When our customers come to us looking for Dallas event catering they often have a lot of questions. We thought we’d take some time to answer your most burning questions when it comes to your wedding menu.

Is it necessary to serve hors d’oeuvres at the cocktail hour?

We don’t recommend serving alcohol to your guests on an empty stomach without offering some snacks, trust us. Offering a few light bites sets the tone for the rest of the evening. However, if your cocktail hour is less than 30 min or you’re serving non-alcoholic beverages you might be able to do that.

What are some fun and unique foods I can serve at cocktail hour?

Great question. Check out our fun hors d’oeuvres post for some great ideas.

Do I have to have a vegetarian, gluten-free option, dairy-free or vegan option on the menu?

It’s almost impossible to accommodate every dietary restriction, however it’s pretty easy to accommodate most diets at little or no additional cost to you.  The easiest thing for you to do is label any allergens in the food and leave a spot on the RSVP card for guests to note their restrictions.

What foods should I avoid serving?

In general many people don’t like fish or spicy foods so we suggest not serving it as a main course unless you’re giving guests a choice of entrée. Also avoid messy foods like lobster or crab so guests don’t have to worry about the potential of staining their clothes. And finally, think about the season. Pipping soup doesn’t make a lot of sense

As a Dallas caterer, we know everyone has their own preferences for what tastes good. One crowd pleaser that’s taking the catering world by storm is DIY food stations. This build-your-own style of serving allows your guests to pick and choose their favorite toppings. Here are some ideas for your own do it yourself bars.

Bruschetta Bar

Brimming with seasonal produce, cured meats, and cheeses, this build-your-own bruschetta bar is perfect for keeping your guests well fed and entertained. The set-up is simple and the possibilities are endless!

Bagel Bar

Move over donuts – bagels are a healthy option for your brunch reception or post-wedding brunch. Serve fresh mini bagels and traditional accompaniments like cream cheeses, smoked salmon, capers, herbs, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Trail Mix Bar

Even if you want to have a seated dinner you can still have a DIY snack bar filled with your favorite dried fruits, seeds, nuts, pretzels, granolas and candies. We’ll make sure your bar stays stocked and is easy to grab and go so that your guests can get back to the party quickly. Pro tip. Give guests their own custom bags to make their own mixes to take home as favors.

Salad Bar

Trying to accommodate different dietary restrictions? Try a salad bar. We can serve your favorite greens from romaine, spinach, arugula, as well as tons of different toppings form cubed turkey, ham, chicken, olives, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, shredded cheese, kidney beans, peas and more. We can also serve potato salads, pasta salads, and bean salads. We also recommend providing fresh fruits for any kids attending your wedding (their parents will love you forever).

Event Catering in Dallas

Event catering in Dallas offers many unique service styles to best compliment your event. However, many event hosts are not aware of all the different options out there. For example, would your event benefit more from a hand style service or plated service? If you’re not sure, no problem. We’re here to clear up the confusion about our different service styles.

Table Displays & Hours d’ Oeuvres

Guests usually stand and eat light foods from a buffet-style table. Sometimes referred to as “walk and talk”. These foods should be easy to eat standing up and not require utensils. This can also be done for desert displays.

Passed Hours d’ Oeuvres

Guests serve themselves using cocktail napkins. This is usually an inexpensive choice for couples who want to give guests a light snack and service. This style is only appropriate for finger food dishes that are not messy.

Buffet & Themed Dining

Food arranged on a table, so guests can move along the buffet line and serve themselves. Typically, guests take their plates back to their tables.

Action Stations

Similar to a buffet but the Chefs prepare and serve the food at the table, rather than in the kitchen. Sometimes called “Performance Stations” or “Exhibition”.

Family Style

Large serving platters are set on the table by servers. Guests help themselves from a lazy-suzan or pass the food around to one another.

When looking for Dallas wedding catering have you ever wanted to try something different from the typical seated dinner? A wedding without a seated dinner, however, is not necessarily a wedding without food—but removing a traditional, seated dinner leaves you with endless possibilities.

Dessert Reception

If you and your fiancé have a sweet tooth consider a dessert reception. We have a lot of stunning dessert presentations from shortcake buffets to cheesecake martini bars. If something is not on our menu, just ask and we will be happy to create your own custom dessert bar.  Side note, if you do opt for a dessert only reception just make sure to let everyone know beforehand and give your guests time to eat before heading to the wedding.

Brunch

Want to still serve a meal but not dinner? Try a brunch reception. We’ve written several other posts on ideas on what serve at brunch, check them out here.

Buffet

If you’d still like to serve dinner then a buffet may be the best option. These self serve stations allow guests to pick and choose what they want as well as mingle with other guests not just at one table. Just make sure to have some seating and cocktail tables for people who want to sit or put their food and drinks down.

There’s a reason we are known as the best Dallas wedding caterer. It’s because we know all the tips and tricks to elevate your wedding day bar without spending a fortune and still create some pretty tasty beverages along the way.

Personalize It

A full bar can be costly, but a great way to cut costs are to create signature cocktails. Guests will love sipping on a “Bloody Marry Me” or a “Something Blue”.

Go Local

Choosing local is a great budget friendly option and also makes for a unique drinking experience. With so many local breweries and wineries in the area your guests will be able to take a trip through DFW with their taste buds.

Spice it Up

Similarly consider what products are in season and can be utilized in your cocktails. Fresh herbs can add a bright twist to most drinks. Rosemary is great for the summer and Mint in the winter.

Floats

Cocktails have become a work of art, from layered drinks to intricate designs dropped into egg white foam. These can be difficult and expensive to replicate in bulk and still get a drink in everyone’s hand quickly. However including simple garnishes and liquid floats can still add that wow factor at a fraction of the cost.