About 40 per cent of couples get engaged over the holidays, which means wedding planner’s phones are about to start ringing off the hook. As one of the bigger ticket items in any couple’s budget, one of the first things they start to think through when they begin planning is what they want the menu to look like. That’s why the chefs and event professionals at Fork + Farm Catered Events have created this list of 2019’s top wedding catering trends. Take a look, call up a couple caterers (and hey, why not call us while you’re at it), and let the wedding season begin!
Vegetarian mains
It’s the year of the legume! With more and more people moving towards a meat-less lifestyle, mains that incorporate meat-alternatives are on the rise. If you’re still looking for a big protein punch, think about working with beans, lentils, and chickpeas, all of which are very popular right now. Additionally, pescetarianism (a diet where the only meat an individual will eat is fish) is on the rise, so if going full veggie isn’t your client’s style then take a look at what fish options your caterer can provide.
Experiential Dining
We love showing off what we do, and guests seem to like it too! A big trend for 2019 is bringing the prep out from the kitchen and into the party so guests can watch the cooking of their meal and have it become a part of the wedding experience. Extra points if you find a way for the guests to get involved (do-it-yourself brûlée, bar, anyone?).
Food Trucks
Tried and true and oh-so-popular, the food truck frenzy would appear to be far from over. In fact, food trucks are now becoming popular not just for late night snacks, but as a fun dessert option! Our favourite take on this dining on wheels experience are the trucks that act as mobile bars- perfect for outdoor, summer weddings that have more of a laid back feel.
Keeping it Local
This is a trend we can get behind. The growing movement to keep food within a 100 kilometres radius of where it’s eaten means more couples are asking their caterers to work with local produce. The unintentional bonus of this trend is that you’re likely getting your ingredients at their very best, because they don’t have to travel. Pro tip? Also ask your caterer about what’s in season; seasonal and local ingredients make for dishes that shine!
Customized Everything
Your client’s wedding day is an expression of who they are as a couple, and their menu should be a special expression of their unique story. Did they go for oysters on your first date? A pop-up oyster bar could be a sweet nod to the beginning of their love story. Was there a specific bottle of champagne they purchased to celebrate their engagement? Why not have that be the bubbly in your guests’ glasses for your first toast?
Curious about other wedding catering trends? Our chefs love working with couples to find out how we can create a story out of their menu! Book a tasting today at forkandfarmcatering.com
Dennis Jeffery is the executive chef and co-owner of Fork + Farm Catered Events, currently nominated for a Top Choice Award for Best Caterer. For more tips on catering trends, or to learn more about Fork + Farm, go to forkandfarmcatering.com
