Wedding season is here and those in the food industry need to be aware of the different trends that are taking hold this year.  Small businesses need to capitalize on their ability to focus on the smallest detail when it comes to preparing their wedding menu.  Trends in the food industry tend to show up prominently in wedding menu choices and small business owners need to ensure they have a variety of offerings that coincide with them.  Here we’ve compiled a list of the major food trends that are already showing up at all weddings from the simple to the upscale.

Farm to Table Treats

Fresh, organic and local is the name of the game when it comes to providing top quality catered goods and wedding menus are no different.  The demand for high end food that has been grown and raised the right way has exploded over the past decade and your menu should include a wide variety of farm to table options.

Original Cocktails

Creating new drinks that fit a theme or season can add a signature touch to your beverage menu.  You’ll always want to offer the classics but including original drinks with fresh ingredients will help set your catering company apart.

Edible Flowers

There are a wide variety of edible flowers and they can make a beautiful addition to many menu items.  Garnishing salads, entrees and drinks with fresh flowers will add to the color and conversation to your wedding celebration.

Bite-Sized Everything

Creating miniature versions of your popular menu items is a growing trend and is something that you should consider offering if you don’t already.  This allows you to translate entrees into appetizers and offer a bigger variety of dessert choices.

Drink and Appetizer Pairings

A combination drink and appetizer menu that offers complimentary pairings adds a sophisticated touch and optimizes each guest’s catering experience.  Be sure to include a wide variety of options to fit individual tastes.

Food Trucks

We all know by now that food trucks have become a huge part of the food service industry and they are beginning to pop up at weddings as well.  Having a truck on hand that can provide quickly prepared food for guests is a great option as the party wears on.

DIY

Setting up do-it-yourself cocktail and dessert stations will give guests control over their food experience and create a fun and interactive environment.

Late Night Snacks

Often times wedding receptions can drive on throughout the late night hours and your catering company should be prepared with traditional late night favorites.  While it may not seem like classic wedding fare, french fries, finger sandwiches, popcorn, pizza and coffee can be a welcome sight for weary wedding guests.

Family Style

Family style wedding meals have become popular because of the interactive qualities that they provide.  While it can be tough to create family style meals that will fit each guest’s appetite it is an important option to make available on your catering menu.

Tasting Menu

Fine dining restaurants have long offered multiple course tasting menus that showcase the quality of their ingredients and the skills of their chefs.  This is quickly becoming a must have for upscale wedding parties.  Utilizing new techniques, exotic ingredients and luxury food items will bring flare to your tasting menu and entice clients to increase their catering budget.

Special Diets

Having a variety of foods that fit vegan and vegetarian diets is a must in the food industry today.  You also need to pay close attention to food allergies and make ingredients and potential risks known.

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