include a bit of your history and
heritage into the eats by asking your pros to adapt a few
favorite family recipes for the evening. Guests will love
cocktail hour bites of Grandma Ruth’s mac and cheese or
Mom’s famous chicken tikka masala. A menu reflecting both
where you’ve come from and what you like as a duo is the
perfect way to start your marriage off on the right fork. ››
HANNAH COHEN/HCLOVESTORIES.COM