Southern Hospitality

One aspect of our wedding that is so important to Phil and I is our guest experience, and in particular, the atmosphere of hospitality we intend to create. It involves a lot of forethought and moving parts, but at the end of the day, what we want to remember is what it felt like to be surrounded by love and happiness on our wedding day.

We are planning a constant flow of food and drink. We are so focused on feeding our guests that our initial menu design meeting with our caterer turned into a list of about 60 must-have items! Thank goodness she is patient! We can’t help it, we just love food.

The day will begin and end with munchies. None of our guests will have to look at their watches with empty stomachs growling during the ceremony. We are inviting them to arrive at the outdoor ceremony site (in February!) 30 minutes before the processional begins to enjoy a warm beverage bar, hot soups and grilled cheeses. Casual conversations, reunions and a few relaxed moments between family and friends will provide the perfect start to a warm, full-bellied, intimate evening.

As our guests walk through the red double doors into the marbled hall of the Carillon, they will be served Prosecco with simply the cutest gold pom pom drink stirrers. (Side note: my family was thrilled when I sprung craft night on them over the holidays!). Food will be butler passed throughout the entire night – even during dinner. No one is leaving our wedding hungry.

Rather than boring, lackluster jazz or sleepy classical, the band will kick off a high energy set right at the start of cocktail hour. Our goal is to get our guests on that dance floor before dinner is served. The meal service is family style with a twist. A few options will be placed on the table for all to share while staff will continue to butler heartier portions of food. Everywhere you turn you can expect an edible surprise!

Even in the weeks leading up to our big day, we are still refining the menu. You may be saying to yourself “I totally get that” or maybe you’re floored by our food-focused wedding mentality. Maybe the thought of floor-to-ceiling, gigantic, elaborate centerpieces makes you melt the way the idea of over-the-top hospitality and our favorite gastronomic treats turn us weak in the knees. Your couple personality and wedding priorities will dictate how you choose to wow your guests – just keep their happiness and comfort foremost in your mind and your wedding, like ours, is destined to be a celebration no one will forget!