Oysters, sardines, herring and caviar are turning up at wedding cocktail hours more than ever this season. These ingredients are riding the same superfood wave that’s swept through wellness menus, prized for both flavor and nutrition. Below, find styling inspiration for the cocktail hour, from iconic ice displays to micro bites and beyond.
Photo: Courtesy of Portside, Kødbyens Fiskebar
Photo: Courtesy of Jil Zander, the social food
If you and your partner are seafood-obsessed, the choice for your cocktail hour is an easy one. Raw oysters, shrimp, mussels and caviar are the classic picks, and they never go out of style. Serve them on their own, or pair them with something simple like fresh bread and butter. Italian spreads aren’t complete without sardines, while Nordic countries lean toward herring. Both styles beautifully, and both make for a serious showstopper at any reception. Seafood also tends to be lighter than a heavy hors d’oeuvres spread, so guests still have room for dinner, and it pairs effortlessly with champagne or a crisp white wine.
Photo: Pinterest, Courtesy of Gohar World
Photo: Courtesy of Coastal Oyster Co., Volzhenka Caviar
Photo: Courtesy of lygaria, Aliana Events
Photo: Courtesy of the social food, Emily Li
Photo: Courtesy of lygaria, Whole Foods
Photo: Pinterest, Courtesy of John Joseph – Catering Avant Garde
Photo: Patt Powder, Pinterest
Photo: Salvador Serna Palomino, Pinterest
Photo: Courtesy of Omer Gilony, Pinterest
Photo: Peter Callahan, Jamie Lee
Photo: Courtesy of The Blonde Butler Catering, Levan London
Photo: Courtesy of Claridges Hotel, Goobs Ceramics
