PAGE 94 X METROPOLITAN WEDDINGS X WINTER / SPRING 2023
rehearsal dinner
Rehearsal dinners are a chance for the couple to finally breathe again after all of the intricate planning . Decision fatigue is all too real when it comes to wedding prep , so charcuterie boards are a no-brainer when you want a stress-free meal option . Charcuterie is a smorgasbord of flavors with a million different things to choose from . Craving something sweet and salty ? Crunch down on some brie and honey on sourdough . Want a more savory bite ? Grab some prosciutto , ground mustard , and a hearty cracker . If you want to be a bit more adventurous , try a more unusual food combination like a strawberry , a wheat cracker , and ground mustard . Leave room for creativity , but make sure not to skimp out on the portion sizes when crafting a board . Owner and founder of Simply Delicious , Patty Wingo , explains that a dinner grazing table should have heartier food options to keep every guest full and happy , especially if they ’ ve had a cocktail or two . “ This type of board needs to be heavier in meats , maybe include small sandwiches so guests feel like they have had a meal ,” Wingo said . “ If guests are drinking , it is crucial to provide them with enough food .” With all of the possibilities it brings to the table , charcuterie gives the illusion of an intricately prepared menu . You don ’ t have to let your rehearsal dinner add to your wedding day stress . Opt for a charcuterie board instead .
cocktail hour
Let ’ s get this party started ! Cocktail hour is traditionally the hour before the reception , perfect for shaking off the nerves from the ceremony and segueing into the rest of the celebration . Hors d ' oeuvres to pair with the cocktails or wine are a must , and charcuterie is the perfect choice of an appetizer . Each taste can be brand new ! Make your board intentionally with your drink menu in mind . For instance , pairing Chardonnay with soft havarti makes angels sing , but pairing a full-bodied wine with the same cheese would be less pleasant . If wine isn ’ t your cup of tea , there are other food-drink pairings that will make your mouth water . Gin martinis pair wonderfully with olives , and orange slices or cherries are a classic garnish for an Old Fashioned . Just remember that your charcuterie board should be as diverse as your drink menu because every guest will have different tastes .
dinner service
Charcuterie can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and can add some serious flair to a reception dinner . Individual charcuterie boards are not only chic and classy , but are also filling and practical . Co-owner of Forage Charcuterie , Tina Travis , explains that differing tastes and even food allergies are no problem with charcuterie boards . “ Charcuterie is completely customizable ,” Travis said . “ If you can dream it , we can likely do it .” There ’ s no fighting over the last slice of cheese with individual boards . Each guest can have their own portions with even their own mini jam jars . Or , if you crave a particular cuisine , you can tailor the boards to fit that need . You could create a mediterranean board with olives , hummus , pita , and plenty of raw veggies , or an italian board filled with caprese , prosciutto , and focaccia . With the vast array of variable ingredients , there is sure to be something for everyone with an individual board . You can ’ t go wrong with a meal that can be tailored to anyone ’ s palate !
CHARCUTERIE BOARDS BY | FORAGE CHARCUTERIE PHOTOGRAPHS BY | CHRISTINA ZAPATA PHOTOGRAPHY