Experiential Dining Takes Center Stage at Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom

Lauren Megerdichian
October 25, 2024
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]Experiential dining took center stage in events in 2023 – in 2024 it is going to be even BIGGER! Guests are looking for more restaurant style seating when it comes to events, and this is where our favorite new trend enters- banquette style seating. This style of seating allows for a more cozy, intimate, and upscale dining experience at large scale events.

During long Minnesota winters, there is nothing more exciting than when the seasons start to turn, and we get to work with bright beautiful colors again. When concepting this upscale soft summer shoot, we always start with one or two main focal points and for this design it was the Sunset Round Banquettes from Collected & Co partnered the delicate pattern of Marigold Charleston linen from Nuage Designs.[/field]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We incorporated varying shades of pink and green with a touch of lilac that was infused by Apricot Floral in the form of the orchids she designed with.

During long Minnesota winters, there is nothing more exciting than when the seasons start to turn, and we get to work with bright beautiful colors again.

With the main color of Marigold being brought in, we knew we wanted the rest of the palette to complement but not overpower. We brought in softer colors of creams, blush, sage greens, rose pink, butter yellow and touches of lilac. With all of these varying soft colors we infused those in the floral by Apricot Floral, rentals from Collected & Co. and Apres Party and Tent and Paper Goods by Jill Elaine Designs.[/field]

[field title=”The Venue”]Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom is a showstopper with endless possibilities. With its luxurious decor, polished wood floors, and hand-painted tapestries, this space exudes sophistication. The venue also features a stage and dance floor with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, adding a modern touch to the elegant setting. [/field]

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Our bride wanted to exude an angelic nature – cue a great Blaire Wardolf headband – with a little bit of sophistication and glamor. This gorgeous dress by Saint was sourced from a&be bridal. [/field]

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]This shoot was inspired by wanting to showcase not only beautiful décor but a dining experience where the food completed the design palette.

The floral and decor needed to complement each other and showcase the palette in a subtle way. Apricot Floral brought in the butter yellow and touches of lilac in the form of the orchids she designed with, dripped beautifully over the ceremony pedestals. We used the softest shade of blush in our stemware and the olive green came through in the pillow throughout the banquettes and paper bows that tied the invitation suite Jill Elaine Designs created.[/field]

[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]With a focus on fresh, light flavors, summer produce and elevated presentation, the multi-course menu showed that creating a fine-dining style experience for guests can be a wonderful way to provide unexpected experiential culinary moments throughout dinner. This light summer menu included a starter course of Watermelon and Pecorino Napoleon, Aged Balsamic and Fresh Basil. A salad course followed of Summer Squash, Avocado Crema and an Herby Microgreen Salad. The main entrée was a beautiful Seared Sea Bass with Poached Asparagus, Couscous Risotto and a Green Olive Salsa Verde. Finally, dessert was a Strawberry Rhubarb Bavarois with Elderflower, Orange and Pistachio.

When concepting a shoot, we always start with one or two main focal points and for this design it was the Sunset Round Banquettes from Collected & Co. partnered with the delicate pattern of Marigold Charleston linen from Nuage Designs. The way the colors worked off of each other at their respective tablescapes made the space feel cohesive.[/field]

[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]How to Make an Impact with Banquette Seating:

Banquette style seating will wow your guests and create an upscale atmosphere to your event. Here are four ways to incorporate this style of seating into your next event.

• Use banquettes or taller sofas at your cocktail hour with small bistro tables and chairs across for relaxed comfortable seating for your guests.

• Partner banquettes with dining chairs for your reception seating to give that mixed seating look at a table.

• Connect a row of back-to-back banquettes running down the center of your event space with statement floral between the back of the banquettes or a ground floral arrangement.

• Bring curved banquets to the outside of your reception space to give dimension into the space.

Tips for Designing a Fine Dining Style Menu with Your Caterer:

• Select a caterer who has experience with elevated flavors and precise plating along with a culinary and service team who can execute these dishes for a large group.

• Allow the seasons to guide your menu. Nothing will ever taste better than when it is in season in your part of the world.

• Keep your guest’s menu preferences in mind while remaining true to how you like to eat as a couple.

• Trust your chef! Custom menus are only as good as the information and preferences you’re willing to share as you begin menu design, and your chef’s creativity to turn your tastes into something spectacular. Trust their process as they create ways to bring your vision to life within the setting of the wedding.

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