Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The food truck craze has hit Music City, with people filing out of their offices in droves to get a delicious, piping hot meal from a truck parked outside. If you've fallen in love with these gourmet meals on wheels and thought "could this work for my wedding?" stay tuned all week as we cover EVERYTHING you need need to know.
Picture by Alex Bee Photography
What is a food truck?
A food truck, especially where Nashville vendors are concerned, are mobile units that include trucks, wagons, and even buses that serve food either previously prepared or freshly made on site. The trucks are usually powered by generators and can have grills, fryers, and ovens on board to ensure that the food served isn't stale or left sitting out. Nashville has a ton of food trucks serving cuisine from all over (Thai, Mexican, Japanese and Western) to trucks that serve sweets, candy and dessert! You can find a list of all the food trucks here at Nashfoodtrucks.com.
Image Courtesy of Life a la Mode
The Cupcake Collection Bus! (Image courtesy of The Nashville Scene Bites Blog)
What kind of weddings are ideal for food trucks?
Food trucks are a lot more casual and are great for less formal, almost whimsical weddings. You're not going to expect your guests to retrieve their own food in disposable (albeit eco-friendly and sometimes customizable) plates at a black tie wedding, just as you wouldn't expect fine china and polished silverware at a country-themed, outdoor wedding.
Trucks like the Grilled Cheeserie or Mas Tacos or Deg Thai obviously serve food of a particular theme and style. Then there are trucks like Mere Bulles or Riffs Truck who are experienced caterers and who can serve more of a variety of food, making the style of cuisine something you should consider as well.
Crystal (Twitter: @grlldcheeserie) comes from a family of food truck proprietors. Having lived and worked in Los Angeles, which has been ahead of the curve with food trucks, Crystal offered an alternative way to feature a food truck or two at your wedding as an after-dinner, late night snack option. "I worked at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills after their plated high end dinner food trucks are being hired for the midnight after wedding snack, waiting for the guests at the entrance of the venue." So this is great if your wedding dinner has ended, the night's still young and you want your guests to keep partying, but not on an empty stomach - have a food truck there to serve little bites in the later half of the reception!
Photo courtesy of Bryson Leach Photography
What kind of venue is well-suited for food trucks?
"Most event sites where wedding are held are ideal," advises Crystal De Luna Bogan, owner of The Grilled Cheeserie. "I think as long as the grounds are leveled (like a hilly field would be hard for a truck to get leveled to set up) or a tight space where the truck would hinder the movement of the event site. It should be an accent to the party not the center of attention."
Of course, it pays to always check with your venue first. Carlos, chef and one half of the Riffs Truck duo, stresses that if you're at a venue that already has in-house catering or isn't an open venue to check with your wedding venue. "The bride should arrange with the hotel or venue as to where we are able to park."
Linda Wright who owns and runs Cedarwood brought up some good points to remember about food trucks and weddings:
1. Service personnel: Normal caterers provide staff for things normally expected at a wedding. Would food trucks be willing to include staff? (clearing tables, refreshing beverage stations, cake service, coffee service)
2. Most trucks would have a hard time servicing 175 people in a timely manner. If they set up a buffet line outside the truck, it would lose some impact of the styling/novelty.
3. Disposable products vs. china/glassware -- would brides have options?
With regards to the second point of servicing a large group of people, Carlos of Riffs Truck suggests having more than one food truck: "For every hundred people, you should have one food truck. Two food trucks would guarantee less wait time and more food options." The Grilled Cheeserie echos the sentiment, saying that for a wedding of upwards of 300 people, "we suggest other foods to be offered so not everyone rushes the truck at one time. Which helps with the wait time."
Other trucks like the Mere Bulles food truck are larger and have a full-service kitchen and are able to churn out more food.
As I've mentioned, food truck dining is casual so definitely keep it in mind when including this aspect in your overall wedding vision!
ABG Notes: Smaller, portable wagons like The Sugar Wagon can fit into venues and don't have any exhaust, so it's something to consider! (Picture by The Sugar Wagon)
How do food truck costs compare to traditional wedding catering?
Tomorrow, we will cover the costs per person and mininums a bit more in-depth. Some trucks' catering rates are comparable with traditional wedding catering, especially those that offer full menus and high customizations. They are essentially, mobile restaurants. Others price their meals around the same price as you will find if you walked up to the truck, at $7-$10 per person. Even with these seemingly low prices, there are still factors to consider - like how your guests will be served, clean up, travel fees, etc. So, be sure to ask and compare apples to apples.
How do you contact the trucks, taste the food?
