The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

STYLE + PLANNING
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ON-THE-MOVE MEAL
We’ve got news: The one-size-fitsall
dinner reception structure is no
longer the only option. If the idea
of sitting down to a three-hour
formal meal isn’t your thing, try
a roaming dinner instead. Feed
your friends and fam from an
assortment of delicious passed
appetizers and food stations,
like waiters with barker trays for
on-the-go oyster shucking, a guac
bar or even a mozzarella-pulling
station. The goal is to keep guests
moving, mixing and mingling so
they don’t get bored or feel like
they’re missing out on party time.
Another perk? Without the need for
traditional tables, chairs and place
settings, you’ll save on rentals and
possibly even staff count (as they
won’t need to serve each table
like at a sit-down reception). Just
remember—guests will still need
somewhere to perch, so be sure to
set up several different high-top
cocktail tables and cool lounge
areas for added comfort.
THE NEW FARM-TO-TABLE
4 Local is in when it comes to
weddings, and that fresh mentality extends from florals
to—you guessed it—food. For a dining experience that
encapsulates everything about your locale, opt for a
farm-to-table menu from start to finish. More and more
catering companies are meeting the demand and focusing
their menus on seasonal goodness, like sustainable and
local meats, fish and produce, for a wedding meal that
represents both the couple and their region of choice.
If you’re lucky enough to be getting married in a foodrich
area or time of year, encourage your team to utilize
veggies, proteins or spices unique to your spot, like
fresh lobster in Maine or a well-known barbecue rub in
Texas. Not only will you be scoring food in its best form
(think: peak freshness and added color), but you’ll
also be giving back to the local community. It’s a very
mindful, sustainable, 2020 way to wedding.
5
Pretty plating
is like a feast
for the eyes—
before it hits
your stomach.
IN-YOUR-FACE PRESENTATIONS
If you’ve ever been wowed by a fishmonger filleting a catch
right in front of you, or excited by the flames of a hibachi
grill, then this idea may be for you. When planning out your
wedding day catering, look for a crew that can essentially
pop up a live restaurant on your event ground. You’ll
instantly upgrade what was once a basic meal into a fullblown
event at your reception. That can mean transforming
your outdoor venue into a legit working barbecue joint
that’s cooking up spit-roasted pig and heirloom chickens
over an open flame in front of your guests, or a tableside
assembly of artistically-inspired dessert spread (read:
decorative chocolate smears and edible florals). The end
result? A unique dining experience that will keep
guests entertained long into your reception and create
a one-of-a-kind event they won’t soon forget.
CREATIVE EDGE PARTIES
Find your catering team at THEKNOT.COM/CHICAGO