7 Ways to Upgrade Your Wedding Menu

The one thing wedding guests will always remember about your big day? The food! Here, Jess Levin from Carats & Cake asks a few wedding-industry pros to dish on the easiest ways to create a wedding menu that's memorable for all of the right reasons.

By Jess Levin of Carats Schedule and Cake

Image by Christian Oth Studio

Welcome Your Guests Right

"Before the ceremony welcome guests with passed Champagne. The arrival is the first impression of what the night will be like and there is nothing more elegant than a line of servers holding silver trays with Champagne flutes as friends and family enter the reception!"
- Leonardo Lorenzo, Associate Director of Catering at Lotte New York Palace

Choose the Best Champagne

Image by Craig Warga Studio

Create Something Custom

"The days of the meat and potatoes banquet style menu is buried deep within our history books. In order to elevate what you serve, stay away from any preset options and create a bespoke menu that is 100 percent uniquely you."
- Chef Ryan Murphy, Executive Chef, Topping Rose House

Try These Menu Trends

Image by Karlisch Photography

Play with Seasonal Flavors

"Embrace the seasonal foods available. During the fall, offer your guests a warm soup shooter or a made-to-order grilled cheese station during cocktail hour."
- Mary Wright Shah, Owner, Diamond Affairs Weddings and Special Events

Get Comfort Food Ideas

Image by Elizabeth Messina Photography

Replicate a Family Recipe

"Incorporate personal favorites. If you have a favorite family recipe, share it with the catering team prepping your wedding to either have them replicate or re-imagine as a fun way to add a personal touch to your wedding day."
- Allyson Levine Joseph, Executive Event Producer & Vice President of Sales, Bob Gail Special Events

Image courtesy of Thomas Preti Caterers

Think in Pairs

"Create a custom cocktail or wine pairing to serve with each menu course."
- Thomas Preti, Co-Owner/Founder, Thomas Preti Caterers

Delicious Wedding Food Pairs

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel New York

Go Personal

"Your menu should incorporate who you are as a couple, what you like, and where you are from. For example, we have a couple who is originally from Andalusia, Spain so we worked closely with them to design a customized menu that incorporates flavors and concepts from their homeland. We are even creating a Tapas Restaurant experience using the show kitchen with its built-in plancha."
- Mariam Karim, Director of Catering and Conference Services, Four Seasons Hotel New York

Image by Love Ala Photography

End the Night on a Sugar High 

"Play up your dessert with a variety of sweets and mini versions of your favorite treats."
- Jami Pennings, Catering Sales Manager, Wolfgang Puck Catering

5 Things All Guests Love at Winter Weddings

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Photo: Brett & Tori Photographers
 

There's nothing like cozy winter nuptials in a snow-covered locale, but if you're planning a winter wedding, there are a few extra things you may want to add to your guest list so that you can keep your guests happy, and warm, during your celebration. Whether you are hosting your wedding in a place known for its freezing temperatures or a place with more mild weather, here are five things your guests will want to have at your winter wedding.

1. An Outdoor Fire Pit
If your venue allows it, having an outdoor fire pit is a great late-night pow-wow spot for your guests. They can head there with their post-reception coffee or even a final drink from the open bar while the wedding reception is winding down.

2. An Indoor Spot
Having an outdoor wedding in the winter may be something you've always dreamed of, and if so, it's important to also have an indoor alternative. Even if you have a heated, tented reception, having an indoor spot attached to it that people can go into to get warm if it's freezing or snowing out is key.

3. Hot Beverages
In addition to an open bar, it may be a good idea to have a coffee and hot chocolate bar open all night. That way guests can grab a warm beverage when they are feeling a bit too cold.


4. DIY S'Mores
If you're getting married in the winter and are looking for a fun dessert to serve, a DIY S'more Bar is always a hit. This is a great addition to a fire pit — if allowed.

5. Shawls or Blankets
An extra-added layer of comfort throughout the night is essential when keeping warm and cozy! Some guests may be colder than others, so having a pile of extra shawls and blankets for them to grab is a nice touch.