We will provide an introdution and full contact info for the majority of the trucks throughout this week. But here's what you should know: Tastings for each truck will vary. Some trucks offer private tastings and others do not. We've found the easiest and most convenient way to know whether you like their food is to find out where their truck will be located and go out and experience them first hand. Some of the food trucks have websites, others do not. Most of them do post their location of the day via their Twitter accounts.
And finally...
Crystal: Think of the fact that people will not want to wait in a line or more than 5-10 minutes for their food so the menu should be simple and easy to eat. Also, the client has to be very clear about what they are expecting from the food truck because most food trucks are used to serving in a more casual setting, while the bride may be expecting something that would come from a high end catering company.
Carlos: With food trucks you are limited to the theme/type of food each truck offers and it may not be a full spread of food - truck food menu is more eclectic. (ABG adds - there are a few trucks, like Mere Bulles, that are actually full service mobile kitchens. With full service kitchens, the menu options are more extensive.)
So when you contact your favorite food truck about catering your wedding, be clear and open on the details and keep these factors in mind to make sure it all goes smoothly and you and your guests have a great time!
(Follow the links to our coverage on Nashville wedding food trucks - Part 1 - intro, Part 2 - popular food trucks, Part 3 - popular trucks, Part 4 - dessert trucks.)
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Friday, October 28, 2011
The foliage is a brilliant orange, red and yellow and Fall is officially here. Grab a warm cup of coffee or tea, or whatever hot beverage you like, get comfortable and check out a round-up of ten of our favorite blog posts from around the Nashville wedding community in this month's Bridal Candy.
#10 - Recycled Centerpieces and Great Ideas from iHospitality
Ashley Currie of iHospitality shares this wedding that had great ideas for being eco-friendly by using recyclable and recycled materials for centerpieces. SO charming! Read the article here.
Image by La Photographie
#9 - Caught on Film: Groomsmen Sing-off by McNeal Wedding Films
This is probably the sweetest show of friendship and love from a group of guys I've ever seen. The groomsmen from this wedding are precious, working together on an acapela rendition of Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" just for the happy couple! Watch the video here.
Image by McNeal Wedding Films
#8 - Fun Twist on Photobooths by Kristyn Hogan
I absolutely love the backdrop with framed cut-outs for this photobooth that Kristyn Hogan had for a wedding - what a great way to incoroporate more people into the shot without crowding them onto one chair or making them all just sit or stand in a row! Laugh along with them here.
#7 - Things to Think About Before Hiring A Caterer by Southall Eden (Via WedCandy)
HIring a caterer? You should definitely read this article first. Shannon O'Kelley, owner of Southall Eden Farm shares some true horror stories of working with shoddy, unreputable caterers, and the perils you could face if you don't do proper research. Find out what could happen and how to avoid it here.
Image by The Photographix
#6 - Your Marriage Isn't Just A Photoshoot by Nashville Marriage Studio
Something to remember as you're planning your wedding day - Your Marriage Isn't Just A Photoshoot. Thank you Marie for the sage advice as always. Read the post here.
#5 - Online Book Club with Simply Yours Weddings
Sometimes, all a girl needs is a good support group to help her get through life. In this case, Emily Humphries of Simply Yours Weddings has collaborated with Marie McKinney Oats of Nashville Marriage Studio to bring brides-to-be and new brides (or seasoned brides) an outlet and some help to better understand marriage and relationships. Check out the details of how you can join this online book club here.
Picture courtesy of Anna Hardy
#4 - A Christmasy Wedding by Chris & Adrienne Scott Photography
The bright Christmas red against the black gowns and tuxes make a chic color scheme in this Franklin wedding, photographed by Chris and Adrienne Scott. The couple, Ryan and Katie, married at Bethlehem United Methodist Church and had their reception at Durego; but for some awesome bridal party shots, Chri and Adrienne took everyone to Harlinsdale Farm. Get some great ideas and look at the beautiful pictures from the original post here.
Image by Chris & Adrienne Scott
#3 - The Great Gatsby Romance, a Wedding at Cedarwood by Dove Wedding Photography
Dove Wedding Photography captured the fun, meaningful details at this Gatsby-inspired wedding at Cedarwood. The happy couple also show us that college sports pride will have its place even in a non-sports themed wedding! It's so cute we had to share both pictures of the groom's cake! More from Liz and Jamie's wedding here.
Images by Dove Wedding Photography
#2 - Bridal Market 2011 with The Bride Room
The ladies from The Bride Room went to the Big Apple for Bridal Market and gave us a sneak peek into some of their favorite designers's lines. Try not to swoon too hard! (More gowns here)
Image by The Bride Room
#1 - For Wedding Pros: Content Matters by Think Like A Bride
Having a blog for the sake of having a blog isn't good enough. That's why Ashley's Bride Guide is having a blog camp to help you get started on social media to get the attention of brides and grooms. Not convinced? Study that infographic a little! Article here.
