In the wake of the pandemic, weddings have been reimagined to fit the new normal – masks, social distancing, and virtual guests. But, one thing that remains unchanged is the excitement of planning the perfect wedding with the perfect catering. Couples are no longer satisfied with run-of-the-mill menus; they want to incorporate out-of-the-box ideas to make their big day stand out. Here are the top wedding catering trends for 2021:
Guests can interact with chefs and create their own dishes at various stations like sushi or pasta. It's a fun way to keep guests entertained and lets them personalize their meals to their liking.
Mobile food vendors are perfect for outdoor weddings, serving gourmet food on the go for guests to enjoy. It adds a quirky touch to the wedding and guests can choose from a variety of culinary options.
Served at the table, this dining style encourages guests to socialize while passing plates around. It creates a sense of warmth and togetherness that's perfect for intimate weddings.
Couples are opting for farm-to-table menus featuring locally grown produce and locally sourced meats. It's a great way to support the community and provide guests with fresh, seasonal fare.
With more people adopting plant-based diets, vegan and vegetarian options are no longer an afterthought but a must-have. It's important to cater to all dietary restrictions to ensure all guests can enjoy the food.
Elevated classics like mac and cheese or pizza bring back a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the wedding menu. It's a great way to infuse personality into the menu and add a touch of fun to the wedding.
Craft cocktails customized to the couple's preferences and themed to fit the wedding add a personal touch to the reception. It's a great way to showcase the couple's personalities and create a unique cocktail experience for guests.
Miniature appetizers and desserts served on trays or passed around add a touch of elegance while allowing guests to try a little bit of everything. It's perfect for cocktail-style receptions or as a post-dinner treat.
Chefs are presenting dishes in new and creative ways like using unconventional serving dishes or edible flowers for garnish. It adds a wow-factor to the food and makes it Instagram-worthy.
Lighter, healthier options like grilled meats and salads appeal to couples who value health and wellness in their food choices. It's a great way to provide guilt-free indulgence while still being conscious of nutrition.
Interactive Food Stations
One of the top wedding catering trends for 2021 is interactive food stations. This unique catering concept allows guests to interact with chefs and create their own dishes at different stations, like sushi or pasta. It is perfect for couples who want to add a fun twist to their wedding menu and give their guests an interactive dining experience.
Interactive food stations serve as a fun way to engage guests and encourage them to participate in the culinary experience. Guests can customize their dishes according to their preferences, making it a personalized menu for everyone. The concept is perfect for couples who want to incorporate their cultural heritage into the wedding menu or choose a cuisine that is not traditionally served at weddings.
- Interactive food stations are perfect for small and large weddings alike.
- They make the perfect addition to outdoor receptions.
The interactive food stations catering concept is versatile, and guests can choose from a wide variety of dishes. Couples can have sushi stations, pasta stations, or even cheese stations. This trend is perfect for couples who want to wow their guests with unique and innovative catering ideas.
Food Truck Catering
In today's modern, fast-paced world, mobile food trucks have become a trendy catering option for weddings. These food trucks offer something different from the traditional sit-down dinner. They provide guests with exciting, portable gourmet dishes with a unique twist.
For couples looking to host an outdoor wedding, food truck catering is the perfect choice. They can serve a wide variety of delicious foods to satisfy every craving, ranging from gourmet burgers, tacos, and BBQ to vegan bowls and seafood. The best part is that guests can enjoy the meal while mingling and dancing without having to sit down for a formal dinner.
Food truck catering also offers a more relaxed atmosphere for weddings, breaking away from the traditional dress code and formalities. Guests can enjoy the food and drinks at their own pace, and best of all, food truck catering is often less expensive than a sit-down dinner, so it can help couples stick to a budget.
Couples can bring their own personal touch to the food truck catering experience by selecting the right food truck for their guests' tastes, style, and preferences. For example, they can opt for a taco truck if they're fans of Mexican cuisine or a pasta truck if Italian is their favorite. Food trucks can also be decorated to match the wedding theme, giving guests the ultimate foodie experience that they'll never forget.
In conclusion, food truck catering is a unique and innovative catering option that's perfect for outdoor weddings. With a wide variety of dishes and a more relaxed atmosphere, food trucks offer a fun, cost-effective, and personalized dining experience. So why not ditch the traditional sit-down dinner and switch it up with a food truck for your big day?
