Posted on: September 6, 2007
Post-Wedding Snack Attack
Never send a guest home on an empty stomach – not even on your big day
By Kate Sullivan
CTW Features
The way to one’s heart is through the stomach, and wedding guests are no exception. Foodies everywhere toast to the latest trend in wedding receptions, the late-night snack. From finger foods to full plates, couples send guests off with a parting gift – a full belly.
While college students might have invented the art of late night eating, Hollywood weddings glamorized the post-dinner snack. From glamorous, celebrity fêtes like Eva Longoria’s Parisian nuptials to Rebecca Romijn’s Western theme, food takes centers stage. Taking hints from celebrity trends, today’s couples add a culinary curveball to tradition. But event coordinator Samantha Geary of Blue Monkey Events, New York, says she sees function as the driver of this trend. “After two hours of dancing, most people are hungry and looking for a food infusion,” Geary says.
This trend not only aims to please the taste buds of guests but also allows for couples to express themselves and celebrate the host city. Some New York couples bring out the bagels and lox for weddings that carry on into the wee hours of the morning. Midwest matrimony may mean honoring the Chicago style hot dog. Southern belles might serve up red beans and rice. From big city treats to small town delights – think of local favorites like berries or baked goods to pay a big time tribute to a little city. Make guests feel at home by sending them off with local flavor.
The bride and groom can also take a turn from toasting the host city and toast themselves. Since the entire day is about celebrating the love of two people, why not leave guests with one last taste in their mouth to remind them of the shining stars? Couples offer a sneak peek into their favorites indulgences when they offer Krispy Cremes or TexMex bite size burritos. After a long night of dancing and celebrating, nothing will taste better than something sweet or salty.
Crowd Pleasers and Budget Savvy Snacks
You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to your late night treat. You already served guests a full course of foie gras and filet mignon. The late night edibles are about choosing favorite foods that might be bad for us on the health scale but are off the charts in flavor. And, Geary says, “Your send off snack can also double as your favor for your guests.” Think monogrammed cookies or cupcakes. Here are a few more suggestions that satisfy hunger and keep your wallet full too.
You don’t have to have LA’s famous In-N-Out Burgers, go for the McDonald’s cheeseburgers and see these childhood favorites disappear in seconds. For a nuptial touch, serve on silver trays, but don’t forget the fries.
It’s never to late or too early for doughnuts. But avoid the jelly filled and think simple, like glazed or go mini with doughnut holes.
No one says no to nachos. Roll up your sleeve and roll out a stocked cart for guests to help themselves to melted cheese and jalapeños.
Cool off your dancing guests with mini ice cream sandwiches or sorbet balls. Geary also recommends mini Kaluha milk shakes for a frosty and fresh sendoff.
While your day might be about your love, for guests it’s about dancing and dining. Your memories will last a lifetime, but it’s the satisfied taste buds of your guests that make it a five-star night.
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