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The Citizen, 2015-02-26, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015. Follow the trends as wedding cuisine evolves MS –Once a couple has officially tied the knot, the newly-recognized man and wife and all of their guests will retire to a party room where they can mingle, dance and enjoy a good meal. In the past, standard fare like prime rib and roasted chicken dominated wedding menus. But today’s weddings cater to people of various culinary tastes, and couples and their guests can expect more upscale and creative cuisine to be rolled out for wedding receptions. The following are a handful of the more popular trends with regard to wedding cuisine. • Miniature bites: Many people say good things come in small packages, and when it comes to miniature versions of favourite foods, they may be right. Instead of large meals that fill guests up fast, they can munch on smaller bites of their favourite dishes. How about a piece of meatloaf topped with whipped mashed potatoes? A cherry tomato with a small piece of mozzarella cheese makes a mini caprese salad. Turning favourite foods into bite-sized adventures can add a touch of whimsy to the reception. • Breakfast for dinner: Some couples are circumventing high price tags for their weddings by choosing to hold the festivities at less expensive times of day. Brunch- themed weddings are a big hit with those who would much rather dine on a stack of pancakes than a dish of pasta. Omelet stations, croissants and a bevy of other breakfast table fare can be enjoyed any time of the day. • Dim sum: Dim sum allows guests to sample different foods without filling up. Carts of dumplings and other small plates of appetizers can be wheeled around so everyone can choose what they want and what they want to avoid. • Gourmet comfort food: People love familiar comfort foods, but now gourmet comfort foods are shaking up wedding receptions. Mac-and- cheese with gouda and brie or chicken pot pie with a puff-pastry crust are a few offerings that can add glamour to down-home cooking. • Food with a show: Instead of passed foods or buffet stations, couples are opting to make food an experience for guests. An oyster bar with a chef serving fresh seafood or a dessert master whipping up flambé is a feast for the eyes and mouth. • Interesting buffet stations: Keep guests on their toes with various meal stations. A bountiful display of artisanal cheeses, fruits and breads will be a cheese lover’s dream. These stations also can be appetizing focal points around the room and ensure all guests get a bite of what they like best. • Family style:Rustic and informal weddings have grown in popularity. Rather than food being brought to the guests or participants lining up in buffet lines, family-style dining allows guests to share conversation and pass the peas at the same time. Larger, rectangular tables allow more guests to sit with one another and serve themselves food from community plates located in Continued from page 13 photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the site of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photoshoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that’s a little more meaningful. In addition, a photoshoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array of shots than a studio photoshoot is likely to deliver. • Don’t forget candid shots. Candid shots make the photoshoot more fun and loosen couples up a little bit. Many engagement photos will never be seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple he or she is shooting, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road. Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result. An engagement photoshoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things. 519-527-0555 866-363-8846 A beautiful bride deserves some of the most beautiful flowers available. Accentuate your special day with the freshest and finest bridal bouquets, ceremony arrangements and reception florals. We’re committed to creating displays that suit your style and your budget beautifully. 17 Main St., Seaforth www.bloomsnrooms.com Blooms for Brides 519-367-5403 www.mildmaytentrental.ca Make it Memorable — Make it Mildmay Tent Rental Serving Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth & Wellington Counties • Wedding Tents • Party Tents • Tables & Chairs • Dance Floor • Dinnerware • Linens and more Over 27 years experience with small, intimate or grand weddings Visit our n e w showroom 2015 Wedding Showcase Changing times While some may prefer the traditional path to a wedding dinner, there are new horizons that other couples may choose to explore as well and both have their advantages. (MS photo) Personalize your photos Continued on page 19