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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
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B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
Cheers! To coffee, that is. While you may see open bars and mixed drinks as a more
traditional staple of a wedding, recently more couples are opting to add a unique pick-me-
up to receptions with the addition of gourmet coffee service.
In most cities across the country, you’ll find a slew of artisan coffee shops, and many offer
catering services. While some might be more in tune with catering for office meetings or
more low-key events, it can never hurt to ask about hiring a barista for your big day. Here’s
what you need to know about the hot new trend.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
With some places, it’s all about gourmet espresso. Baristas serve a variety of espresso-based
drinks, available in both regular and decaffeinated. They offer everything from lattes with
seasonal flavor shots to cappuccinos and iced drinks. Tea lovers can even indulge in chai
lattes.
There has been an uptick in coffee bars at weddings in the last five years. To this day, people
will comment they’ve never seen an espresso bar at a wedding!
For those who are looking for something different, but not necessarily caffeinated,
someplaces also offer smoothie, Italian soda and hot chocolate bars.
For most coffee catering companies, you’ll get professional baristas, a selection of coffee
varieties, flavor toppings and custom-made drinks for your guests. Some go further with
themed drinks, seasonal drinks, or extra details like beverage toppers which can display a
wedding monogram or icon on top of drinks to add an extra special touch.
WHAT IT WILL COST
The cost of espresso bars vary depending on your locale and specific setup, but many
companies are based on a per-hour service fee.
Service up to 50 people starts at $325 for two hours at one coffe shop. At another prices
including two baristas start at $350 for 25 people for two hours.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
Thinking outside the box of traditional bar service adds a unique touch to your wedding
day. Hiring a dedicated coffee caterer allows them to focus on a specialized beverage menu
for guests. They can create custom, detailed drinks, whereas venues and traditional caterers
often need to focus on quickly serving guests an end-of-the-meal coffee. It’s a great way to
indulge guests!
While not as common as espresso bars, you can also add a special beverage touch by adding
an artisan tea bar, featuring both hot and cold teas.
You can serve the tea in special mason jars with a personalized label that the guests get to
keep. It creates a very unique drink experience that will be hard for guests to forget!
© CTW Features
Coffee, Tea and Wedding Bells
Raise a glass – or coffee mug – to winter weddings
by hiring a barista for your reception
By Renee Lee