Angela Romig, Author at John Marshall Catering

January 25, 2025 By Angela Romig

2025 Wedding Trends

A Peek into the Future of Weddings

2025 wedding trends are evolving to be more personal, inclusive, and sustainable. Let’s dive into what’s hot, what’s new, and how you can make your wedding day a reflection of who you are!

Eco-friendly weddings, sustainability, save the earth

Sustainable Weddings: The New Standard

We have one planet Earth and sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a necissity. Brides and grooms are making more eco-friendly choices, and it’s something that continues to grow in importance. From biodegradable confetti to sustainable floral arrangements, everything is getting a green makeover.

JMC offeres sustainable plates and cutlery, helping you reduce waste without sacrificing style or quality. We also love supporting local businesses, so we work with incredible local suppliers like Thoma Meats, award winning Marburger Dairy, and BreadWorks bread to bring the freshest ingredients to your celebration.

Multi day wedding celebrations are trending in 2025

Multi-Day Weddings for Extended Fun

In both 2024 and 2025, multi-day weddings are becoming more popular as couples look to extend the celebration. Why limit your wedding day to just a few hours when you can make it a weekend of festivities? Hosting a rehearsal dinner the night before, and brunch the day after can stretch your wedding into a weekend long celebration.

On your big day, consider starting your ceremony earlier in the day. This not only gives you more time for photos and celebration but also allows you to host a rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, or a post-wedding brunch to create a truly immersive experience for your guests. If you’re renting a venue, you’re likely paying for the entire day, so why not make the most of it? Starting early and celebrating all day will make your event feel special without the rush.

JMC can cater everything from the rehearsal dinner to the post-wedding brunch, ensuring that each moment is as memorable as the last.

Wedding party dresses and wedding rompers are becoming popular in 2025

Wedding Dresses: Style Meets Comfort

We are not spending all this time and money to be uncomfortable. That just isn’t happening. And in 2025, wedding dresses to continue to push boundaries with style and comfort. Plenty of brides are opting to change into a second, more party-friendly dress for the reception. It’s not just for comfort—it’s a chance to really let your personality shine through. Whether it’s something more laid-back for the after-party or just easier to dance in, this trend is becoming a staple.

If two dresses aren’t in your budget, convertible wedding dresses are a great solution. These dresses allow brides to have one look for the ceremony and switch to a more relaxed or practical design for the reception. Detachable skirts, or removable sleeves, these dresses are perfect if you want a grand entrance for your ceremony and a comfy outfit for dancing the night away.

Not everyone is comfortable in a dress and wedding rompers are becoming a common solution for that. They provide the perfect mix of comfort and style, with so many options to make it uniquely yours. Rompers are easily customizable to be as feminine or masculine, or somewhere-in-between, as you decide. You should feel like you on your wedding day. And remember, pockets are life.

Bold colors, patterns and fits are in for 2025 wedding tuxedos

Formal Tuxes Are Out: Show Your Style In 2025

Grooms are stepping up the game with bold, fun choices that break the mold. Forget basic black—royal blues, deep greens, and burgundy shades are in, adding a pop of color to the big day.

Cropped sleeves and paisley patterns are totally trending, letting grooms show off their personality in a big way. If you’re going for luxe vibes, velvet and mohair fabrics are a go-to, especially for evening weddings. Statement lapels are also big this year, with cool designs like contrasting colors or even some embroidery to really make a statement.

Oh, and accessories? Grooms are all about adding that extra flair with colorful bow ties, pearls, and subtle metallic accents. It’s all about standing out and having fun with your look!

Emerald green wedding and bridesmaid dresses are stunning in 2025

Bold Color Palettes: Pastels Are Out

Pastels have been the go-to color scheme for years, but 2025 weddings are embracing bolder, richer tones. Deeper shades of emerald, burgundy, and navy are making their way into everything from bridesmaid dresses and groomsman tuxedos, to flowers, table settings, and even bridal gowns. These colors can create a sophisticated, dramatic atmosphere that feels deeply romantic. If you’re looking to make a statement, these hues are it.

Mixing metallics with classic wedding colors is also gaining traction. Gold, rose gold, and silver accents are being added to floral arrangements, invitations, and even the wedding cake. Combining classic and modern touches gives your wedding a timeless yet fresh vibe.

