Your Wedding on Social Media

In this day in age just about everyone is on social media in some form or another. Each couple is entitled to their own view on how they want their wedding to be perceived on the social media outlets out there. Some couples may prefer to keep a low profile on social media, and that's OK. It is completely understandable that you may not want surprises to be ruined by other guests posts or have low-quality iPhone photos flood social media when you are expecting top notch professional shots that you paid a small fortune for. Couples looking to keep their wedding day tech-free, consider politely conveying this information on your wedding website and then again with a small note on the ceremony programs (so that less tech-savvy guests get the memo too!). If you really want to ensure guests get the message, ask the officiant to make a quick announcement before the ceremony begins. Try explaining to your guests that you want to enjoy the moment with them not through their phone. You can also consider having a cute sign made up for you welcome table or near the ceremony entrance like these two below;

On the opposite side of this issue, some folks embrace their guests use of social media for their wedding. Which can also be lots of fun and give your wedding a personal touch, it can also reach those guests you may not have been able to attend. There are lots of cute ideas for incorporating social media into your wedding day. A great one is the wedding hashtag, this your guests can use on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and create a wedding feed of your day. I see a lot of brides use this one because it is as easy as making up a sign.

This is a new trend I've found which is super cute! A sort of hybrid photo booth, a selfie station. Set up a sign and a few props and bam! Wedding selfies.

This brand new option I just discovered and I couldn't be more excited about it as an avid snapchat user. You can now make your own custom snapchat filters. Such a fun idea!! Check out this link to find out more.

For more fun ideas for you wedding please contact us at Caribbean Catering, at our website, by phone 305-664-0004 or email caribcatering@yahoo.com

Bridal Henna Party!

How fun would it be to throw a bridal henna party! Have an artist give you and all your bridesmaids matching or mismatching henna tattoos while you get ready for the wedding! They even offer henna in white and it is just a one-day application and washes off after. Look how beautiful and romantic the white henna is:

Here is some information about henna:

Henna Art (Mehndi) is a safe, natural way to beautify your skin and is temporary. It will last 1-3 weeks normally with proper post care. When Jagua is used, the blueish tattoo stain ,it is lasting the longest on some skin areas up to 3 weeks.. Originally native to India, Pakistan, Morocco, and other parts of northern Africa, the henna tattoo art has grown most recently in America and is being used as a body adornment, a great alternative to permanent ink tattoos and is a popular party entertainment for all ages .It's safe for skin being its only natural ingredients in the paste and can be used on all areas of the body including on children and pregnant bellies.

Our designs range from simple to complex and the possibilities are endless. We do everything freehand and We will help you choose one best for you and you can also bring your own ideas. Call us to set up a private appointment at our location in Miami beach or we can come to you for our hourly rate. Book us for your party or special event. We can also supply you with some henna products and kits to professionals.

Kathleen Wright is the henna artist that we work with and she is truly talented. She also offers exotic jewelry trunk shows and lots of other types of entertainment. I think throwing a bridal henna party in conjunction with some exotic jewelry is a great idea not only for the wedding day but also engagement parties, bridal showers or even bachelorette parties.

Here are some more photos of her work:

[playlist type="video" ids="1552"]

Please contact us at Caribbean Catering or visit her website and facebook for more information.

2016 Wedding Trends

The new year will be upon us faster than you think, with only about 30 more shopping days till Christmas, its closing in. It is also engagement season! So heres a few ideas on what will be trending next year in weddings. 1. Glitter on your Stationery Out, Foil Stationery In

Foil stationary really adds a pop of elegance and is stunning. The metallics are so bold and we love it.

2. DJ Out, Mixing Live Music with your DJ in

Best of both worlds for sure! You still have a your dance party but the fun and entertainment of live music at a fraction of the price of a full band. Scott Youngberg is a great musician that we work with often that offers this option.

3. Chiavari Chairs Out, Ghost Chairs and Crossbacks In

Chivari chairs are getting a bit tired now that everyone has them. I still find that they do have an elegant look, the ghost chairs and cross backs are awesome! Two completely different looks with ghost chairs being modern and chic and the crossbacks being rustic and elegant. Both styles a bit on the pricey side so be sure to make room in the budget for them.

4. Fluffy Light Colors Out, Deep Jewel Tones In

So excited for this trend to take hold, rich jewel tones really look stunning and dramatic on the beach.

5. Sit Down Dinners Out, Stations and Cocktail Receptions In

This has been coming for awhile now. As weddings stray from the formalities more and more, and guest lists include more friends and less family (sorry moms), couples are doing whatever they can to make it a party. Many couples want a relaxed and mingling atmosphere at the wedding reception which is better achieved with stations or roving dinners.

6. Round Tables Out, Lucite and Mirror Tables In

Keeping with the idea of tossing the formalities aside when planning a wedding, banquet round tables are starting to not be "in" anymore. Long tables, square tables and even a mix of everything has been popular in 2015. However, the lucite and mirror tables are how you kick your wedding up from a 9 to a 10.

7. Barns Out, Blinged Out Barns In

I love the look of a barn wedding, but being that we are in the Florida keys, we don't have to many barns. It looks awesome though!

