Less Is More: Popular Current Trends in Wedding Catering
One trend we’ve observed at Make It Perfect in Lincolnshire is that our clients increasingly favour tasting menus comprised of between five and seven smaller dishes – in place of the traditional three-course wedding meal. A good example of this could be a sundae station, where guests are invited to assemble at a table with several different ice creams on display (ranging from tonka bean to ginger, pineapple or time tested classics like raspberry ripple). After making their selection, guests then move to a nearby table of toppings.
At the next table they will find brownie pieces, fresh berries, meringue, toffee cake, roasted pineapple, hot fudge sauce, whipped cream and other options. The idea is that guests are free to mingle as they please, while enjoying tea and coffee in different environs – perhaps outside in a garden area, if the venue allows. This approach doesn’t work in every setting, of course. Part of its appeal is that the couple are better able to incorporate a multitude of their favourite dishes from past travels or their life together, for a more personal touch that the guests can relate to.
Years ago the only sweet treats you would typically find at a wedding would be a slice of the cake and a bit of tablet to accompany your coffee after the meal has been concluded. But apparently that’s all changing. Make It Perfect has noticed a growing trend in dessert tables and also the popularity of food trucks. In addition, we have observed an increase in the number of party-goers returning to the classic canapé. They are more affordable than ever, while clients are undoubtedly more adventurous and well-informed thanks to the resurgence of TV cookery programmes.
Midnight snacks are also playing an important role at weddings now. No matter how satisfying the main course, hunger will inevitably strike again when the outside bar has been open for a couple of hours and the more energetic dancing is well underway. A good approach here is to set up smaller food stations in the later hours to satiate your hungrier party people. There’s no need to be over-elaborate. You can offer a few basic savoury snacks, perhaps cheese boards or a hog roast if you feel like making more of an impression. Midnight bacon butties are usually well received.
There are a few other clever stunts that are sure to add some laughter, including secret singing waiters. If you’re looking for ideas, please get in touch with Make It Perfect today and we can work together on developing some unique touches to create long-lasting memories of your big day.