Every bride and groom hopes for the perfect wedding day. With the average couple dedicating 20-30 hours planning THE big day, every detail seems to matter, particularly the food. According to a Huffingtonpost.com Bridal Guide blog post, food ranks as a top ten guest complaint. Have no fear. Here are seven hot wedding menu trends that are sure to dazzle your guests’ taste buds while making it a wedding they will never forget:
1. Tantalizing Tapas
Your guests will arrive expecting the traditional assortment of cheese, crackers, and fruit. Why not spice things up with bite size creative culinary wonders that will awaken all of your guests’ senses. Work with your caterer to select 3-4 tapas style appetizers to pass while friends and family mingle. Although Tapas is traditionally Spanish, this style of cuisine has been sweeping wedding receptions with flavors from around the world. From miniature meatloaves piped with potato and topped with chives, to grilled asparagus wrapped with herbed goat cheese and prosciutto, the flavor combinations are open to your hearts’ desire. Looking for ways to cut wedding costs? Consider blending cocktail hour with a sit down meal; increase the number of tapas offered and serve them family style.
2. Breakfast for Dinner
Another way to lower the cost of feeding guests while creating lasting memories – forego the surf and turf for pancakes and eggs. A brunch theme works well for an afternoon wedding reception and pairs well with champagne!
3. Creative Plates
Allow your guests to design their own plates. Yes, the traditional buffet line is still a pillar of many wedding receptions, but why not add to the pizazz of the event by offering multiple “creation stations” based on a theme. Fresh guacamole and farm fresh salsa, paired with hot tortilla chips and all the fixings set the scene for personalized nachos. Serve with a miniature margarita or Mexican beer for an extra special touch. Or let guests get creative with a “hot spud.” Baked potato bars are another popular food station meal.
4. Family Style
Throwing a rustic reception under the stars? Work with the function facility to coordinate large, rectangular tables and serve from platters placed on the table. By serving directly from the table, the dreaded buffet line is eliminated and there is more time to bond and converse over the meal. Consider supporting local farmers by incorporating what they have to offer into the mix – from produce, flowers, and herbs, to beef, chicken, and eggs, you are sure to find much of what you need to produce a gourmet meal.
5. Raise the Bar
The bar is no longer reserved for traditional cocktails. Let your creative side flow! Pair a rustic, harvest themed reception with a tasting coordinated by a local winery; or select a signature ale and serve from a commemorative pint glass.
6. Think Outside the Cake
Looking for something less traditional than a wedding cake and trendier than cupcakes? Bridal Guide guest blogger Nathaniel Neubauer suggests leaning towards a selection of mini-desserts (see link for inspiration). From pies, cake-pops, and tarts, to the more complex displays featuring s’mores and sundae creations, brides and grooms are taking dessert to a brand new level.
7. Inspired Dishes
Edible gifts are gaining in popularity. Where did you go on your first date? Did you share a pizza at a local pizza joint? Take a walk down memory lane by partnering with the same pizzeria to send guests off with a late night slice of pie in a personalized to-go box. Are you known for your sweet tooth? Create a candy shop table at the door and send guests away with a personalized goodie bag. Let your imagination guide you to the perfect finale!