8. Mason Jars and Burlap Out, Mismatched Flower Holders In

lets be honest, mason jars and burlap have been done to death really, glad to see something new on the horizon.

9. Large Guest Lists Out, Intimate Parties In Lets face it, its really the best way to keep your budget in check. Intimate weddings are so special especially at a destination.

10. Full Day Video Footage Out, Same Day Edits In

Perfect for our instant gratification culture. Same day edits give you a fun wedding day montage to show at the reception so everyone get see anything they may have missed.

Keep an eye on this space as I,m sure we will be seeing some of these awesome new trends in our weddings to come in 2016!!

Spooky Halloween Cocktails

Black Velvet

It may look like the stuff of witches brew, but this disarmingly simple combination of beer and bubbly wine is true to its name: rich, smooth, and lush. It’s also perfectly balanced, with the dark, chocolate notes of the stout (perfect for Halloween!) offset by the crisp fizz of the champagne.

INGREDIENTS

1. 3ounces stout beer, such as Guinness
2. 3ounces dry sparkling wine

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour stout into a large champagne flute. Slowly top with sparkling wine and stir gently.

El Diablo

Despite its name, the only thing devilish about this tequila cocktail is how easily you can slurp one down. Even traditional margarita drinkers will have to admit that the combination of sweet crème de cassis, earthy tequila, bright lime, and spicy ginger beer is a stroke of utter genius.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1½ounces tequila
2. ½ounce crème de cassis
3. ½ounce lime juice
4. ginger beer
5. 2lime wedges, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Add tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and a lime wedge.

Blood and Sand

This elegant cocktail is nearly a century old and takes its name not from gruesome ingredients, but a 1920s movie starring Rudolph Valentino. Though the components may seem a little odd, they blend seamlessly, and the warming scotch and sweet vermouth are a welcome nod to early autumn.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1ounce scotch
2. ¾ounce Cherry Heering
3. ¾ounce sweet vermouth
4. ¾ounce fresh orange juice
5. 1maraschino cherry, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Add the scotch, Cherry Heering, vermouth, and orange juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Caramel Apple Punch

This autumn punch calls for just four ingredients—apple cider, spiced rum, lemon juice, and a sliced apple (naturally) for garnish.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1quart apple cider, chilled
2. 1 1/4cup spiced rum
3. 2tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4. 1 red apple, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the apple cider, rum, and lemon juice; chill for up to 12 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with the apple.

Pumpkin Martini

Stay away from those cloying pumpkin-flavored liqueurs—this drink uses pure pumpkin puree, with vodka for the kick.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1tablespoon sugar
2. 1/4teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3. 3tablespoons vodka
4. 2tablespoons half and half
5. 1tablespoon canned pure pumpkin puree
6. 1tablespoon maple syrup
7. 1/4teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the sugar and ⅛ teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice on a small plate. Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in water, then dip in the sugar to coat.
2. In a martini shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, half and half, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the remaining ⅛ teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice. Shake vigorously, then strain into the prepared glass.

Vampire Punch

A generous dash of juicy pomegranate seeds adds a sweet-tart bite to every cup.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/4cup sugar
2. 1/2cup Campari
3. 1/2cup gin
4. 1/2cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
5. 3cups club soda, chilled
6. 1/2cup pomegranate seeds
7. 1 orange, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the sugar and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar has completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the Campari, gin, orange juice, and sugar syrup; chill for up to 12 hours. Just before serving, add the club soda, pomegranate seeds, and orange. Serve over ice.

Deviled Margarita

A cayenne-spiced salt rim gives this easy margarita its heat.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/8teaspoon cayenne pepper
2. kosher salt
3. 1/4cup fresh lime juice, plus squeezed lime half
4. 3tablespoons tequila
5. 1tablespoon agave nectar

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the cayenne and 1 tablespoon salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a glass with the cut lime, then dip in the cayenne salt to coat.
2. In a martini shaker filled with ice, combine the lime juice, tequila, and agave. Shake vigorously, then strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with the lime half.

Dark and Spooky

Use ginger beer—not ginger ale—and dark rum for the deepest, most intense flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/2cup ginger beer
2. 2teaspoons fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime wedge
3. 3tablespoons dark rum
4. 1gummy candy bat

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the ginger beer and lime juice. To float the rum onto the ginger beer, turn a metal spoon upside down, hold just above the ginger beer, and slowly pour the rum over the back of the spoon. Garnish with the lime wedge and the gummy bat on a swizzle stick or wooden skewer.

Bloody Maria

Shake up your usual brunchtime beverage with a shot of tequila instead of vodka.

INGREDIENTS

1. 3/4cup tomato juice
2. 3tablespoons tequila
3. 3tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime wedge
4. 1teaspoon chipotle hot sauce or regular hot sauce
5. 1/4teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
6. 1/4teaspoon black pepper
7. pinch celery salt (optional)
8. 1pimento-stuffed olive
9. 1cornichon

Have a great Halloween weekend everyone, from all of us here at Caribbean Catering!!

Images and recipes from RealSimple.com