Family-Style Meals
The family-style meal trend has been gaining popularity in the wedding industry as it provides a more relaxed and interactive dining experience for guests. Instead of individual plates, large platters of food are placed on each table for guests to pass around and share. This encourages guests to socialize and interact with each other while enjoying a delicious meal.
Couples can choose from a variety of family-style menus that cater to their tastes and preferences. From hearty Italian dishes to farm-to-table fare, there are endless options to choose from. Family-style meals are also a great way to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions, as they can easily pick and choose what they want to eat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Encourages socialization and interaction among guests | May not be suitable for more formal weddings |
| A great way to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions | May require more planning and coordination with caterers |
| Provides a more relaxed and casual dining experience | Requires larger tables and seating arrangements |
Family-style meals also offer a unique opportunity for couples to incorporate personal touches into their wedding. They can choose platters and serving dishes that match their wedding theme or create custom menus that reflect their cultural backgrounds. With family-style meals, guests will feel right at home and part of the celebration.
Locally-Sourced Ingredients
One of the top wedding catering trends for 2021 is the emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Many couples are opting for farm-to-table menus that feature fresh and locally grown produce, as well as locally sourced meats. This trend not only supports local farmers and businesses but also ensures that the food is of the highest quality and flavor.
Caterers are now working closely with local farmers and suppliers to source their ingredients, creating a unique and personalized dining experience for the wedding guests. Couples can choose from a variety of local ingredients to incorporate into their menu, such as artisanal cheeses, specialty meats, and seasonal produce.
- Locally grown produce is not only fresher but also more nutritious and flavorful.
- Sourcing locally grown meat ensures that animals are raised in a humane and ethical manner.
- Using local products supports local businesses, reduces carbon footprints, and promotes sustainability.
Today's couples are not only looking for a delicious meal but also want to make healthier and sustainable food choices. By using locally-sourced ingredients, wedding caterers can offer a unique and memorable dining experience that satisfies both the palate and the conscience.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For the environmentally conscious and plant-based couples, having vegetarian and vegan options on their wedding menu is a top priority. With the rise of veganism and people adopting plant-based diets, it's no longer a niche catering option but a must-have. Catering to dietary restrictions and preferences is essential, and by offering vegan and vegetarian options, couples can ensure that all guests will be able to enjoy the food.
Vegan and vegetarian options also provide an opportunity for chefs to get creative with ingredients and flavors. Caterers are creating innovative dishes that feature plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan. With the right culinary skills, these ingredients can be transformed into delicious gourmet dishes that even meat-eaters will enjoy.
- Some popular vegetarian and vegan options include:
- Fresh vegetable and fruit platters
- Quinoa or lentil salad with roasted vegetables
- Vegan sliders made with Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger
- Vegan sushi rolls made with avocado, cucumber, and carrot
By incorporating plant-based dishes into the wedding menu, couples can also reduce their environmental footprint. Choosing locally sourced ingredients and plant-based proteins helps minimize the carbon footprint associated with traditional meat-based meals.
In conclusion, providing vegetarian and vegan options at weddings is no longer an afterthought but a necessity. Caterers can get creative with these options and deliver healthy, delicious, and sustainable meals that cater to the dietary needs of all guests.
Comfort Food with a Twist
Comfort food has always been a crowd-pleaser, especially during weddings where guests are looking for a warm and satisfying meal to keep them going throughout the festivities. This year, however, comfort food is getting an upgrade with elevated classics like mac and cheese or pizza, providing a delicious twist that brings back a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the wedding menu.
Couples are choosing to feature these classic comfort dishes with a twist. For example, mac and cheese can be served with lobster or truffle oil, while pizza can be topped with gourmet ingredients like prosciutto or figs. These creative variations on classic comfort food can add an element of surprise to the menu and make a lasting impression on guests.
- Mac and Cheese:
- Pizza:
| Classic | Lobster | Truffle Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional macaroni and cheese | Macaroni and cheese with chunks of lobster meat added | Macaroni and cheese with truffle oil added for an earthy, rich flavor |
| Classic | Prosciutto and Arugula | Fig and Goat Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional pizza with cheese and pepperoni | Pizza topped with prosciutto and arugula for a salty, fresh flavor | Pizza topped with figs and goat cheese for a sweet and savory flavor combination |
By incorporating comfort food with a twist, couples can ensure that their wedding menu stands out and provide their guests with a memorable meal. Whether it's an elegant twist on mac and cheese or a gourmet variation on pizza, these comfort food options are sure to be a hit among guests.
