When Choosing Your Menu

In the Indian culture, food is not only an integral part during a wedding, but for every occasion as well.  And since a wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life, they make sure the food is nothing less than delicious and grand.  Traditionally the food is chosen by the bride’s parents and sometimes with the approval of the groom’s parents as well.  There are many courses during the reception, and depending where the couple is from in India, this will determine exactly what will be served.  Also, there is many different ways to serve your food such as buffet and family serving style, and there is many ways to have it prepared including a chef or a caterer.   Whatever it may be, guests will enjoy the spices, the flavors, and most importantly the sweets on this momentous occasion.

Foods Intertwine with Location

            Depending on where you and your family are from, this affects what to serve on your big day.  Even though modern Indian brides are stretching away from these food traditions, there is still an element of where their family originated.  Here, I am going to break down the different locations in India and some suggestions on what to serve to your guests.

            North

During an Indian wedding where the couple’s families are from North India, you can expect to find luxurious options of food.  Guests are served finger foods, coffee, soups and even liquor before the main feast.  Some meals may include chicken, mixed vegetables, and Pulao which is a mixture of meat and rice.

West

Those who are from West India tend to be more on the traditional side.  The meal is usually vegetarian, which includes buttermilk, rice, paan and Kadhi.  Kadhi is a blend of rice, heavy gravy and vegetables.

East

Indian weddings that are based off of Eastern India traditions combine both the North and the West.  Guests start out with finger foods and drinks, and then are served both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.  This is also served with rice which is their main highlight.

South

Southern Indian weddings start early and end early.  The ceremony is in the morning and the main course is served during lunch hours.  They try and stay with natural foods such as rice and vegetables.  Traditionally this meal is served to guests while they are sitting on the floor, but over the years most have eliminated this tradition. 

Sweets

            I have been to many Indian weddings, and the sweet table seems to be what everyone looks forward to.  Not only are sweets absolutely delicious, but they also help to ease the spicy taste of the meal.  There are some sweets that are chosen because of the family’s heritage but, the seasonal sweets and ice cream are welcomed by all walks of life due to their universal popularity.  This year we have seen Mango ice cream and Chiroti Rava Rotti being ordered a majority of the time.  Chiroti is a flaky pastry that is wonderful served with Almond milk.  Everyone has a sweet tooth, and with any Indian dessert you decide to serve, you will be sure to make everyone satisfied. 

No matter where you and your families are from, all kinds of Indian food tastes unbelievable.  The combination of the spectacular flavors and the bold spices really make Indian food one of a kind and something everyone can enjoy.  When choosing your menu, even though it is your day, try and remember to include your family’s traditions because this will be very important to generations before you.  After everything that goes on before dinner, you can sit down, relax and have a remarkable meal that everyone will remember.    

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Is Mini the NEW Big Trend?

           No one can argue that food is one of the most important parts at a wedding.  It is something that can set your wedding apart from others.  The big trend in 2012 is to have mini foods in all parts of the big day.  Whether it is during the cocktail hour, the reception, or the after hours, brides everywhere have been incorporating mini foods in a fun and creative way.  From mini pies and sliders to dessert shooters and mini cocktails, mini foods have been trending and we believe is a cute idea that is easy for your guests to eat and pretty easy on the budget.

            Examples of mini foods that have been used at previous weddings can go on and on.  Depending on the vibe you were desiring for your wedding, there are many great and unique choices out there for any type of event.  During the cocktail hour choices range from little salt-rimmed margaritas and mini coca cola bottles to blueberry martini jello shots and mini crab cakes.  For the reception dinner, couples can choose to have mini steaks to mini meatballs with a small spaghetti portion on top.  The cake can also be miniaturized by serving mini cupcakes or small individual cakes for each guest.  And for those who are having late night wedding receptions and want to serve after hours snacks, the variety does not have an end.  Mini tacos, sliders, bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches, and espresso shots topped with mini doughnuts are just to name a few.  Basically, if you dream it, it can be miniaturized. 

 

            Saving money never hurts right?  Well whether you serve mini delights in a buffet setup or have it served butler style on trays, mini foods are a very creative and less expensive way to feed you and your guests. They also allow a maximum assortment of different foods and flavors into your menu that can satisfy anyone’s appetite.  Mini foods also can easily incorporate cultural foods and traditions into the special day.  Whatever the reason and the use of these tiny treats, this unique style of food can be a focal point and conversation starter at any wedding event.     

BBFN ( Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Menu Planning

Nothing is more important than serving your guests delicious Indian food at an Indian wedding, and plenty of it. Wedding feast is a grand and extravagant affair. There are three things that guests take away from the event: floralscape, service and food. No South Asian wedding is complete without serving delicious samosa, paneer tikka, chicken makhani and yummy gulab jamun.

The toughest part of planning the celebration feast is choosing which types of Indian cuisine to serve, offering regional variety on the menu for the multiple days of your “Big Fat Indian Wedding”. With increasing numbers of bi-cultural weddings, couples looking to find modern fusion Indian food, and their parents looking for the traditional it is no surprise that couples find themselves at multiple tastings and adding a few pounds to their waistlines. In the end you will find the meal you have selected will be enjoyed by young and old, modern and traditionalist.