Image by Think Like A Bride
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Yesterday, we shared popular wedding reception desserts from 2011 Nashville weddings. Today, Rita of Down South Delights is back to share her sweet predictions for 2012 wedding desserts. If you are planning your Nashville wedding and want a fun and unexpected dessert for your reception, tune in!
ABG: What are your predictions for the next big trends to hit reception desserts?
DOWN SOUTH DELIGHTS: For 2012 I have several predictions for new trends. The chocolate dipped strawberry is a classic, but we have reinvented it to be more chic and interesting. Our chefs are injecting them with champagne, Grand Marnier, Bourbon, and Amaretto. We then finish them in white, dark, or milk chocolate to accentuate the berry and the filling. Guests are so surprised with delight when they bite in and get that extra kick!
Banana pudding shots & chocolate covered strawberries by Down South Delights
Confections and candies will be a big addition in 2012 for sure. They are an item that can be offered as a display and then double as the favor with a small box or bag for guests to take one home at the end of the evening. We at DSD have a team of confectioners that work each week on creating custom flavors and such for brides. Everyone loves candies/chocolates so it is an option that all your guests will love for sure. Our clients like to include local, Tennessee specific flavors in truffles and candies to represent Nashville of course. Jack Daniels' Whiskey Balls are a top choice to showcase to guests traveling from out of town.
Bourbon balls, coconut bon bons & raspberry truffles by Down South Delights
The ice cream sundae station is a classic choice that is here to stay. Cake and ice cream just go so well together and for spring and summer receptions, it is a refreshing conclusion to a warm evening outside. Ice cream is really such a blank slate that you can customize any way you so choose. Simple or elaborate, everyone loves ice cream and guests really enjoy being able to create their own little sundae. Gelato is slowly creeping onto the ice cream sundae scene with more local stores carrying it in stock, making customers more familiar with it's flavors and texture.
Ice cream sundae station & assorted custom desserts by Down South Delights
Fresh fruit desserts are becoming a very popular choice and trend that is going to follow into 2012. The vibrant colors that a fresh fruit dessert offers really gives any dessert table that extra "pop" of color. Fresh baked pies, tarts, mini parfaits, our inside out shortcakes with blackberries or raspberries, and even the vintage fruit pizza are showing up.
Fruit pizza with shortbread crust & fresh berry French tarts by Down South Delights
Chocolate fountains are definitely diminishing in popularity and we have seen a decline in these by over 50% this year alone. In its place, brides are choosing to offer their guests a chocolate fondue with rich dark chocolate and white chocolate options. The fondue display is an elegant alternative with the "dippers" also being more sophisticated- macaroons, berries, handmade marshmallows, shortbread, and layered cake bites are options.
Mini designer cakes & mini apple pie and peach cobbler by Down South Delights
Another cool trend that is popping up with dessert are signature beverages. Fun, fruity, brightly colored punches and drinks are being served alongside cake and dessert displays. Offering a punch with cake has been passé for the last 10 years. It is one of those items though that is coming back into style as people are becoming more nostalgic and wanting to have a retro aspect to their receptions. We get many requests to create a family members punch recipe and serve it in an antique punch bowl with little crystal punch cups.
Vintage style punch by Down South Delights
Mimosa dessert shots & strawberries and cream shots by Down South Delights
Customizing your reception desserts to fit you as a couple is a great way to showcase your personalities to your guests. Rita and the team at Down South Delights can help you create a unique treat just for you. Be sure to visit their website (downsouthdelightscatering.com) to find out how they can assist you in adding that special touch to your day.
All dessert and images courtesy of Down South Delights.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Wedding cakes have always been a staple at receptions, but more and more, couples are choosing to add either add their favorite desserts to accompany their classic wedding cake, or opting to replace the cake with fun desserts altogether. We spoke with Rita from Down South Delights to get the latest on the current trends in wedding desserts along with her prediction for the next big sweet to show up at weddings in 2012.
Spumoni parfaits
ABG: What trends have you noticed in desserts for receptions over the last year or so?
DOWN SOUTH DELIGHTS: One notable trend is the evolution of the groom's cake. Over the years I've seen many grooms have a cake that represented a specific team, hobby, sport's stadium etc. More often than not, most of the groom's cake ends up untouched. Clients are definitely noticing this and now the new groom's option is "his favorite dessert" - whether it is an old fashion icebox lemon pie, blackberry cobbler, strawberry shortcake, or grandma's cookie recipe.
