Food for Thought

Food bars and creative presentations allow couple to express themselves

By Alexandra Pushkin 

Photos by Black & Hue Photography, Josh McLawhorn Photography and Alena Bakutis Photography

Perhaps one of the most anticipated aspects of planning a wedding is sampling and selecting the perfect foods and libations to dazzle the guests and complement the theme of the celebration. While buffets and traditional sit-down dinners are timeless, incorporating non-traditional foods and build-your-own bars into a celebration creates an alternative to the predetermined menu.

“Weddings have become so much more personal these days,” explains Amanda Morrison, managing partner of Social Catering & Events in Tallahassee. “Instead of selecting a traditional meal, couples are really looking for ways to infuse their personalities, memories and favorite things into their big day, and the menu is no exception.”

The food bar and buffet concept can be tailored to reflect the personalities of the bride and groom and surprise any guest expecting something standard. The couple may choose to pick items they ate on their first date or foods that reflect their cultures. A “food for thought”-style menu incorporates dishes that transport guests through taste and there are no boundaries.

“We’ve done Indian cuisine, paella stations, whole pigs, Italian feasts, family-style with passed dishes, jazz brunches, blues and barbeques, seafood stations, oyster bars, low country boils, sushi rolled to order and more,” said Todd Rogers, corporate executive chef of St. Joe Club & Resorts in Watersound. “There really isn’t a limit anymore to what can be done for food at a wedding.”