Here are our tips when selecting your wedding reception meal:

Appetizer:
These days the length of the cocktail reception can range from 11/2 to 2hrs. If you are facing a long reception it is a good idea to offer variety of selections to your guest. Hosting a chaat station such as Kachori Chaat or Mangoe Dal Chaat can keep your guests engaged. Butler passing of 2 vegetarian and 1 or 2 non-vegetarian items is also a good idea. Set up a buffet station or Tawa station to showcase items such as grilled paneer with peppers and onions, or Kaati Kabob rolled in tawa paratha.

The Main Course:
Most families will struggle when deciding the style of service they would like to select for dinner. Buffet can be a safe option, with limitless choices of entrée selection, whereas sit down service brings the formal celebration to the dining experience but does limit the selection.

If selecting buffet, offering 3 vegetarian selections, 2 non-vegetarian, 2 rice, mixed bread and 3 desserts is a stand option. If you are looking for a modern touch to the sit down service, create a multiple course selection. Offer soup as a first course and follow it with a hearty salad duet including an Indian appetizer, family style bowls of entrée can follow the main course and the grand finale to such a grand meal is to present a trio of mini Indian desserts.

Check with your venue if they will allow the caterer to prepare fresh tandoor naan or tandoor meats on site.

Just Desserts:
This is where you can let your creativity take over. Indians are not known for their desserts but there are combinations of desserts that can be finger licking good. How about chef frying fresh jalebis and serving it with rabadi? Or how does hot tawa of pineapple, badam and gajjar halwa sound with a scoop of lychee or orange ice-cream? Call it a Hot A La Mode. Do you want to set the place on fire? Then you must try gulab jamun Flambé, if you have never had it you are truly missing out.


No matter what your selection, selecting the caterer that can deliver innovative and quality product is a must. Food is one place that no sacrifice must be made. Guests are always happy with the basic but if you are going to WOW them, make sure to select some items that keep the true ethnic flair.

Bon Appétit

Style File

Bridal trends are always changing and adapting to today's bridal couples. Here are some of the hot trends we're seeing as we get ready to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011:

Design Studio
Mandap a Trendy Transformation

A wood craved mandap speaks of culture and tradition. But in 2010, a contemporary design will be influenced in creating mandap designs. Our Creative Director, Tina Marie, tells us taht fabric transformation with modern elegance will definitely be seen more in the upcoming years. Brides are looking for the non-traditional look, at the same time respecting their heritage and religious representation. The newest "Glitterati" mandap at Oliveaire was designed specially to cater to the progressive chic brides. With a fabric canopy, crystal columns and raining orchids it will create the glamour and opulence of a dream wedding. Brides are choosing bold colors and styles that are beyond the traditional red, orange and white. We have created mandaps that are semi-customizable allowing the bride the luxury to select her fabric colors with a mix and match palette.

Mandap’s that are transformed with flowing fabrics and flowers, with a touch of bling, will be the fashion trend for upcoming nuptials. Indian weddings are fashion forward and can push the boundaries of creativity. Floral Designers are inspired to create a one of a kind ceremonial ground that will speak to the bride and groom's personality. Branding your mandap is the trend for upcoming weddings, as Brides add flair and signature essence to their Big day.


Fashion
Dressing your man

When it comes to wedding fashion, grooms are definitely overlooked. A much deserved hub-bub is showered on the Princess bride and her trousseau, but sadly enough not as much on the Prince. The fashion world is in tune with men’s clothing now more than ever before. Top Indian designers Manish Malhotra, Neeta Lulla, Manish Arora and Rocky S are few that tailor to the modernized blend of Indian and Western fashion.

Brides, don’t you want your groom to look debonair standing next to you? Be sure to complement your bridal collection to his stylish cut Sherwani accessorized with paagris (head wear), moojris (footwear) and dupatta (scarves). Style up your man as he is the Prince Charming you have waited for.


Photo Credit to R.E.M. Photography

For the men’s only fashion visit amara, undoubtedly stylish and chic in menswear or visit Bargello, an online Indian boutique that caterers to all your fashion needs.

Planning Tip
Set up time

Prior to designing your floral décor, check with the venue on the access to your ballroom space. If you have an elaborate set up, or the vendor is limited on staff, it may require more than two hours of set up time (which is the typical time allowed by busy venues). Setting up a mandap, backdrop and aisle ware can take as much as 4 to 6 hours.


Food
Progressive Modern Fusion Indian Cuisine

The next generation of Indian cuisine, with artistic presentation, has finally arrived. The biggest complaint about making Indian food modern or stylish is the sacrifice of the ethnic taste. Serving only one course of plated Indian meal pales in comparison to the lavish buffets that can be offered at weddings. At Oliveaire we have partnered with Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine and Phil Stefani Signature Events to serve traditional Indian cuisine, with an artistic presentation.


A heavenly six courses of culinary experience, with course after course that will wow the most discerning palate has taken center stage. If a bridal couple is looking to be trendsetters and definitely fall onto the foodie group, this Indian Fusion menu was made for you.

Cheers!