Wedding Cakes & Food Forum — The Knot Community

Cake Allowance

firegal1216 — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:17:58 +0000

Has anyone had a reception give a cake allowance? How does it work exactly? My reception has an allowance of $1/guest. What does that mean?

Critique my menu. Any Changes? Should I add a slider station?

BecauseYouAre — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:02:42 +0000

What do you think of the menu? It's a Seaside outdoor pavilion, semi-casual, late summer wedding. We had planned to offer a burger (beef, turkey or veggie) option for kids/picky eaters, or should we just add a slider station with dinner.

Bar

Assorted Bottles of Craft Beers, Red and White Wine, Sodas in Glass Bottles, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Punch, Basic Bar Setup for Cocktails

Cocktail Hour

Passed - BBQ chicken Lollipops with Avocado Cilantro Crema, Corn Fritters with a Sweet & Tangy Apricot Onion Dipping Sauce, Crab cakes with Remolade, Brie with Cranberry & Walnuts in Puff Pastry, Deviled Eggs, Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Stationed - Shrimp Cocktail, Crudities and Dips, Chowder Shooters (New England Clam, Manhattan Clam, Chicken Corn, Fire Roasted Vegetable)

Dinner

Lobster Bake - Lobster, Clams, Muscles, Red Potatoes, Leeks, Corn on the Cob

Pig Roast - Roasted Whole Pig, Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Beans, Sauteed Kale, Roasted Baby Squash Baby Carrots & French Green Beans in Parsley Butter

Sides - Garlic Cheddar Biscuits, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread, Caesar Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette, Potato Salad, Sweet Potato and Scallion with Honey Dijon Dressing, Macaroni Shrimp Salad, Coleslaw, Broccoli Slaw with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

On the Tables - Drawn Butter, Hot Sauce, Cranberry Apple Chutney

Dessert - Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Bars, Blueberry cobbler, Apple Hand pies, Ice Cream, Sliced Watermelon

Late Night Snack

Kettle Chips - Plain, Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar, Salt & Pepper, Sweet Potato

S'mores Bar - Marshmallows (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint), Graham Crackers (Honey, Chocolate, Cinnamon), Chocolate (Dark, Milk, White, Caramel Filled, Peanut butter Cups), Fresh Fruits (Bananas, Strawberries, Blueberries) Toasted coconut, Rainbow sprinkles, Chopped nuts

Signature Passion fruit Drink

Mvr2614 — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:43 +0000

Hi all!

I was hoping to get some creative ideas for our signature drink at our reception, which is going to be a passion fruit-prosecco combo. We are going to the Philippines for our honeymoon, so I was hoping the name could tie to that. The best I've come up with yet is "Philippines Sunset" but I am thoroughly unimpressed with my idea. Any good suggestions??? Thanks!

butler caterers

megs27553 — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:28:01 +0000

Hi! My fiance and I are getting married next October and we are having our reception in Saxonburg, PA. Any recommendations for caterers in the area that are budget friendly? Thanks!

Looking for a good baker in Las Vegas!

dommersgirl — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:01 +0000

I have looked at the vendors listed on here but I am looking for other options for our small wedding cake. I had one i thought was perfect but they have not responded to my recent emails so i am looking elsewhere. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Heeeeelp!!! Menu (or Caterer) needed for an intimate rustic wedding...

SHEscribbles — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:58:46 +0000

Hi guys. Hosting an intimate wedding in Atlanta next month for about 30 people. Rustic Wedding starts at 5...Two hour reception at 5:30. At a loss for menu ideas!!! In desparate need of a REASONABLE caterer. (Preferably one who charges less than $500).

If thats not feasible, are there any items that we might be able to prepare ourselves? Thanks in advance!

How to find an open bar service in the Scranton, PA area? Anyone know of one?

jonesy224 — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:19:45 +0000

I'm trying to find an open bar service for the wedding... our venue doesn't have food or anything so we have to get that catered, we *think* we found a caterer, except they don't offer a bar with their food. I like the food from here, they catered my baby shower, and I can't find anywhere that isn't $78+ a plate for food and open bar. Or $16/ person and you still have to buy your own liquor, for 175 attendants that seems a little ridiculous. What is a normal price for to pay for an open bar? And, do you know of any in Northeastern, PA. Thanks!

