Alternatives to a Traditional Open Bar

Weddings can easily be one of the biggest events in someone's life, and it shouldn't be a surprise since it marks the start of a new and exciting chapter that's filled with love.

From spending less money to celebrating all weekend long, Friday weddings do not disappoint!

In today’s society, we can see a true blend of both sides’ tastes and the creation of some new customs, breaking some of the “regular” traditions that are well-known. Weddings now pave the way as the beginning of a new life together to also showcase some new evolvements from the historical conventions.

Whether it is a long journey from another state or a short trip across the river, families travel to be with each other during the holidays. Yes, someone has to be the host. It’s been that way since the dawn of modern times. We have all been there; your brother, sister-in-law and the kids have just arrived. Hugs and kisses abound, coats are taken, beverages are offered and there’s a feeling of familiar holiday excitement in the air. The adults do the catch up chatter about the drive (or flight), work, sports and life in general as the kids excitedly show their cousins their latest apps & social media escapades. Even the dogs sense the energy in the room and are engaged in a rousing game of fetch. All you want to do is relax and chat, but you need to get your apron on again and get back into the kitchen because that bird isn’t going to cook itself. In addition to the daunting task of actually preparing the food, you have most likely been stressed at some point, for weeks prior. What should the menu include? Should you stick with the family traditions or try something new? Where can you get all new placements and napkins two days before the holiday without breaking the bank? Bella Sera is here to take the stress out of prepping and cooking so you can spend more time with your family and more time browsing for the perfect place setting online. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas catering includes all the favorites, tastefully prepared by our expert culinary team and ready to be simply reheated and served. A la carte items are available, but the real showstopper is our complete meal which includes enough options to please even the pickiest family members. It’s traditional, with tiny twists. You can even tell everyone all about your “new secret recipes you spend hours sourcing, preparing and cooking” and your secret is safe with us!

Brad Riggio Photography

I would love to have my outdoor ceremony in the Bella Sera Garden and host my cocktail hour in your charming tent! But, what if it’s too hot – or too cold? Does this sound like a question you’ve played over and over again in your head? We live in Pittsburgh and the weather can be somewhat unpredictable at times! We’ve brainstormed up some fun & unique ideas to make the outdoor aspect of your wedding enjoyable, regardless of what mother nature decides to send your way on your big day! (Let’s take a minute to talk about rain. We’ve always got you covered for an indoor ceremony at our Grand Fireplace)!

Planning a wedding can seem overwhelming, but Bella Sera’s Personal Wedding Consultant has over ten years of experience and is here to make sure your wedding is exactly as you’ve envisioned. Need a little help getting organized? We’re here for you.

We get asked many questions regarding our price points and what exactly they include. We are happy to breakdown our wedding packages for you and tell you why our packages include so much and make your planning 10x easier than you may think!

Maybe you’ve been planning your dream wedding for a decade, or maybe you just started. You might be most excited about finding the perfect dress (or jumpsuit , for the on-trend bride), or fantasizing about a jaw-dropping venue . But something you should add to your list of Wedding To-Dos is “consider guest accommodations.” Whether guests will be staying with you, your family, or in a hotel, we’ve done most of the thinking for you… after all, wedding planning should be stress-free. Plus, it’s a great chance to impress the future in-laws. Hosting at home? If you’re considering the more intimate and affordable option of hosting your out-of-town guests in your home, you’ll want to ensure they’re going to be comfortable and relaxed. Sure, your house or apartment isn’t a hotel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide thoughtful and stylish accommodations that would put Martha Stewart to shame. 1. Give them their own space: What’s nicer than being able to close a door behind you when you’re ready for a little solo time? If you don’t have a guest room, try a stylish room divide r to give visitors a private space they’ll love. 2. Make sure there’s easy access to food and drinks: Bottled water and some snacks are never a bad thing, plus guests won’t have to tiptoe around in the middle of the night looking for a water glass. 3. Identify nearby things to do: You’re going to be busy. If guests need to kill time for a couple of hours before the big event, provide a list or map of nearby restaurants, cafes, or farmers markets they can explore. They’ll probably fall in love with the area so much, they’ll ask to stay longer (It’s okay to politely decline). 4. Make sure everything is clean clean: This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to get used to a slightly weird smell in your downstairs bathroom or wine stain on the countertop. If cleaning is just *not* your strong suit, bribe your type-A friends with a 6-pack or, best case scenario, hire a housekeeper for a day. 5. Make breakfast an event: Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of bacon? Get your guests excited and ready for the day with a fun (and maybe boozy) breakfast. Today is the day! 6. Take time to appreciate them: This weekend is all about you, but your guests have probably done a lot to get there, including taking a day off from work. Take a moment to tell them how much you appreciate them celebrating this special day with you.