You found the person you want to clink with for the rest of your life. Uncork your creativity and treat your guests to a curated reception experience through thoughtfully paired wine, beer and libations that tell a story from first sip to final toast.
Cayla Cole, Hotel Monteleone’s wedding specialist, says that your drink selection is an opportunity to create one of the many “wow moments” that can make the reception a memorable event.
“Making beverage selections equally as, if not more, important than cuisine choices seems to be trending right now,” said Cole. “Pairings make for an enticing talking topic. Having guests taste notes of a variety of beverages, such as acidity, sweetness and richness, and witness how well-thought-out and perfectly paired the selections are will spark conversations and give the reception a more elevated and luxurious feel.”
Tiffany Zauner, operations manager of Beyond the Bar NOLA, has noticed that modern couples are taking their pairings to heart with specific selections that conjure a memory they want to convey or share.
“Anyone can have drinks at their wedding but not everyone tells a story with those choices,” said Zauner. “For example, we know a good white wine pairs well with seafood but if you have the white wine that the bride drank on their first date that means something. By selecting specific drinks with sentimental value, couples can infuse their wedding day with deeper significance and emotional connections.”
She also lends that bringing in local concepts can bring a sense of place that will please your partygoers.
“To make beer pairings feel more celebratory at a wedding, you can enhance the presentation by serving beer on tap, which adds a touch of elegance. Additionally, choosing locally sourced craft beers can bring a unique and special element to the celebration, showcasing regional flavors and supporting local breweries. These small details can elevate the beer pairing experience and make it feel more festive and memorable for guests.”
Noting that most couples are focused on giving their guests a superb experience, she suggests bringing in pros with niche knowledge about the beverage selection.
“Focusing on specific pairings elevates the wedding reception by adding a layer of sophistication and thoughtfulness to the dining experience. Hiring a sommelier to curate wine pairings can enhance guests’ overall enjoyment, offering them a chance to savor fine wines that complement the menu seamlessly. This attention to detail can create a memorable and refined dining experience that reflects the couple’s preferences and priorities.”
James Haldeman, general manager of Martin Wine & Spirits, reminds that a well-crafted wine selection can enhance the already flavorful staple Southern dishes that are so beloved and anticipated by your guests.
“Traditional New Orleans dishes are frequently served at weddings and we love to pair wines with them,” said Haldeman. “The vinho verde and Picpoul de Pinet are perfect with shrimp and grits. Lower alcohol wines tend to pair best with the spicy flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine, as alcohol tends to intensify spice. Whites from the French region of Alsace are ideal for spicy jambalayas and étouffées as they are generally low in alcohol and have an oiliness that is great at tempering spice. And never underestimate a quality rosé or Beaujolais with red beans!”
