Foodies rejoice: Summer wedding season is almost upon us, and it’s bringing some delicious culinary favorites along for the ride.

If you’re planning a summer wedding, you’ll definitely want to craft a menu that offers your guests a variety of refreshing seasonal treats that will leave them in awe (and well-fed!) from cocktail hour to cake-cutting time. Take a look at some of our can’t-go-wrong favorites, new trends, and special enhancements for summer 2015.

A summer wedding often calls for hors d’oeuvres to be light and refreshing. Luckily, many wedding venues, including the Sterling Ballroom at the DoubleTree Tinton Falls, NJ have that covered. Think chilled shrimp or oysters, light and flaky phyllo-wrapped treats, an assortment of fruits and vegetables, or a selection of artisan cheese. Here are some cocktail hour faves you can find at the Sterling Ballroom:

Another tip for cocktail hour: think portable and functional. If it’s on a skewer, in a shooter glass, or contains the word “miniature,” there’s less fuss and less mess. We can’t help but want to grab a generous handful of these bacon-wrapped skewer treats (featured on the “Bacon Me Crazy” station available in the Sterling Ballroom’s platinum wedding packages!)

The main course of a summer wedding can vary, depending on how early or late in the day the event begins. For an early supper, you can’t go wrong with offering lighter meal choices, such as an artisan chicken or seafood dish. Pair the entrée with a crisp and cooling first course, like a caprese salad.

Let’s not forget about drinks. One up-and-coming summer wedding trend is infused water stations, an elegant (and tasty) way to keep guests refreshed. (You can see a list of flavors from the Sterling Ballroom here.)

And for the grown-ups, the Sterling Ballroom offers a few seasonal signature cocktails to get the party started, like the crushed ice piña colada. See some more sippable treats on our menu below. Or, come up with your own signature cocktail – check out some summertime wedding cocktail ideas from the BridalGuide.

Weddings can be a foodie’s dream come true – a chance to craft a menu of distinctive and offbeat foods. Book the Sterling Ballroom in Tinton Falls, NJ to customize every last menu detail and make your wedding day a unforgettable culinary experience.

– Jessica M.