Pet-friendly weddings are all the rage for 2025

Dogs Are Family: Bringing Your Pup to Your Big Day

We are big fans of dogs at weddings! There’s nothing quite like a dog in a bow tie to make you laugh. Bringing your dog to your wedding can be such a fun and personal touch to your celebration. Whether they’re making a cameo down the aisle or just hanging out with the guests, having your pup there adds so much joy and personality to the celebration.

We’re seeing more and more venues becoming dog friendly, that said, not all venues are cool with it, so definitely double-check with your spot before getting your dog’s tiara ready. If you’re good to go, it’s also a great idea to have a family member or friend ready to take your dog home after a few hours so you can fully enjoy the evening without worrying about their needs.

Don’t forget their leash, a water bowl, food and snackies, and consider a crate just in case they get overwhelmed. If you’re dead set on inviting Fido and are struggling to find a pet-friendly Pittsburgh wedding venue, reach out, we know a few! Just make sure your fur baby is comfy and safe so everyone can have a great time!

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

Personalization: Your Wedding, Your Way

This is YOUR wedding! Personalized vows, your favorite bangers, and custom-designed reception decor is your map for making your wedding as unique as the two of you. The idea is to make every moment reflect your personality and story. One of the biggest trends is incorporating sentimental details that have personal meaning, like wearing Memaw’s pearls or setting up family alters and offerings. The Pittsburgh Cookie Table is a great example of this, too!

Some couples are adding favorite things like mobile ice cream trucks, vintage car photo-ops, or mobile axe throwing. We’ve even seen late night Mineos delivered. All of these touches can make your wedding day feel like you.

Tech-Savvy Weddings: Embracing Innovation

While weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, couples are taking advantage of tech in creative ways, from live-streaming ceremonies for loved ones who can’t attend to using drones for stunning aerial photography. Couples are also embracing digital wedding invitations, saving on paper and sending out a creative, eco-friendly invite.

Wedding registries are also going digital, with couples opting for experiences or cash funds rather than physical gifts. This allows your family to contribute to the your honeymoon or future home, which is a practical and thoughtful way to start your new life together. Honestly, air-fryers are cool and all but, that hundred bucks is way cooler in Bali.

Wood flowers and wildflowers are eco-friendly wedding options.

Vibrant Floral Trends: Nature’s Beauty on Full Display

Floral arrangements are getting more dynamic and eclectic embracing tons of different textures and colors. Think wildflower-inspired arrangements, bold color-blocked bouquets, and even dried flowers for a rustic, vintage vibe.

Wooden flowers are also gaining popularity for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional flowers. Wooden flowers are durable, customizable, and last for years. You can even go far out and tie-dye them. Make your flowers your own.

Flower walls are also becoming a popular addition, transforming a plain backdrop into an Insta-worthy setting for photos. Flowers and greenery can be incorporated into everything from ceremony arches to table centerpieces, stick ‘em everywhere for a natural, green feeling.

This year’s wedding trends are all about making your celebration a reflection of you two! From eco-friendly choices to personalization and innovative tech, there’s so much to explore. Whether you’re a 2025 bride or groom, or planning for the future, these trends can inspire you to create a wedding that’s filled with meaning and style. If you want to dive deeper into any of these ideas or need help with catering, reach out to JMC ! We’re here to make your wedding day one to remember.

January 23, 2025 By Angela Romig

The Pittsburgh Wedding Cookie Table

Ah, the Pittsburgh cookie table—a sweet tradition that’s near and dear to the hearts of locals and the secret ingredient for a memorable wedding. If you’re planning a wedding in Pittsburgh, it’s a must have. But what’s the deal with this sweet spread, and how do you make it work for your big day? Let’s break it down!

A Little Bit of History

Where did this tradition even come from? The cookie table started during the early 20th century when families didn’t always have extra cash for fancy desserts. It was a way for everyone to pitch in—grandma, aunties, cousins, and even neighbors could all contribute. The idea was simple: bake a bunch of cookies and bring them to the wedding to share with everyone. It became a symbol of community, family, and love. And, let’s be real, cookies from ‘Gian’ Iggle’ ain’t it—ask great Aunt Helen to make her famous pitzelles instead, thats what makes it so special.

