Wedding Wednesday's - miniature reception food

Prior to getting engaged, I had a vision of my wedding. I want the reception to be fun, exciting and unique. I have planned my fair share of large corporate events. Prior to getting this ring on my finger, I swore the movie 27 dresses was written after my life story. With my background in event planning and "always the bridesmaid" experience, I know a thing or two about throwing a great party. We will not have a plated dinner at our reception. Instead, we will have multiple food stations, plenty filled with miniature sized portions of our favorite foods.

One great thing about miniature portions is that you can add a miniature cocktail to pair with it. Mini grilled cheese paired with bloody mary gazpacho shooters, sliders paired with an mini boozy milkshake, mini hot dogs with gourmet toppings paired with a 3 oz pour of craft beer, miniature cuban sandwiches paired with a spiked cafe con leche. I could go on and on.

Since we are getting married in New Orleans, my initial concept has changed to reflect Cajun cuisine. Prior to the destination wedding decision, we knew there was one must have item on our mini wedding menu - miniature Maine Lobster Rolls. I went to a tasting at Datz Tampa catered by Dazzle that actually had mini Maine Lobster Rolls on the menu. Not to fear, these will absolutely be incorporated at our engagement party. 

Lobster Rolls from Dazzle by Datz

In my search for amazing miniature foods, I found an incredible caterer named Peter Callahan who has published the book Bite By Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party. His artistic approach on catering is right up my alley. I couldn't write this post without sharing some of his amazing vision! (I am so ordering this book for our next dinner party).

Original Burgers + Fries {Ross Whitaker}

Crispy Oysters + Bloody Mary  {Mel Barlow}

Mini Fried Chicken + Mini Rum and Coke {Mel Barlow}

Pigs in a Blanket Two Ways {Ross Whitaker}

Mini American Hot Dogs {Con Poulos}

Cod Fish Tacos {Con Poulos}

Short Rib Sliders with Bourbon {Mel Barlow}

Mini Croque Monsieurs {Con Poulos}

Tuna Tartare in plantain cones {Mel Barlow}

How talented is Peter Callahan? I mean, really....if the above wasn't enough, check out his signature mini entree course! How can one turn down a plate of food served with a mini patron bottle full of margarita (not to self, I must figure out how to get those at our wedding).

Peter Callahan signature mini entree course {John Armich}

I know this isn't traditional wedding food but I love the flair to miniature entrees. You can really turn any of your favorite foods into small bite sized portions. The majority of the venues we looked at in New Orleans did heavy hors dourves instead of plated entrees so I am excited to start working on the menu. All I know is that when it comes time to finalize our NOLA wedding menu, mini muffalettas is a must ;)