We knew we wanted a retro wedding, we knew we wanted good food, and at first we were at a loss for how to combine the two.

Being who I am I never even considered the typical chicken, beef, fish combo served at your average wedding. I even crossed catered barbecue off our list. No, I wanted our food to be memorable, different, and fun ( or as my husband would say I was difficult).

Luckily our love for retro had carried over into date nights and some of our favorite restaurants and memories provided unique and meaningful inspiration when it came to designing our menu.

Sips

 

Chocolate Stout Root Beer Float

 

 

I don’t know about you, but when I think retro food I can’t help but picture an old fashioned diner straight out of Pleasantville or Riverdale. I walk in and am greeted by the checkerboard floor and teal leather upholstered booths as music from the juke box drifts throughout the air.

I sit down on a barstool already knowing exactly what I am going to order: a mouth watering cheeseburger, fries, and of course it wouldn’t be complete without a chocolate milkshake.

 

 

One night we decided to take a break from wedding planning craziness and go out, it just so happens one of our favorite date night destinations is Kenny’s Burger Joint.

After ordering my favorite gourmet burger ( The Black and Bleu if you ever get a chance to try it) my sweet tooth came calling and I added one of their amazing “grown up” milkshakes on the side. A few sips into the cold, creamy, alcoholic concoction and I had an epiphany, this is what our wedding needs!

So I met with my caterer, my heart set on boozy shakes, and her response was a resounding “this is a logistical nightmare.”

Of course she was right.

Take the number of your guests and how many drinks they could go through, then imagine a blender having to be used every time anyone wants your signature drink. It will be noisy, it will take a while per drink, it could very well not work out too well.

 

 

Luckily she was inspired by my idea (or maybe I just wouldn’t let it go) and together we came up with a large event friendly solution. Chocolate Stout Root Beer Floats! Our guests loved them, my family joked they should be made into a new family wedding tradition, and they were the perfect cool refresher on a hot Texas summer day.

 

 

Nibbles

 

Chipotle Rubbed Pork Tenderloin on Sweet Potato Pancake with Honey Butter

 

 

These were SO Good and while the name and flavor profile are very gourmet, the mix of spice and sweetness evoked a warmth reminiscent of the best barbecue you’ve ever had.

 

Coconut Crusted Shrimp with a Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

 

 

These probably don’t fit the theme too well but they were by my request. Coconut crusted shrimp have to be one of my top foods of all time and my husband and I have had many dates over some delicious Thai food.

 

 

The Meal

 

Throw Back Salad Bar

 

Chopped romaine hearts with radicchio, endive, and seasonal mix of greens

Toppings: hard boiled Egg, julienned Carrots, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta, shaved parmesan, shredded Texas gold cheddar, grilled cheese croutons, golden beets, dried cherries, toasted pecans

Dressings: balsamic and dried cherry vinaigrette, champagne vinaigrette, classic ranch, whole grain mustard vinaigrette

Because what is a wedding without a salad bar? Honestly though the basalmic and dried cherry vinaigrette was out of this world!

 

 

 

Retro Burger and Fry Tower

 

Beef Sliders on Soft White Roll

Chicken Burgers on Soft Wheat Roll

Smoked Jalapeno Sausage Bite

Condiments: wild baby arugula, chopped baby romaine, grilled shallots, roasted portobello mushrooms, sliced tomatoes, pickles and crispy onions, smoked onion ketchup, wasabi mustard, avocado butter, fresh basil mayo

Crinkle Cut French Fries with Smoked Onion Ketchup served in Red and White Paper boats

Once again inspired by our favorite burger places (we both love a good burger) these sliders were absolutely delicious and were the perfect size to try them all!

 

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Bar

 

“The Monroe”: Smoked gouda, honey crisp apple, orange and red onion chutney, crisp baby spinach and cherry smoked bacon melted between sour dough bread

“The Wayne”: Velvety cheddar, thin sliced pancetta, sliced hot house tomatoes melted between buttery Texas toast

Served with roasted tomato basil soup with Cumin dusted croutons

This one was inspired by our trip to the Dallas Farmer’s Market. We had some delicious gourmet grilled cheese there with fresh as it gets ingredients. At the wedding these were a hit with the adults and children alike.

 

 

A Little Something Sweet 

 

 “The Elvis” and Mugs of Milk

 

 

Peanut Butter, banana, bacon and honey on grilled Texas toast

Because how can you have a 50’s wedding without giving a nod to The King and his favorite snack. These were the perfect bites and sips after dancing the night away.

 

 

Wedding Cake

 

Strawberry, almond, and chocolate raspberry layers covered in white buttercream.

My husband’s one request when it came to the food: NO FONDANT. The man hates the stuff. Okay, I will admit the bakery fresh buttercream was better than the best fondant I’ve ever had. With three different flavors there was something for everyone and it was just as good on our first anniversary!

 

 

 

 

Be sure to check out our My Retro Wedding Pinterest Board for more great ideas!