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Lavish cocktail hours that preceded the ceremony have quickly become one of the hottest wedding trends within the past year. Some brides focus on one signature drink and appetizer theme (think sangria with tapas) while others offer multiple full service stations with circulating small bites. This practice ensures the comfort of their guests prior to long ceremonies when their empty stomachs tend to become testy.
For the budget conscious bride, these preliminary events can be quite expensive. Luckily, they can be adapted for even the most frugal resources. By incorporating key elements such as creativity and artful presentation, most budgets can happily accommodate a cocktail hour. Here's how:
- Dilute the alcohol not the style . Consider mixed coolers and spritzers. A multitude of options are available online at The Food Network. Make the presentation special with fruit filled ice cubes, chopped fresh fruit, edible flower petals, or sprigs of herbs. Pair drinks with simple (or do-it-yourself) appetizers such as tomato rings topped with cheese and herbs, pancetta wrapper asparagus, or mini quiche tarts.
- Eliminate the alcohol eternely . Is your event more family friendly? Save the alcohol for the reception, but serve creative drinks with elegant touches. For winter weddings consider spiced up versions of hot chocolate (dash of chipotle for the adults, peppermint for the kiddies) with store bought fruit and chocolates. Most grocery stores now stock excellent hot chocolate mixes for a nominal price. Or, add coffee flavor syrup (available in most coffee aisles) to your hot chocolate for a more upscale option – just remember a little goes a long way! Smoothies, lemonades, fruit juice, spritzers, and punch are great alternatives for spring and summer weddings. Find easy and delicious recipes online from Drinks Mixer and Epicurious.
- Make upscale groceries your friend . Most of the better grocery stores will provide fresh fruit, cheese, and appetizer trays at a fraction of the cost of your caterer. Combine with unusual crackers and artisan breads (the grocery bakery will slice their own loaves for free). Rent or purchase beautiful platters for presentation style. If you can not afford new or renovated platters, use fresh spinach leaves, greens, or banana and grape leaves to cover your own platters. No one will notice what is underneath. Garnish with your own green onions, grape tomatoes, fresh herbs, flowers, and fresh fruit. Do not have fresh herbs? Buy them and beautiful blooms inexpensively at the local farmers market.
- Embrace semi-homemade recipes . Sandra Lee is the queen of semi-homemade cooking! Stretch your dollar by combining store bought and fresh ingredients to make your own versions of chic foodie fare. Love spinach turnovers? Buy premade puff pastry and stuff with your favorite store bought spinach dip. Garnish with whole or thinly sliced spinach leaves. Do you have a zest for Italian food? Top a ready made polenta slice (logs available in your grocer's refrigerated aisle) with tomato, salami, and provolone slices. Bake or broil for a tasty appetizer that can be served warm or hot. Garnish with fresh basil or herbs from your garden. Just remember to keep your portions bite-sized for your guests. Add your own extra blanched veggies, flowers, herbs, crackers, artisan breads, or greens for presentation with extra punch.
With a little creative wedding planning, your guests can enjoy prewedding cocktail celebrations with style and panache. And better still, these festivals do not have to break the bank. Incorporate the trend without the expensive price tag with my four tips for budget conscious brides. And, throw a bash to remember!
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Source by Sarah Bogle