How many cookies should I make Pittsburgh Cookie Table

Cookie Table Setup: Bring Enough Cookies!

Here’s the thing: people will eat a lot of cookies. Like, a LOT. We recommend planning on about 5 or 6 cookies per guest (or maybe a dozen if they’re under 5 or 6 years old), so make sure you have plenty to go around. People tend to grab a variety, so cookies should be on the smaller side. And trust us—most guests will just nibble a little bit of each cookie so they can try as many kinds as possible!

Pittsburgh wedding cookie table catering

Don’t Forget Labels—But Be Prepared for Chaos!

A lot of couples love to label their cookies, and we’re all for it! It adds a fun, personal touch to the table. But here’s the thing: by the end of the night, those labels might be all over the place. The cookies will end up moving around as guests sample their favorites—things get mixed up, and it’s all part of the fun. Just make sure to bring some extra labels in case you end up with a surprise batch from someone, like when Uncle Bob shows up with pro-baker level oatmeal raisin cookies you didn’t know he could make, so you can label them on the fly!

Cookie Table Setup Ideas

When it comes to the setup, think about going for tiered stands for a little extra drama and height—these really help show off the cookies. And if you want to add something uniquely Pittsburgh, we’ve seen couples rent small bridges to display their cookies. It’s a cute touch that’s totally on-brand for the Burgh.

JMC can handle everything for you. If you’d like us to, we’ll set up your entire cookie table, plate the cookies, and make sure they’re arranged just the way you want. We can even supply tiers for you. Not into the idea of us setting things up? That’s okay! You can also set everything up yourself, and we’ll just plate and restock the cookies and help however needed. Whatever you prefer!

Cover Pittsburgh Wedding Cookie Table in Tulle

Tulle: The Secret to Keeping Cookies Safe (and Sparkle-Free)

One of the biggest pieces of advice we can give is to cover the entire table with tulle if you don’t want people sneaking treats before dinner. We’ve been there—guests can’t resist the temptation! But make sure you stay away from glittery tulle, or your cookies will end up sparkly (and not in a good way). Once you’re ready for the cookies to make their debut, we’ll remove the tulle and make sure everything’s stocked throughout the night. It’s all about keeping that cookie table looking fresh!

Bonus Tip: The Cake Situation

Speaking of dessert, here’s a hot tip: get a small wedding cake just for you two to cut, and then buy sheet cakes for us to cut in the back, they’ll never know. We’ll plate the cake and either serve them to your guests or add them to the cookie table. You get the best of both worlds—an adorable cake for your photos and enough cake for everyone without the stress.

The cookie table is one of the sweetest parts of a Pittsburgh wedding, and we’re here to help you make it just right. Whether you’re filling it with family favorites or planning something extra-special, we’ve got the experience and resources to pull it off. Bring on the cookies, and let’s make your celebration one to remember!

January 21, 2025 By Angela Romig

Choosing Your Catering Style

Options and Insights for Your Big Day

When it comes to catering, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each event is unique, and the style you choose for serving your meal can set the tone for your guests’ experience. Here’s a guide to some popular catering styles and insights to help you decide which one fits the vibe for your big day.

1. Buffet Style: Efficient and Crowd-Pleasing

Buffet-style catering is one of the most common choices for weddings and events, and for good reason. It’s efficient, allows guests to choose what they want, and keeps things casual yet organized.

• Double-Sided Line: To keep the crowd moving, we recommend setting up a double-sided buffet line. This keeps things moving quickly, minimizing wait times (and preventing your guests from getting hangry!).

• Table Release Options: Coordinating table releases with your caterer, rather than leaving it to a DJ, ensures a smooth and efficient service flow. But, a creative DJ can add a fun touch! At a wedding we recently catered, the DJ did a song quiz where the first to identify the song had their table released. Everyone loved it! It kept the atmosphere light and fun and the wait times seemed non existent. Without an organized release, guests may all go at once, leading to longer lines and wait times.

• Pro Tip: Buffets give everyone flexibility in options and portion sizes, but they need enough space to avoid congestion around the serving area. Make sure to discuss your table arrangements with us and your venue coordinator. When your caterer has a strong relationship with the venue, both vendors are familiar with each other’s needs and requirements, avoiding any hiccups in the set up process. JMC works closely with some of the best venue’s in the Greater Pittsburgh area and we’ve built real, lasting relationships with their teams.