Customized Cocktails
One way to add a personal touch to the wedding reception is through customized cocktails. Craft cocktails can be created and tailored to the couple's preferences and themed to fit the overall atmosphere of the wedding.
For example, if the wedding has a beach theme, the cocktails can be created with tropical fruits and served in decorative coconut cups. Or, if the couple has a favorite cocktail, it can be given a unique twist and served as a signature drink for the wedding.
| Advantages of Customized Cocktails: |
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Additionally, having customized cocktails can also serve as a conversation starter for guests and create a unique and memorable experience. The bartender or mixologist can also offer non-alcoholic options for guests who do not drink alcohol, ensuring that everyone feels included and catered to.
Overall, customized cocktails can be a fun and creative addition to the wedding catering and can help make the reception truly memorable for the couple and their guests.
Small Bites
Small bites are a popular trend in wedding catering for 2021. This style involves miniature appetizers and desserts that are served on trays or passed around during the reception. These small bites add a touch of elegance to the event while allowing guests to try a little bit of everything.
Small bites can include a variety of options from savory to sweet. Examples of savory small bites include mini quiches, bruschetta, and sliders. Sweet options include mini cupcakes, tartlets, and macarons. These miniature options are perfect for guests who want just a taste without committing to a full dessert or appetizer.
- Miniature appetizers and desserts
- Served on trays or passed around
- Adds a touch of elegance to the event
- Allows guests to try a little bit of everything
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, small bites are also a practical choice for wedding catering. They can be easily prepared and served, making them an ideal option for large events. They also allow guests to mix and mingle while enjoying a variety of options, creating a more relaxed and social atmosphere.
Small bites can also be customized to fit specific dietary needs or preferences. For example, gluten-free or vegetarian options can be easily incorporated into the menu. Overall, small bites are a versatile and trendy option for couples planning their wedding catering in 2021.
Artistic Presentation
The world of wedding catering is constantly evolving and chefs are finding new ways to present their creations in unique and artistic ways. Couples who want to add a touch of creativity and sophistication to their wedding menu can explore the latest trend of artistic food presentation.
Instead of traditional serving dishes, chefs are getting creative and using unconventional materials like slate, wood, or even glass to present their dishes. These elegant dishes not only add a touch of sophistication to the catering but also make the food look more appealing and delicious.
Another way chefs are creating artistic presentation is by using edible elements like flowers, herbs, or fruits as garnishes. These natural elements not only add a pop of color to the dish but also enhance the overall flavor. Guests will love trying these beautiful and flavorful creations and will appreciate the extra effort put into presentation.
If you're looking for a unique way to present your wedding menu, consider this new trend of artistic presentation. It's a fun and creative way to add some excitement to your big day and will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Wellness-Focused Catering
With the increased attention on health and wellness, many couples are looking for catering options that provide lighter, healthier choices for their wedding day. Popular options for wellness-focused catering include grilled meats and salads as the main courses, along with other healthier sides such as quinoa or roasted vegetables.
For couples who follow a specific diet, there are various catering options available that cater to their needs. Some caterers offer vegetarian and vegan meal plans, while others offer gluten-free or dairy-free options. These options allow couples to accommodate their guests' individual needs while still providing a delicious meal.
Additionally, couples can incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients into their catering menu. This not only promotes health but sustainability as well. Couples can work with their caterers to come up with a menu that not only tastes great but is also conscious about its environmental impact.
One trend that has recently emerged is the use of herbs and spices as a way to add flavor to dishes without adding calories. By incorporating fresh herbs like coriander or thyme, or spices like cumin or paprika, caterers can create unique and healthy dishes that will impress guests.
Finally, another way to promote wellness is by offering creative non-alcoholic beverage options. This allows guests who choose not to drink alcohol to still enjoy a refreshing and flavorful beverage. Couples can work with their caterers to come up with unique and refreshing options that will be appreciated by all guests.
In summary, wellness-focused catering is a growing trend among couples who want to prioritize health and sustainability at their wedding. By incorporating lighter, healthier options, fresh ingredients, and creative non-alcoholic beverages, couples can provide a memorable and delicious meal that caters to their guests' needs and preferences.