7 Fall Date Ideas That'll Have You Fall-ing (Get It?) in Love All Over Again

Photo: Getty Images
 

Your bathing suit is packed away and your summer vacation is long gone, but the passion that comes with summer love doesn't have to end. Whether you're headed out for a first date, or have been married for years, these fall date ideas are the perfect way to celebrate the seasonal weather and get that lovin' feeling. That's because each one of these date ideas is supported by science! (We're nerds, we know.)

As a couples therapist and dating coach, I help couples increase their relationship satisfaction by implementing a more strategic dating life. Capitalizing on love research to get the most out of your date night is a surefire way to have a hot and thriving love life. So, if you need more romance in your relationship and are stumped on finding new activities, try one of these seasonal date ideas.

Leaf Peeping
Ogle the bright red, yellow, and orange leaves as you stroll hand in hand through a local park, or better yet, go on a hike that gets you out of the city and into nature. Exercise and exploring the unknown activates the pleasure system in your brain and releases dopamine, the chemical that gives makes you feel good and exhilarated.

Apple Picking
Pick a sunshiny beautiful day to frolic in the orchards together, canoodle behind a tree, and help each other reach the highest bunches. Plus, sunlight makes you happy, so soak it up before you go into winter hibernation mode.

Pumpkin Carving
You may be too old to go trick or treating, but you're never too old to carve a pumpkin! Enjoy a little flirtatious competition: whoever creates the best pumpkin masterpiece wins something (wink wink)! Plus, being creative allows you to relax, and activates parts of the brain associated with emotional responses and the release of dopamine.

Haunted House
Boo! Jump into each other's arms as you're startled and reap the benefits — surprise activates the reward center in your brain. Going on a date with an element of surprise, risk and excitement can help you rekindle the romance.


Corn Maze
This is the perfect opportunity for teamwork! Does your partner listen to your ideas, get angry when you wind up in a dead end, or praise you for your great sense of direction? Negative communication patterns, such as criticism or defensiveness have been shown to lead to breakups and divorce, so make sure you support each other.

Cozy Picnic
Bust out the basket and plaid blanket! Just make sure to touch or snuggle up as you enjoy your wine and cheese. Physical touch is not only a popular love language, but it's also a way we communicate our emotions, such as love, gratitude and happiness.

Halloween Costume Shopping
Head to a costume shop or thrift store and laugh together as you try on some whacky outfits. Laughing and smiling cause the brain to release dopamine, making you feel happy. Plus, eHamony found that a sense of humor is the most desirable quality in a partner, so let lose and reconnect. You may just feel the same spark that initially attracted you to each other.
Ultimately, boredom is the silent relationship killer. Prioritize your partner, date your mate and take advantage of all of the fun activities the fall season has to offer. There are so many creative ways to boost connection, intimacy and happiness in your relationship. Just remember you have to mix things up to (pumpkin) spice things up!

12 Tiny Wedding Treats That Will Satisfy Big-Time

Let’s face the facts – your guests are probably just as excited to know what’s going to be on the menu as they are to see you walk down the aisle. That being said, it is important to pay careful attention to your wedding day dishes! Right now, we are loving the idea of mini food items that will not only look adorable but also taste amazing too! We did some serious brainstorming and came up with a list of our top 12 favorite tiny yet undeniably tasty treats. Enjoy!

1. Fun-Sized French Fry Cones
Your guests will love feasting on these salty snacks between frequent trips to the dance floor. We like to think of it as fast-food service without the guilt!  
Photo by Jose Villa; Catering by The Food Matters
 
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Food by Real Food Catering
2. Petite Pancakes
Breakfast is a good idea at any time of day! These bite-sized breakfast plates are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.  
Photo by Ifong Chen; Food by Feast Catering Company
 
Photo by Moncrief Photography
3. Chicken & Waffle Sliders 
We know, it might sound a bit bold, but trust us – this salty and sweet appetizer is going to be a hit! Mini chicken tenders sandwiched in between crispy waffles and drizzled with warm syrup… Yum!  
Photo by The Reason Photography; Catering by Fancy Girl Table
 
