The Farm-To-Wedding Food Scene

by Michelle Koch

The barn setting gained popularity in the late 2000’s. According to The Knot, 15% of couples chose a barn, farm, or ranch as their reception venue in 2017. As more and more agricultural venues continue to open, this trend appears to have some staying power.

Many millennials are accustomed to being casual, even in professional settings, so the idea of a formal wedding can feel old-fashioned and outof-date. This generation of brides and grooms have grown up immersed in technology, I think, on some level, they crave simplicity for their special day.

According to Twin Cities wedding planner Pam Rickard of JoyUs Events, barn weddings often are not simple. In fact, barn weddings can require a lot more work and a bigger budget depending on the venue. Some spaces are created specifically to host events, while others are more rustic and require every detail be hauled in on a truck. Since many millennials are passionate supporters of the shop local movement, that got me to wondering if the farmto-table concept popular in restaurants had made its way to weddings. I set out to see if farmto-wedding was also a trend.

The answer is yes!

Couples who are seeking out agrarian venues are also interested in locally sourced food. The cost of a locally sourced meal doesn’t impact cost as much as you might think, according to Elena Byrne of Renewing the Countryside. Although some couples purposely opt for a smaller guest list in exchange for a more artisan inspired meal.

Squash Blossom Farm in Oronoco holds many events but only a few weddings each year, as they are more of a working farm than a wedding venue, but their food is a crucial element. Owner, Susan Waughtal, says most of the couples who select Squash Blossom are interested in farmto-table, artisan food. Waughtal states that their food, which is local, mostly organic, and incorporates many ingredients grown on the property, is the key reason couples choose their farm.

Wood-fired pizza is their specialty, but they once hosted a brunch wedding breakfast buffet with the freshest of eggs! More than once she’s been told by guests it’s the best meal they’ve ever eaten at a wedding.

For couples interested in a more formal yet natural locale, Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is a lovely option. They too prioritize locally sourced food, using fresh ingredients to assemble a delectable menu to pair with their wines, ciders, and specialty cocktails.

Urban settings can still enjoy farm-to-table food. The Forager Brewery in Rochester caters events using locally foraged ingredients to create an inspired menu.

Couples have not only fallen in love with peaceful pastoral settings, they’ve developed an appetite for fresh, locally sourced food to celebrate.

Cheers to farm-to-wedding meals!

Host your next event at Five West. Our private dining room can seat up to 50 guests and can offer customizable menu options for any event. You’re the boss…let us know what you would like, and we will deliver! The personable service and delicious food will make your next event memorable.

Please Contact Joe Morris at 507-361-5555 ext. 2 JoeMorris@FiveWestRochester.com

SMOAK offers professional catering services for your next special event. We offer catering for weddings, office parties, graduation parties, birthdays and everything in-between.

See our catering menu at Smoakbbqmn.com or Contact Joe Morris at 507-361-7427 ext. 3 JoeMorris@Smoakbbqmn.com

Studio Twelve:52

WHEN EVERY DETAIL MATTERS, CHOOSE Bleu Duck Kitchen & Oyster Bar

EVENT SPACE

We offer an inviting and intimate venue with exposed brick and original hardwood floors. Celebrate your wedding, host a reception and mingle over cocktails.

ROOM CAPACITY

75 guests for a seated dinner 100 guests for a cocktail style party

Contact Leah Fritze at 507-258-4663 or lfritze@bleuduckkitchen.com

14 Fourth Street SW, Rochester, MN www.BleuDuckKitchen.com