Energize your wedding menu with our favourite of-the-moment catering trends, like eye-catching displays and pre ceremony sips. These foodie-approved ideas will leave guests gushing about your reception long after you say “I do.”
Midnight Snacks
Guests will no doubt work up an appetite on the dance floor, so treat them to a second round of bites featuring your fave comfort foods. Casual menu items like mini sliders and grilled cheese triangles with tomato soup shooters will delight the crowd, and are a great way to cap off an evening of celebrating.
Make it yours: .
Daring Displays
Give partygoers something to feast their eyes on with a wow-worthy display. “Clients are always looking for fresh ideas, and the more visual, the better,” Get guests up and interacting with their surroundings with an especially memorable food moment.
Make it yours: Work with vendors on an idea that marries charm with an activity, like picking apples off a faux tree or choosing a doughnut hung from a wall.
Locally Sourced
Centre your meal around farm-to-table ingredients unique to your reception locale for a fun way to give loved ones a “tour” of the area with each bite. Not only can you trim down your catering costs by choosing local, in-season fruits and vegetables, you’ll end up with dishes that are more flavour—and colourful—too.
Make it yours: Go with an all out door, laid back menu. It’s a great choice, but when your picks are that fresh, Hire a caterer who specializes in out door-based dishes—they’ll be able to plan a meal that will leave guests satisfied.
Family Style
Instead of a buffet or plated dinner, serve the main meal family style (every table passes dishes among themselves) for a casual vibe that gets your guests interacting. Your reception will take on the effortless, relaxed feel of a dinner party, and guests can sample a bite of everything without having to choose one meal.
Make it yours: Get the best of both worlds with a “European” family-style spin. Every guest selects their main protein (like a traditional beef, chicken, fish or veggie dish), but the sides are passed around the table for sharing. This one is for Post Covid set up I’m afraid.
Specialty Bars
Take the signature cocktail to the next level by setting up a special spot at your reception (also known as a satellite bar) where you can serve a favourite brew or spirit, like whiskey, gin or trendy Aperol. Or hire a flair bartender to wow guests with some mixology magic.
Make it yours: Its up to you for what you want for your day, it’s a blank opportunity.
Foodie Favours
Edible gifts are one thing you can guarantee guests won’t leave behind. Thank family and friends for celebrating with a beautifully packaged (and delicious) treat reminiscent of your reception locale. Luxe chocolates, fresh-baked cookies, homemade Limoncello, or regional olive oil and balsamic vinegar are all total crowd-pleasers.
Make it yours: Go for a breakfast theme with your food favours and pull together baskets of essentials, like jam and biscuits, tea or coffee, cinnamon buns, cereal bars and more. It’s a thoughtful solution for guests leaving town early the next morning and perfect in lieu of a day-after brunch.
Dessert Swaps
Cakes will always reign supreme, but more couples are supplementing traditional tiers with desserts in their favourite flavours. A variety of pies, a French-inspired croquembouche or a stack of doughnuts all satisfy a sweet tooth and feel unexpected.
Make it yours:
High-End Tastes
Lend a luxe feel to dinner with a multicourse (five or more) menu, complete with wine pairings. Complex flavours and intricate plating are sure fire ways to impress your guests.
Make it yours: Tasting menus are known for their unique dish names. Work with your caterer to dream up a fun, personalized menu as a tribute to you and your partner.
Kick off Cocktails
Get the party started early by offering beverages before the ceremony while guests await your “I dos.” Refreshing mixers or alcohol-free sips, like sweet tea, will set the mood for your reception and evoke a celebratory atmosphere.
Make it yours: Serve mini bottles of champagne (with pretty striped straws, of course) so guests can pop the cork and cheers when you’re officially wed.
Cultural Cuisine
Roaming Dinner
Instead of a seated meal, offer guests a plethora of passed apps, filling small plates and interactive stations. “Our staff serves guests from barker trays that are tied behind their necks for a fun stadium feel,”
Happy Planning
John,
Thewholehog.ie, catering at it’s best.