5 Hot Wedding Catering Trends for 2020

The time when wedding catering was all about boring, one-size-fits-all menus are behind us – thank goodness! These days, couples are tapped into foodie culture, and eager to create incredible dining experiences that will wow their guests. That’s what many of this year’s wedding food trends are all about, and as an event caterer focused on curated grazing tables, I’m so excited to be a part of it! Here are five of the hottest wedding catering trends for 2020.

In the past, cocktail hour was a time when the bride and groom were absent, and a few sad little hors d’oeuvres were passed around to keep guests happy. Now this pre-reception period is having its moment, as couples up the ante in entertainment, drinks, and food. As such, many are now also choosing to skip plated starters. Grazing tables are a big part of this trend, and have only grown in popularity over the past year. They encourage guests to be sociable, provide an opulent visual focal point, and a sense of laid-back luxury. Plus guests love filling up on delicious treats like specialty cheeses, charcuterie, dips, artisan breads and crackers, and fresh produce before heading into the reception for the main course.

Another of the big wedding catering trends is family-style dining, which has also grown massively in popularity. This dining option allows the food to become part of the table décor, and like grazing tables, encourages a sense of community and sharing. Guests are also able to help themselves to as much or as little as they want, and to skip dishes that aren’t suitable for their dietary needs or preferences. Over the past year, I’ve loved creating and styling some gorgeous picnic grazing tables, with the food acting almost as a runner. They look amazing, and create that feeling of Italian style eating that I adore!

Eco-friendly weddings are a huge trend for 2020, and choosing a green wedding caterer is a great way to lower the carbon footprint for your event. It’s all about using what is fresh, local, and seasonal, from sourcing from local suppliers and nearby farms, to foraging and homegrown produce. I also work hard to reduce food waste wherever possible – you can see more about how I’ve made sustainability part of my wedding catering business in this post. Lots of couples are also looking for plant-based options, and I’m always happy to create vegetarian or vegan menus, or incorporate more plant-based dishes into my grazing tables.

Late night snacks might not be a new idea, but they are getting more popular (and more sophisticated!) for 2020 weddings. It’s all about keeping energy levels up, so the dance floor is still pumping well after midnight. Comfort food is a popular option, and some couples are even ordering food from their favourite take-out spots. A bespoke grazing table or dessert feasting table is also a great idea, as guests can snack and return for more whenever they please.

Modern weddings are all about personalization, and who says the food should be any different? Couples are now including menu items that pay tribute to their family heritage, places they’ve been, even their honeymoon location. It’s a great way of giving your guests a taste of the wedding location, and an experience they won’t soon forget. If you’re planning a UK destination wedding, adding elements of an afternoon tea to your menu is always a fun idea! Classics like delicate finger sandwiches and fresh scones presented on pretty heirloom and contemporary crockery always go down a treat.

Which of these wedding catering trends are you considering for your 2020 wedding?

Top image by: Abigail White Photo + Film