The foods you choose and the way you choose to serve them should be a reinforcement of the style of your wedding. In some cases, the style may even follow the food!
To inspire you in your wedding planning, here are the top 5 trends for wedding catering, divided by style.
1)Brunch:
Brunch can be a very elegant, yet more relaxed option for your wedding reception. Events at this time of day are by nature a little lighter, a little airier. Start with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar then delight your guests with a bounty of your favorite brunch food. You could incorporate an Omelet Station or Waffle Bar to keep things interesting.
Another bonus to a brunch wedding reception is that they can often be more budget friendly.
2) Family Style:
This is a natural extension of not just the rustic trend but also the rise in ethnic weddings. Think long tables served family style. Treat your guests like they are at a family dinner. The foods will be a solid representation of what comfort means to you. That can be anything from multiple platters of regional Italian fare, to piled high bowls of pulled pork with cornbread and all the trimmings to my Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Your guests will be able to indulge in their favorites and avoid the things not on their diet.
3) Cocktail Party
This is just what it sounds like. It conjures up image of the classic cocktail parties of the Rat Pack era. Beautiful people mill around having cocktails and conversation while indulging in amazing passed hors d’oeuvers. Everything is bite size and easy to nibble. A couple of important points to remember is don’t skimp on the food; your guest will need something substantial to soak up those cocktails. Even though you won’t be setting proper dining tables, have plenty of seating and places for your guests to set their drinks. Banquettes and low cocktail tables and chairs mixed with some high-boy standing cocktail tables should do the trick.
4)Food Stations
A food station wedding reception is similar to the cocktail party but more relaxed and more interactive. Use your choice of food stations to express the style of your wedding. If it’s casual you may choose Burger and Pizza bars topped off with an ice-cream soda fountain. The urbanite couple may decide on a variety of street food stations or a sushi cutter and hibachi chef. What ever food direction you decide to take, this concept bring variety and entertainment to the party.
5) Classic High Service
The days of ultra fine dining are back, especially for weddings. This is the classic seated, plated dinner taken from standard banquet fare to the realm of the 4 star dining room. Picture elegant waiters passing hors d’oeuvers and champagne followed by multiple courses served by white gloved waiters at tables that are beautifully set with chargers and complete place settings. Some couples are even resurrecting guieridon service, having wait staff make salads or appetizers tableside.
Think about the foods you love and how you want your family and friends to interact at your wedding reception and choose your reception feast style accordingly. I promise your guests will have a good time.