To cut a cake, or not? That is the question...

FutureMrsReyna — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:07:23 +0000

I have personally felt that cutting the cake was a waste of time. I enjoy eating it of couse but is it really necessary to tell everyone, "hey, stop what you're doing and look at me and my new husband cut a cake"?

The weddings I have been to, the newlyweds have literally cut the music and asked people to not go away. It's a very sweent moment and I love the fact that the couple are enjoying it, but it always seems like too much of a hassle and that the couple is pretty oblivious to the people (sometimes hundreds) around them watching because this is a moment for them, not everyone else. I've been the MOH several time and have been asked to be front and center with the B&G to assist with anything and there has always been confusion and too many people crowding around for pictures. It just seem to me an event that should take 5 minutes, turns into 20-30.

Maybe it's just my luck with cake cuttings that has turned me off to the idea. Is there any real meaning to the cake cutting aside from letting everyone know it is now time for the cake to be served and a photo op? Is it more of personal taste?

We thought about doing the whole cupcake scenario but I wanted to serve them on plates with forks and the FI wants to just hand them out like that or have people come and get thier own. I wouldnt mind scrapping the whole cake aspect and just having a dessert station and letting guests pick and choose from an assortment of sweets.

Thoughts?

Cocktail hour before ceremony?

alm&mdm — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:05:31 +0000

My fiancé has suggested we do our cocktail hour before our ceremony and then just go into dinner and dancing. I think it's a fun idea but haven't seen it done before. Has anyone attended a wedding where this was done? Did you enjoy it?

As promised, your new KG!

KnotJackie — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:07 +0000

Hi Knotties!

So, remember when I promised you a full-time person who will be your advocate and their only focus would be on the boards and TK members?

Well – she is here! Introducing @KnotPorscha!

Knot Irene and I will be sticking around – but she is going to be handling the day-to-day community needs. So, while she gets comfortable and acclimated, please page “KGs” (Knot gods, obvi) on threads and one of us will respond.

Give her a warm (and drama-free) welcome!!

Jackie

How many cupcakes?

mElizabeth72 — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:52:44 +0000

I'm looking at having about 125 guests. Do you think 72 cupcakes (6 dozen) would be enough? They charge per dozen, and several people I've talked to said you only need about half your numbers in cupcakes.. but I want to make sure I have enough! What do you ladies think? Thanks!

The Dessert Debate

Alek4 — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:40:52 +0000

So my fiance and I aren't sure what desserts we need for the reception. There will be about 130 guest and we are planning on having cupcakes. However, if we have other desserts, do we still need 130 cupcakes? Or, do we need 130 cupcakes plus the other desserts (brownies, cookies, etc). Also, is it appropriate to just have cupcakes and no other desserts?

We are on a budget (if you couldn't tell)

tarts!

katolik — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:29:29 +0000

I read the post about cupcakes below, and have a spin off question. We have decided to have tarts regular size instead of cupcakes. We're expecting 130 people at our wedding and ordered 200 tarts, so enough for everyone to have one and more than half to have another if they wish. We're having 4 different flavors so 50 of each. In talking with some friends dessert came up and someone mentioned they would try one of each. So he'd have 4. I'm wondering if having 4 flavour options is going make my guests want more tarts than I ordered. Would you want to try all the flavors? Would you be inclined to eat more tarts than you would cupcakes? Do I have enough tarts? Thank you!

Negotiating with Reception hall help

angelmum — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:41:37 +0000

I'm the MOG and I've been asked to join the upcoming meeting concerning the food. The venue had a mass tasting for all brides in a 6 month period - 150 people... which I thought was great to see how they handle the crowds etc I also researched this venue and it got top reviews on many boards, including the knot, yelp, tripadvisor etc

The food was horrific! The Fillet was cut small,and gristly but it was the awful over seasoning, that seemd canned and old. The Prime Rib seemed a poor quality as well - the "au jus" was heavily thickened with corn starch, so it was awful...