• Pro Tip #2 –Story Time: We always hope for sunny, beautiful days, but that doesn’t always happen with Pittsburgh weather. When a buffet is supposed to be on the gorgeous, sprawling outside deck and the clouds decide it’s a great time to pour down rain, we pivot. We were catering a wedding in North Park, and everything was ready to go. The chairs were beautifully arranged outside, with a decorated ceremony area, and we had the buffet line all set up inside. And then the rain came. PIVOT! Our team lifted the entire buffet table, full of everything, and walked it to an out of the way area. Then, with the help of family members, we pulled all of the chairs indoors to dry them and set the area for a ceremony. Suffice it to say, have a backup plan if you’re going to be outside. JMC will do anything it takes to make your day amazing, no matter what happens.

2. Plated and Served Meals: Elegant and Structured

Want to add some seriously bougie vibes? A plated, served meal instantly takes your event up a notch. This style involves a pre-set menu where guests indicate their choices ahead of time. Each person’s meal is then served directly to their seat.

• Seating Chart Required: With a plated meal, we work from your seating chart, so we know who gets what and where. We arrange the plates in our prep area based on that chart, so when it’s go time, everything’s ready to roll and the whole table is served at the same time.

• Meal Choices: Options typically include beef, chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes, with kids’ meals available as well. You choose the specifics, like tenderloin or sirloin for the beef choice, and all of your favorite sides. JMC can also accommodate dietary needs with options like vegan risotto stuffed peppers or gluten-free selections.

• Additional Cost: A plated meal often requires more staff, which can bump up the cost. But if you’re aiming for an upscale, impressive experience where your guests can enjoy each other’s company without interruptions, it’s totally worth it. It definitely makes your guests feel valued and we see how special it makes them feel.

3. Family Style: Cozy and Communal

If you’re looking for an experience that feels personal and engaging, family style is where it’s at. It’s impressive, sure, but it’s so much more than just a meal. It’s real connection, and, in this fast paced world, that’s where memories are made.

• Shared Experience and Generosity: Family-style creates a cozy, communal space by placing plenty of food at each table for everyone to serve themselves and share with each another. It’s perfect for when you’re looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s wild how many friendships start with ‘pass the broccoli’.

• Higher Food Cost: Family style requires more food. Every table receives enough food to feed everyone at their table. Since the food isn’t ordered individually, like with plated and served dinners, we have to assume every person at the table is going to eat the beef AND the chicken AND the fish AND everything else on the table. Are they? Probably not, but we need to make sure everyone can have everything without running out. This style is more expensive than buffet or plated and served meals, but the inviting atmosphere and the personal memories that are made at these kind of events are an absolute win.

Extra Touches for a Seamless Experience

• Special Considerations for Guests: Let us know where Grammy is sitting. Seriously! Tell us about any of your guests with mobility issues. We’ll make sure they have everything they need during dinner and check on them throughout the night. We’ll even plate and serve their food right to them if you’re having a buffet. We also keep an eye out ourselves for any guests who may need help carrying their plates back to the table.

• Babies and Kids: When we know where a kid is sitting, we can plan for them. When we set up a table that we know will have little ones, we set out extra napkins and swap the forks and knives with spoons. We don’t put any kid’s meals out on the buffet line, we bring them already plated to the table, so it helps to know what table they’ll be at.

• GRWM Snacks: Snackies are life. While you and the crew are getting ready, think about adding a personal fruit or veggie tray to your bridal suite.

• Don’t Miss Out on Your Apps: After you share your first kiss, you’ll head off for pictures while your guests enjoy cocktail hour. When you get back, the odds of remaining appetizers aren’t great. We account for heavy app eaters, but the bacon wrapped water chestnuts are literally irresistible. If you ordered appetizers just for your guests, then nbd. But, if you’re a die hard stuffed mushroom fan, tell us! We’ll keep some hot and reserved just for you or put it in the fridge and send it with you at the end of the night.

No matter what style you’re going for, JMC’s got you. This is what we do. It’s our favorite time of the year. Watching all of these happy couples celebrate with the people they love is a really special thing and we feel privileged to be part of it. We’re here to help your dream come true with careful planning, extra attention to detail, and of course, delicious food.