Recipe by Food Folks & Fun
4. Tiny Tossed Salads
For guests who would opt for a healthier meal, these little salads will be legendary. Toss them with your favorite dressing and voila!  
Recipe by My Baking Addiction
 
Photo by Maggie Russo Photo; Styling by Saradest
5. Mini Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes, bacon bits, cheese, and sour cream - need we say more? These classic martini glasses have been transformed into everyone’s favorite comfort food delight.
6. Baby Shrimp Cocktails
The colors of this dish are so eye-catching! An individual order of shrimp cocktail is simple and seamless, so guests can munch as they mingle.  
Photo by Lauren Kinsey Photography
 
Courtesy by Joe and Sue
7. Teeny Grilled Cheeses 
Bring your guests back to their good old childhood days with these teeny grilled cheeses - and keep ‘em coming!   
Photo by Kelly Dillon Photography

8. Simple Spaghetti Twists
You can’t go wrong with this Italian classic. These spaghetti sticks are easy to make and even easier to love
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Recipe by Dallas News
9. Tiny Seven Layer Dips
Tacos are a definite crowd pleaser! This mini dish will be just the right amount to hold your guests over during cocktail hour before the reception begins.
 
Recipe by Pink Pistachio
10. Beer & Burger Bites
For a heartier passed appetizer, burger sliders and beer are the perfect addition. Grab them while they’re fresh because these are sure to go fast!
 
Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie
 
Photo by Tara McMullen; Catering by Food Dudes
11. Loaded Cheese Ball Poppers 
These delicious balls of cheese mixed with bacon, scallion, and diced walnuts will leave your guests craving them weeks after the wedding! 
Recipe by Five Heart Home
12. Little Apple & Cinnamon Cider Cups  
Flawless for a fall wedding – these cups of cider made from hollowed-out miniature apples will spice things up and can be served before or after dinner.   Photo by Best Photography

Wedding Trend We Love: Single-Bloom Bridesmaid Bouquets

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Photo: M.K. Sadler Photography

For a chic (and way more affordable!) alternative to a full bouquet, why not send your bridesmaids down the aisle carrying a single, striking bloom? Drop-dead gorgeous flowers like peonies, garden roses, and dahlias command attention on their own, so there's no need for extra embellishments. These six examples of single flower bridesmaid bouquets help prove our point.

Magnolia (above): A single creamy-white magnolia blossom paired with a sprig of leaves is so classic and chic.



Photo: Picotte Photography

Coral Charm Peony: Instead of a full bouquet, pair a pale-pink bridesmaid dress with a bright-pink peony.



Photo: Josh Gruetzmacher

Garden Rose: A pretty Juliet garden rose is such a romantic bloom to carry down the aisle.



Photo: Diana Marie Photography

White Peony: You can never go wrong with classic white. Case in point: this crisp-white peony, which looks perfectly elegant all on its own.



Photo: Brittrene Photography

Dahlia: A single, densely petaled dahlia is a stunning choice for your attendants.



Photo: Emily Weis Photography

White Rose: Mix in some greens and berries to complement a beautiful white rose.

14 Colorful Engagement Rings For Brides Who Want To Stand Out

A white diamond engagement ring is classic, but a colorful stone allows the bride to really show her true colors.

Below, we’ve collected 14 vibrant, sparkly rings in every color of the rainbow.

1

SlowackJewelry via Etsy

Buy it here. 

2

LaMoreDesign via Etsy

Buy it here. 

3

EidelPrecious via Etsy

Buy it here. 

4

LaMoreDesign via Etsy

Buy it here. 

5

RareEarth via Etsy

Buy it here. 

6

Erstwhile

Buy it here. 

7

Anna Sheffield

Buy it here. 

8

PenelliBelle via Etsy

Buy it here. 

9

Trumpet and Horn (Claire Pettibone Fine Jewelry Collection)

Buy it here. 

10

LaMoreDesign via Etsy

Buy it here. 

11

Anna Sheffield

Buy it here. 

12

louisagallery via Etsy

Buy it here. 

13

EidelPrecious via Etsy

Buy it here.

14

Trabert Goldsmiths via Instagram
Buy it here.