Triple chocolate shots & inside-out blackberry shortcake bites
Small desserts continue in popularity, with dessert shots, mini cobblers, truffles, and ethnic faves such as canollis. Couples want to reflect their heritage more than ever and offer guests a taste of that culture. We are getting numerous requests to replicate an ethnic favorite. This summer we recreated a Mother-of-the-Bride’s Swedish butter cake into a large 4-tier wedding cake complete with the traditional curds on the side for guests to customize their slice.
Pink champagne truffles & dessert shot tower
ABG: Are cupcakes for weddings still popular?
DOWN SOUTH DELIGHTS: The cupcake is still the reigning champ when it comes to alternative sweets at receptions, but brides are opting for classic flavors more than ever. In 2010, cupcake flavor trends were "the more exotic the better", but now the classics are resurfacing. Dark chocolate, vanilla bean, caramel, and spice cupcakes are our most popular for this year.
Classic summer cupcakes
We'll continue this sweet feature tomorrow with 2012 dessert predictions. In the meantime, visit their website (downsouthdelightscatering.com) to find out how they can assist you in adding that special touch to your day.
All images courtesy of Down South Delights.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
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Monday, October 10, 2011
Recently, I talked to Lorie from Crumb de la Crumb to get her thoughts on cakes vs cupcakes. How do couples decide, and what are their options if they go with cupcakes instead of a traditional tiered wedding cake?
ABG: What is the best way for a bride and groom to make the decision between a wedding cake or cupcakes?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: It’s hard to say, some people initially come in and think cupcakes will be cheaper. But once they get cupcakes for every guest, and a small cake to cut, it ends up being pretty close in price so they realize cupcakes won’t necessarily save them a ton of money. It usually comes down to whether or not the couple would like a more traditional look. Cupcakes tend to lend themselves to a much more casual wedding, while a traditional cake is generally preferred for a more elegant event.
ABG: Are cupcakes still a popular option for brides and grooms?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: Yes! I don’t see them going anywhere for a while. Some trends come and go, but I believe this one will stick around. But, when it comes to cake vs cupcakes, you just can’t get the same product out of a cupcake.
ABG: What is the price difference between cupcakes and a cake for a wedding, say for 100 guests?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: If the design chosen for the cupcakes is a simple one, it usually ranges between $50-$100 less than a traditional wedding cake. But it really does depend on the design. If a couple wants something more than just icing, maybe a medallion or an initial on every cupcake, that adds a lot of work to each cupcake which will raise the price. Most of those pieces can be up to $1/each which can add up.
ABG: What kinds of limitations do you have with design on a cupcake versus a cake?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: Cupcakes obviously have a lot less cake to them, which can dry them out faster. Also the design and wow factor is limited because you are working with a much smaller surface. As mentioned before, you can add small design pieces to each cupcake, but that is about as far as it goes.
ABG: You also offer Crumbteenies, right? Tell us about those and when those are a better option than cupcakes.
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: We found that so many brides wanted cupcakes, but a little more dressed up and special. We infuse our cakes with a marinade to keep them moist, add texture, and enhance the flavor. We can’t do that with our cupcakes, so we came up with Crumbteenies! We infuse a regular cake with flavor, which can be a liqueur, fruit flavor, or anything else really. Then we cut the Crumbteenies out of the cake so you get the fullness of the infusion (top to bottom, edge to edge). We then wrap each Crumbteenie in a decorative wrapper that can be customized to match the wedding or event. The flavor far surpasses the flavor we can offer in a cupcake.
ABG: If a couple chooses cupcakes over a traditional wedding cake, are the flavor options typically the same?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: As we mentioned before, with our Crumbteenies we can offer the same flavors as we do for our cakes. And we can also customize flavors depending on the tastes of the bride and groom. We can create cupcakes with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, marble, red velvet and carrot, and can add a filling, but cannot do the infusions.
ABG: What are some popular ways to display cupcakes at a wedding reception?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: This can be a challenge. A lot of people use cupcake towers, which gives the presence of a traditional wedding cake. We have some that we have created that we rent out. Another option is to have plates stacked at different levels on a dessert table.
ABG: What are some options for displaying a “cake topper” if a couple chooses cupcakes?
CRUMB DE LA CRUMB: We find that for almost every couple who gets cupcakes, they also get a 6-inch tier to cut, so they typically put it on that. As a general rule, I’m seeing more often than not that couples skip the cake topper and opt to leave that part of the cake blank or use flowers to decorate it.
All photos courtesy of Crumb de la Crumb.
For more information on what Crumb de la Crumb can do for your wedding or next event, visit their website at crumbdelacrumb.com. And take some time to visit their newly opened café for breakfast or lunch. The Cottage Café is located at 162 Belle Forest Circle, Nashville and is open from 10:30 am – 2 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. They carry delicious food along with some of their Crumb de la Crumb desserts!
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
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