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Is Charlotte One of the Best Cities to Get Married In?

Are you getting married this year? It’s officially February and it’s the season of love! We enjoy celebrating love in many different aspects. This month you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with…

Welcome to our wedding rustic sign

Welcome to our wedding rustic sign with no names on wooden easel stand

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Are you getting married this year? It's officially February and it's the season of love! We enjoy celebrating love in many different aspects. This month you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your favorite person and experiencing all of the lovey, dovey. Maybe you are wondering if he will pop the question this month. If not this month, maybe you will be getting a ring sometime this year? I know, it's a little wild to start thinking about it without knowing but it is a little fun on the inside.

If you are thinking you will be getting engaged anytime soon or if you are already engaged, then this might be the perfect report for you. Wallet Hub is naming the best and worst places to say "I do" in 2024. They are looking at the average cost of a wedding, cities with the most wedding chapels/churches, and overall best spots. As someone who is in love with weddings, it's pretty cool to compare their results.

Their top 5 cities:

  1. Orlando, FL
  2. Las Vegas, NV
  3. Miami, FL
  4. Tulsa, OK
  5. Atlanta, GA

But, what about Charlotte? Is Charlotte an ideal spot to say "I do." Well, on their list of 100+ cities, Charlotte comes in at #15. Overall it is the top city on the list from the Carolinas. So, I guess having your wedding in Charlotte isn't the worst idea. If you are planning your wedding, where are you getting married? If you have not decided and want to visit another location, check out the full list here to see.

Late-Night Snacks: Bring Big Flavor To Your Wedding Celebration

In recent years, a new trend has been making waves in the world of weddings: late-night snacks and meals. Gone are the days when weddings were limited to formal dinner receptions. Couples and wedding planners have embraced the idea of adding a touch of fun and excitement to the celebration by offering a delectable spread of snacks and meals in the late hours of the night.

As a matter of fact, there are some McDonald’s restaurants offering $200 wedding packages that include 100 chicken sandwiches and 100 four-piece packages of chicken McNuggets. According to CNBC, the $230 deal would provide a chicken sandwich and McNuggets for $2 per person at a 100-guest wedding.

Late-night snacks for dancing the night away at your wedding!

The late-night snack and meal trend at weddings has gained traction for several reasons. It allows couples to extend the festivities and keep the party going well into the night. And late-night snacks and meals are very practical. Weddings are often full-day affairs; guests can work up an appetite after hours of dancing and celebrating. By providing a variety of tasty bites and heartier fare, couples ensure that their guests are well-fed and energized throughout the evening.

The trend injects an element of surprise and excitement into the wedding experience. It adds an element of novelty to the event, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

Choosing the right late-night snack or meal for a casual wedding involves a more relaxed and informal approach. When choosing late-night snacks or meals for a casual wedding, there are several factors to keep in mind. For instance, opting for comfort food favorites that evoke a sense of familiarity and satisfaction, such as sliders, chicken wings, or nachos. You may even consider a food truck also allows guests to interact with the chefs and customize their orders, adding an element of fun and personalization. Another great idea is to set up interactive stations where guests can build their own late-night snacks or meals.

Don't hesitate to incorporate personal touches that reflect your tastes and preferences. By considering these factors, you'll create a memorable late-night food experience that perfectly complements the ambiance of your wedding.

Check out six late-night wedding snacks and meals to serve up on your wedding day.

Smores Bar

Smores station with large white marshmallows at the party.

Create a nostalgic spread featuring marshmallows, graham crackers, and various chocolate options. For an interactive twist, provide small gas canisters typically used for buffet food warmers, allowing guests to roast their own marshmallows to perfection.

Burger Sliders

Buffet table with mini hamburgers and canape at luxury wedding reception, copy space. Serving food and appetizers at restaurant. Catering banquet table

Regarding late-night snacks, offering full-sized burgers may not appeal to everyone, especially after a filling dinner. However, you can still satisfy your guests' savory cravings with sliders. Serve up mini burgers, or get creative with pulled pork or brisket sliders for a flavorful bite. Expand the options further by including mini grilled cheese sandwiches or mini biscuit sandwiches, providing a variety of burger or sandwich-like options. If you're short on time or prefer convenience, consider pre-ordering mini burgers from your favorite restaurant to save on wedding day DIY efforts.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs snacks on a table, variety of different hot dog with a sausage and onion on beautifully decorated catering banquet table on a corporate christmas birthday party event or wedding celebration

Guests can customize their hot dogs with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and more. Whether you opt for traditional all-beef franks, vegetarian or vegan sausages, or specialty gourmet dogs, the possibilities for customization are endless.

Fries

From above of assorted types of French fries topped with sauces served in metal meshes on wooden table in light kitchen

Take it up a notch by offering a variety of fry cuts, each with its own unique appeal. From classic shoestring fries to thick-cut steak fries or crispy waffle fries. To enhance the fry experience, provide an assortment of dipping sauces. Think beyond the traditional ketchup and offer flavorful options like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, truffle mayo, or even a spicy sriracha dip. Present the fries and dipping sauces in an attractive display, whether in individual containers or shared platters for guests to enjoy.

Pizza

Six different pizza set for menu on the wooden table. Italian food traditional cuisine. Pizzas with salami, seafood, ham, bacon and olives, chicken and mushrooms and vegetarian, top view

Serving pizza as a late-night snack adds a comforting and delicious touch to the festivities. Consider classic favorites like pepperoni, cheese, or Margherita and gourmet options with unique toppings like BBQ chicken, spinach, and feta, or prosciutto and arugula. You can even provide vegetarian or vegan pizza options to accommodate different dietary preferences. To keep things convenient, you can arrange for a local pizzeria to deliver fresh pizzas to your wedding venue. Alternatively, consider setting up a pizza station where guests can customize their slices with a selection of toppings.

Mini Tacos

Mini tacos with ground beef, mozzarella and parmesan

These bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of traditional tacos into a compact and easy-to-eat package. Offer a variety of fillings to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Classic options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables are always a hit. Consider adding unique twists like shrimp with spicy aioli, pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce, or vegetarian options like black bean and corn salsa. To complement the mini tacos, set up a toppings bar with an array of condiments and garnishes. Include traditional favorites like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also provide additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime to add a burst of freshness.

Randi Moultrie is a Charleston, South Carolina native and has been in the radio industry for the last few years in Charlotte. Randi started with Beasley Media Group as an intern in 2019 and is now thriving in the digital world. Randi enjoys writing about her favorite foods (especially pizza) and all things fashion and travel. As one who loves taking trips to find new foods, it’s not surprising that she enjoys writing about both!