Tips For Budget-friendly Wedding Wine Pairing And Menu Options

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are around 2.2 million marriages that take place each year in the United States. If you consider how many guests take place per wedding and that most will serve wine or champagne, it is easy to see how quickly the costs associated can add up. With the economy in the state it is in, many will be opting for budget-friendly wedding wine options and menu selections for the next year or so.

"As anyone who has been in a wedding can attest, they are not cheap," explains Enzo Febbraro, the co-owner and executive chef of D'Acqua Ristorante, located in Washington, D.C. "But you can still plan a great wedding, offering good wine and tasty food that won't break the bank."

The average price of a wedding in 2008 was nearly $22,000, which is down from over $27,000 average the year before. Increasingly people are seeking ways to scale back on their wedding expenses, especially where the menu is concerned. When planning a wedding menu, keep these budget-friendly tips in mind:

� Choose wine over champagne, which is usually cheaper. When selecting wine, opt for non-named brand selections and figure two glasses per adult. You may want to have some meaning behind the selection, such as going with what your favorite is, or what you had on your first date.
� To pair your wine flavors with your meal, try to match the intensity of the flavors in the dishes being served. A good rule of thumb is that if you are serving a lighter menu, pair it with a lighter wine. If the dishes you are serving are rich, then opt for a fuller, richer wine.
� Consider locally made wine options. While it may be more cost-efficient, it is also more environmentally friendly to purchase local wines.
� Another option that sounds elegant, yet can be made with inexpensive brands of champagne, is to offer champagne punch.
� Check with your caterer to see if you can bring in your own wine, which can give a substantial savings.
� When it comes to the food, consider having the reception at lunch, rather than dinner. Lunch meals are generally lighter and cost less.
� You don't have to serve a big meal at the reception. Instead, consider finger foods, hors d'oeuvres, or a self-serve buffet. All these will help keep the expenses down.
� Speak with several caterers to see what lower cost menu options they can offer.
� You may also want to consider a vegetarian menu, which should be more budget-friendly, such as a buffet of meat-free lasagna, baked spaghetti, salad, fruit, and bread.

"You can certainly save some money on the wedding food and wine selections," adds Febbraro. "You just need to set a budget, get several quotes and don't be afraid to ask questions and make suggestions. Every little effort you make can really add up in the end and help keep it budget-friendly."

About D'Acqua Ristorante
D'Acqua Ristorante, owned by Chefs Enzo Febbraro and Francesco Ricchi, is located at 801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington D.C. The restaurant, which features a coastal Italian menu with a seafood emphasis, was opened by the two highly acclaimed chefs in 2006, and has quickly earned great reviews. Enzo, a native of Naples, Italy, has traveled throughout Europe, preparing dishes at high-end restaurants and hotels. Francesco, a Florentine native, has owned a number of award-winning establishments, and has also hosted President George W. Bush. The restaurant is a popular political dining establishment that is frequented by the Washington elite, including senators, members of congress, and White House staff. To learn more about D'Acqua Ristorante, visit the Web site at http://www.dacquadc.com.
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Source:
CDC. Marriage and Divorce.