For many, a rustic wedding can be a fairy tale brought to life — complete with stunning scenery.
Few elements, besides the beauty surrounding you, will help set the mood for your country wedding more than the food you provide.
Not only can you create a feast for the senses with your dishes’ flavors and aromas, but also, food has the power to evoke positive memories and even emotional responses. This is especially true for a rustic wedding, where comfort foods are natural menu choices.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a few ideas to help inspire you.
Take a Fresh Approach
If you’re getting married in a rural setting, where food is grown, it makes perfect sense to incorporate fresh, seasonal fruit and veggies into your menu. Not only will they augment the country feel of your celebration, but they’ll also be at their flavorful best for you and your guests.
Here in Texas, spring and summer produce includes apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, peaches, sweet peppers, and tomatoes.
In the fall and winter, beets, cauliflower, honeydew, and pecans are among the seasonal choices.
Embrace Comfort Foods
In a setting of mason jars, barrels, and cute signage, comfort foods fit right in. And, as I mentioned, these selections can contribute greatly to the sense of warmth and home associated with rustic weddings.
Your caterer should be able to offer you a wide range of choices. A few recommendations:
Bring in holiday favorites like deviled eggs, ham, and whipped sweet potatoes with marshmallows.
Go Southern: Try shrimp and grits, fried okra, or barbecue. You still can offer guests vegetarian options like macaroni and cheese or oven-roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Another possibility: offer yummy, homestyle breakfast foods like chicken and waffles sliders, bacon, sausage, and biscuits.
You can continue this theme with your desserts, from mini-fruit pies to devil’s food cake.
And, one of the most popular dessert trends we’re seeing these days, donuts, are one of life’s greatest comfort foods.
Care for a Cool Drink?
Depending on your venue, you should be able to complement your rustic theme with creative beverage and bar choices.
Iced tea is a rustic wedding staple, and you can always add special touches, from your choice of glassware to adding fruit.
Other popular choices include mint julep, hard lemonade or cider, beer, and mojitos with fresh fruit and mint leaves.
And, going back to the theme of fresh, seasonal choices, why not buy local, too, and offer some wines from a local vineyard? If you’re getting married in Texas, you have a wealth of choices.
I recommend setting aside some time to talk and brainstorm with your caterer. With their help, you’ll be able to weave even more magic into your fairytale day.
About the Author:
Roger Igo is the founder and CEO of special events venue, The Bell Tower on 34th, along with Houston catering service Excellent Events, and research resource, Venues in Houston. He is the author of “Keep On Going, The History of The Bell Tower on 34th,” a former radio host, a graduate of CEO Space International, and an alumnus of The Disney Institute.
