When it comes to wedding trends, we often talk about venue, decoration, and entertainment. But there’s one aspect that’s just as important – the food!
A well-thought-out wedding menu leaves a lasting impression on your guests, making your big day a day to remember for everyone. Not only can the food elevate your wedding, it can also reflect your personalities and love story, telling the tale of your relationship through each delicious course.
In 2024, sustainable wedding choices, intimate gatherings and bespoke catering have emerged as the main highlights of the celebration. If you’re planning your wedding in 2024, here are the top wedding menu trends that you can incorporate into your catering plan.
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Interactive Food Bars
2024 is about enhanced guest engagement, and the wedding menu is no exception. Couples are opting for interactive food bars where guests can personalize their meals to their liking. This option gives more control over personal preference and adds a fun element to the dining experience, amplifying the mood of your special day.
What’s best? These interactive food stations often offer live cooking demonstrations and other engaging elements such as liquid nitrogen and ice cream preparations. These additions create a sense of awe and anticipation, keeping your guests entertained and involved in the celebration.
Here are some of the station options you can choose from:
- Sushi station: Various sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi for your guests.
- Taco bar: Offering a selection of protein, toppings and tortillas.
- Salad bar: Various fresh green options with or without protein.
- Pasta Bar: Have a chef whip up unique pasta creations on the spot.
- Poutine station: Crispy fries meet a blanket of gooey cheese curds and other popular or unique toppings to customize to your guests’ delight.
2. Local produce and sustainable menus
With the rise of sustainability, couples are moving towards incorporating sustainable options into their menu. Many couples are going for organic and locally-produced seasonal produce. This kind of thoughtful menu not only supports small businesses but also ensures incredibly fresh and authentic farm-to-table cuisine.
3. Bite-sized minis
Bite-sized mouthfuls are one of the most enticing food trends in 2024. When the main priority of the celebration is to dance and mingle, non-conventional food arrangements such as food stations and bite-sized servings are great for munching without having to stop the party. Moreover, these bite-sized delights also add an aesthetic appeal to the dining experience.
Here are some of the mini-food versions that you can incorporate into your wedding menu:
- Miniature sliders
- Juicy scallop lollipops
- Mini hotdogs
- Tiny wedding cakes
- Mini beef or chicken tacos
- Fruit skewers
- Tea sandwiches
- Sesame beef bites on a stick
- Mini tartlets with a variety of fillings
- Fried mac ‘n’ cheese lollipops
- Flatbreads
- Meatballs
- Soup shooters like grilled cheese and tomato soup
4. Late night snacks
Late-night wedding snacks are not new, but they will remain popular in 2024 and beyond. Snacking is best when you want to keep the party going with unstoppable energy. The late-night wedding food options range from mini pizzas to nachos or even a spiced-up bowl of ramen. You can also have a food truck to serve tempting midnight treats.
Snacking not only helps sustain the energy of the celebration but also adds an element of surprise. Guests find having a few extra bites late into the night exciting.
Here are a few more late-night snack options for you to have on your wedding menu:
- Gourmet popcorn
- Sweet potato fries
- Quesadillas
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- S’mores bar
- Chicken and waffles
- Charcuterie spread
- Mini sliders
- Mini tacos
- Soft pretzels
5. Plant-based options
Plant-based food is a rising wedding food trend. With the Met Gala serving a separate vegan menu to attendees, this wedding menu trend has become more prominent than ever. Plant-based is often associated with salads and bland vegetables. However, there’s far more to it than that. Plant-based menus incorporate a variety of flavorful vegan and vegetarian options.
Couples who expect a lot of vegan or vegetarian guests can hire a caterer who is well-versed in delivering diverse plant-based options. This gives the impression that the couple cares about inclusivity and ensures that there is something to eat for everyone.
Some exciting plant-based food options are:
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Hummus
- Falafel bites
- Vegan pizzas
- Spring rolls
- Caprese skewers
6. Nostalgic or comfort foods
One of the most unique wedding menu trends we expect to see throughout 2024 is the inclusion of nostalgic and comfort foods. It allows couples to incorporate food options that hold a special place in their heart and add a personalized touch to the dining experience. You can include unique family recipes, childhood favourites, and regional specialties from countries you have travelled to or grew up in. Guests can connect to your sentiments while savouring the delicious meals that are special to you.
Here are a few examples:
- Tourtière
- Mashed potato bar
- Fried chicken
- Sweet potato cakes
- Meatloaf
- Poutine
- Bubbling stews, chili or soups
- Biscuits and gravy
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