The fish was just as bad -

So they agreed to do another tasting with the chef

My question is what questions do I ask? At $80 a plate for the beef option I do expect better quality. Its a Friday June wedding, and the only wedding that day.

I thought of going in to ask a restaurant chef for help - esp in the quality of beef - I've been to buffets that have Prime Rib that charge $29 per person and that's the quality of Prime Rib we were served. The quality of Fillet is confusing, I understand serving it thin and small for a mass tasting - but it was the seasons and taste that I question, not to mention the gristle!

Any ideas would be appreciated

Board changes coming!

KnotJackie — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:39:18 +0000

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Tapas reception? Does anyone have experience with this?

rashaa13 — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:39:37 +0000

Hello fellow knotties,

My fiance and I have a limited budget and we were looking to have a small reception ,around 60 people, we are both foodies and really wanted to enjoy the food at our wedding without blowing all our savings. I was at first thinking of a cocktail reception but we really were looking to emphasize the food more than the drinks so I thought of a Tapas reception! I know people have done this in the past and tapas is becoming pretty popular. I personally have never experienced tapas at a wedding and I'm not sure exactly how one would set that up
buffet style? passed? Brought to your table?
I just have no idea how to go about this but the idea itself is very appealing to me.

If anyone has any experience with this or tips please let me know!

Thank you so much!

How Early is too Early.....

donjoe2448 — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:54:04 +0000

To serve a dinner? We are getting married at a local park. It is beautiful, there is a gazebo for the ceremony and then a renovated barn for the reception. I was thinking of having the ceremony at something like 4PM, the FI and his brother think 2PM. Since we dont have a travel time to get from one spot to the other, I am worried this is a little early to have it! The park closes at 11PM so that would be when it would end and I dont want people to leave early...... The FBIL thinks that since there is a sandy spot that people swim on that people will want to go swimming (August 17th is the date) but honestly..... it is a wedding. People arent going to want to go swimming and then come in and have a wedding reception. I am just looking for opinions on whether having it at 2 is too early..... we are having a semi-pro photographer in the form of my brother so we will need time for pictures but that would only put us at 3PM at the latest!! HELP!

dessert ideas

Lowell14 — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:24:12 +0000

Was wondering if I could get a few ideas from the wonderful knotties: FI and are are planning to have a wedding cake at our reception but I was wondering about the idea of making brownies and cookies etc a few days before the wedding for additional dessert choices. We do have the option of choosing 1 dessert from the menu for all guests but the options we have won't please everyone. Should I look at making multiple but simple desserts or choose one desert and hope the guests like it? We will be having 55 guests maximum so I wonder if the idea is a possibility :

Ideas for fruit, veggies, etc?

AngelaReneeClaire — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:46:58 +0000

Hello!

We're doing a dessert reception. There will be a make-your-own sundae bar along with brownies and cheese cake, as well as a catered coffee bar with baristas.

However, we'd like to make the typical things like fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers, etc. available for our guests, so they don't get too sweetented out.

So, I'm looking for suggestions - what form should we serve them in? I feel like a bunch of trays is kind of boring, but I'm not too creative in that area. Got any grand ideas?

TIA

Jeep cake-Am I crazy?

Jbaldiga — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:09:11 +0000

So, when I first started dating my fiance he was driving this bright green jeep and the love of his life was his rescue dog. Since, then I have slowly made my way up to the top of that list of amazing things in his life :) . The joke has always been that his jeep, dog, and I are the three loves of his life and depending on the day, the order is debatable.

I have had this idea in my head that when we get married, I want to surprise him with a grooms cake of him and his puppy in his green jeep.

Since then I have come to realize how pricey weddings are.

So- my question is ....does anyone know about how much it would cost to get a cake like this? Am I nuts for wanting to keep this in the budget?

Any help would be great!

Dinner price per person $40?$60? $90?

savrinah — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:41:19 +0000

Hi I would like to know how much should I expect to be charge for dinner per person?? $40?$60? $90? what is a reasonable price?

Thank you,

Jimmy Johns Catering, HELP, how many sandwhiches??

missmarissa25 — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:05:20 +0000

I am looking into having sandwhiches at my reception and we are going to have about 150 people. How many 30 piece platters would I need to successfully do this? They look like they are about 4 inches each.

