Whether you’re planning an engagement party, bridal shower, reception or post-wedding brunch, these tips from professional event planner and author Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events will help you make your celebration perfect!
Bubbles add a festive, celebratory note to any bridal celebration. I love Cupcake Prosecco sparkling wine from Italy. It’s crisp and refreshing – an affordable alternative to pricey French champagne yet equally delicious.
Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be remarkable. To satisfy all guest preferences, I always recommend 3 to 5 appetizers including chicken, beef and fish plus two veggie options (ideally one being vegan or dairy free).
A signature drink is a fun way to welcome guests and get the party off to a great start. The Prosecco Ginger Cocktail is delicious and memorable. I like to serve it in unconventional glassware and garnish with Persian cucumber “swizzle sticks” for even more impact.
A popular alternative to the traditional sit down meal at engagement parties or showers: food stations with a range of different foods offered at each. Pair a different wine with each station to create maximum variety and enjoyment as guests taste and mingle.
Prosecco Ginger Cocktail
Yield: 12 servings, 2 glasses per serving
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 1 cup (6 ounces) crystallized ginger
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 bottles (750 ml) Cupcake Prosecco, chilled
- 24 thin diagonal sliced seedless or Persian cucumber
Combine water, ginger and sugar in saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat, uncovered, 15 minutes. Off heat let steep, covered, 30 minutes. Cool.
Purèe in blender until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon ginger purèe to each champagne glass. Add chilled prosecco, and stir well with swizzle stick until blended. Garnish glass with cucumber slice.
For more tips from Alison for creating a bridal event to remember, visit www.cupcakevineyards.com.
