All about The Tasting!

Today's post is a subject that's near and dear to our hearts and all of our client's: food! Over the years we have had the incredible opportunity to taste some delicious bites by the best in the business!  Many of our couples and their families are very curious from the beginning how to plan their wedding menus, and how the tasting process all works.  We consulted with the exceptionally talented and kind Chef Robert Wysong at Colleton River Plantation Club, to bring you exactly what you should expect at your highly anticipated food tasting! 

(Photo by Landon Jacob Productions) 

How on earth do you choose your wedding reception menu? 
The first step in planning your wedding day menu (and a few weeks before the tasting) is  to review those catering menus! For example at Colleton River Plantation Club, Erica and of course, Amanda at Spencer Special Events will share with you the pages and pages of menu ideas.  From hors d'oeuvres to salads, plated entrees to party stations, pastries and desserts to late night party snacks, there are hundreds of options from which to choose.  We can help steer you in a direction based on style, tastes, and feel you are looking for with your cuisine, you are also encouraged to brain storm with your family and share any ideas of your own! 

We can also help recommend the right style of catering based on your size of wedding. At Colleton River Plantation Club with parties of 120-150, dishes can be prepared a la minute. They are cooked, plated and finished right before it reaches your table.  For larger parties, the Chef can recommend particular menu items that are cooked and designed to perfection before they reach your plate, too! 

Once you have narrowed down your selection, we will work with you and the catering manager to plan your tasting, which is such an incredibly exciting day! You are truly in for a culinary treat.  Make sure you don't eat before you come, and prepare to sit back in a private dining room, have a glass of wine or beer, and just relax.  You will receive a printed menu of what's being served.  We will give you a pen and make sure to take notes!  This day is truly a preview of the service and food you can expect on your wedding day, and a great opportunity to make it yours. 

How much food do you get at the tasting? 

Typically for the tasting, families select anywhere between 5, 8 or 10 hors d'ouevres to try. In the hors d'ouevres portion of the tasting, each person gets one bite (no sharing necessary!)  For salads, you can expect to see three different options and depending on how many people are at the tasting, you'll likely share a salad.  For your entree, the Chef will generally prepare three options from which to choose.  If there are 4 people at the tasting, Chef Robert will prepare two of each dish.  This is enough to really taste and see how the food is presented and not so much that you are eating three entrees (after salads and hors d'ouevres.) 

If you are interested in pastries, decadent desserts, or late night snacks, Chef Robert will also bring them out to you to see and taste. He's serving fantastic shoe string truffle french fries, mini buffalo chicken sandwiches on brioche bread, mini cheese steak sandwiches,  milk shake shooters, cronuts and so many other fun late night treats! Though you may be incredibly full, this is a fun addition to your tasting and usually a favorite for the groom! 

Here are a few of Chef Robert Wysong's amazing creations! Photos by Landon Jacob Productions. 

Cost

At Colleton River Plantation, the cost of the bride and groom to taste the food is included in your venue package but this will vary depending on where your reception is being held. Additional family members or friends are welcome but oftenbilled per person by the food item, and are included in your final food costs on the day of the wedding.  Your tasting is a small investment for a big portion of your big day! 

Special Requests

Be sure to take good notes at the tasting and give us your feedback immediately, or a few days after your tasting, too.  Chef Robert is very accomodating and feels strongly that it's "your day." If you have special requests or menu suggestions, he's truly happy to work that into your menu.  Also before and after your tasting is a great time to bring up allergies, dietary restrictions of your guests, or needs for vegan/vegetarian options.  Colleton River Plantation Club takes those requests seriously and does all that they can to make sure each guest leaves feeling more than satisfied! 

Food Ideas

Chef Robert Wysong is truly an artist when it comes to his food. He shared with us some of his recent works of art that we just had to share in these behind the scenes snapshots! Review the catering menus, work with us at Spencer Special Events, and brainstorm what you'd like to have on YOUR big day! 

We hope these have given you some great ideas and information about what to expect on your wedding menu tasting.  Bon Appétit!