Thank you!!

Beverages at the reception.

tiffanyc83 — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:00:13 +0000

We are providing all the beverages for our rececption. We're having beer, wine, water, and coffee. And also, I was thinking of having lemonade and iced tea instead of soda. Our wedding is on June 8th, so those are great summer drinks. Do you think people will be upset if we don't have soda?

Multiple caterers at reception - how to estimate how much guests will eat of each option?

ephysby — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:01:11 +0000

We've got a venue that's very flexible re: catering, so we're looking at bringing in a few different types of foods that we love (and that are budget friendly!) to give people some fun options. Currently we have a crepe place and BBQ place in mind - and might add a third option.

Right now we're estimating a guest list of ~150 people, so my fiance thinks that for each restaurant we can estimate 60 to 90 people. However I'm thinking that people probably eat more at an event like this then they might ordinarily - and personally if I were a guest I would want to sample everthing, at least a little bit! I also think that having enough food is one of the most important aspects of hospitality and really want to be sure that we don't end up under-ordering. However I've never planned an event of this size, so I don't have great instincts for how to estimate how much people will actually eat. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of situation? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

Reception food ideas..

caseyt17 — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:40:59 +0000

I need help deciding on food for my wedding reception in August. We've decided on finger foods instead of a meal to hopefully save money! Any suggestions would help! Looking to serve about 150 people. Thanks!

How to go from ceremony to reception?

donjoe2448 — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:50:58 +0000

So my dilemma is this..... I am getting married in a public park on a lake. We are having the ceremony take place under a gazebo in the park (weather permitting of course) and that will be at 2PM on August 17th. I am not sure how to transition from the ceremony to the reception..... I am not hiring a professional photographer but I am having my brother take our pictures with my FH semi pro camera. During the picture time, do I set out things like veggie trays and cheese platters? Oh..... I forgot to mention that the reception is being held in the same park at a renovated barn and that we (and family) are making all of the food ourselves...... Dinner will consist of rotisserie chicken and a variety of pasta salad, potato salad, fruit salad etc...... So do I have the "cocktail hour" food ready for when the ceremony is over? Or do I just forgo that all together? I am soooooo torn on what to do for this time!! HELP!

Reception: to dine or not to dine?

caithenderson13 — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:28:25 +0000

My FH and I are getting married in November and are planning an early afternoon wedding. I have never been a fan of serving dinner at a reception and we are not planning a long reception (ie no dancing or alcohol). Is it proper etiquette to serve hor d'oeuvres and have a cake reception? Or will the wedding come off as tacky (esp since his guests will be from out of town)?

Outrageous bar numbers

kbleakney — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:53:14 +0000

I used the knot's bar calculator and the numbers it spit out seem insane.

A 6 hour reception, 135 guests, serving beer, wine, liquor= 95 bottles of wine, 473 beer and 24 bottles of liquor.

That seems a little high, especially when I used my reception's prices to calculate a total. It came to over $14,000. Arguably I live in Vancouver, and prices are high, but that's just ridiculous.

I tried out some other calculators online, but the numbers are so much lower. How much does the average person drink? How should I calculate this?

Thanks knotties!

How many slices

hgminor — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:41:08 +0000

I'm meeting with bakers about the cake, and am trying to figure out costs. I need help deciding how many slices to get per wedding and grooms cake... Lets say there are 200 people attending. What should the numbers for both? Do you get a wedding cake that will feed everyone and then a grooms cake? I have NO idea if there is a ratio I'm supposed to follow for this. Thanks!

signature drink yes nor no

hyechica81 — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:13:49 +0000

so we are having a full open bar at our wedding for the whole time of the reception its included in our package. i saw this really kewl looking drink on pintrest it was lemonade peach tree and blue curaco the blue matches my wedding colors. i was thinking of having it served during cocktail hour like the bar tenders offering them to the guests coming up or having a note at the bar saying try the bride and grooms signature drink..

has anyone done that did the venue charge you extra to have a signature drink?

our theme is beachy so the blue summer evening weddin the drink fits right in