6 Trendy Wedding Food Ideas
Some guests cry during the ceremony; some laugh uncontrollably during the speeches; some hit the dancefloor hard; some head for the bar, and some head home. The one thing that almost all guests enjoy is the food, which is why it’s such an important aspect of every wedding.
However, the food isn’t only about the guests; it should also reflect what you enjoy as a couple and it needs to fit in with the overall theme and tone of the wedding. Before you start looking for a catering company or other food service providers, it’s best to have an idea of what you want, how you would like it to be served and how much you want to spend. This will likely narrow down your search, too.
In this article, we’ll help get the wedding food ideas simmering…
For a taste of something different, here are 6 unique and delicious wedding food trends:
1. Comfort food favourites
If you don’t like burgers and ice-cream, we don’t believe you 😉 ! These days, couples are bringing familiar food favourites to weddings with an elegant touch or a gourmet twist. Some examples include:
- Assorted sliders with toppings like caramelised onion, pesto, different cheeses, bacon, guacamole… whatever you can imagine!
- Hot chips served in cute little baskets or cardboard sleeves in your wedding colours.
- Shots of tomato soup served with grilled cheese sandwiches on artisan bread.
- Do-it-yourself pizzas.
- A gourmet burger bar.
- An ice-cream sundae stand with toppings aplenty.
- Playful doughnuts hanging on hooks on a pretty board.
Almost any ‘take-away’ food can be dressed up for the occasion!
2. Brunch buffet
Starting your wedding early means that you have a longer day to enjoy, which is why a brunch buffet is a brilliant idea for early-bird brides! Serving brunch can also be more cost-effective. Instead of having a bar serving alcohol, you could replace this with a coffee bar!
Some brunch food favourites include:
- Bacon and eggs
- French toast
- Assorted pastries
- Pancakes and waffles
- Scones with cream and jam or cheese
- Savoury quiches, frittatas and muffins
- Elegant finger sandwiches
- Mimosas
- Fresh smoothies
- Wedding cake.
3. International food themes
As a couple, perhaps you have a favourite regional cuisine? It could even be from a country you’ve visited together or the place where you met. Consider incorporating these flavours and dishes that you love into your wedding day menu.
Some examples:
- Italian
- French
- Mexican
- Indian
- Thai
- Spanish tapas
- Proudly South African.
You can also carry this theme through to your table décor and other small details. Having a particular theme can help direct the look and feel of your wedding and also gives your guests a multi-sensory experience as they feel, see and taste your chosen setting.
4. Food on the move
The culture of food trucks has ‘put foot’ and is accelerating both internationally and in South Africa. Using a food truck is a fun, casual way to serve your guests; an interactive experience that can also add to your overall theme and atmosphere. Even if you don’t serve your entire meal from food trucks, you can pick and choose which elements you’d like to serve on the move.
Some yummy ideas for drinks and meals on wheels:
- Candy station
- Ice cream cart
- Smoothie station
- Oyster bar
- Cocktail bar
- Gin bar
- Coffee bar
- Soup station
- Dessert bar
- Food trucks
5. Get stuck in
Forget the formalities and eat with your fingers! Letting guests truly dig-in to dinner is a unique, interactive experience that makes for a laidback atmosphere and puts everyone at ease. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins, wet-wipes and finger bowls nearby.
Some dig-in dishes include:
- Ribs
- Pizza
- Chips
- Finger snacks
- Chicken wings
- Steak rolls or boerie rolls
- Medieval feast in front of the beautiful fireplace in our function room
6. Elegant Dinner
Even though many couples these days are choosing more non-traditional wedding food options, enjoying an elegant dinner will never go out of style. If you’re the kind of couple that prefers plated perfection, there’s no doubt that your guests will enjoy sitting down to a delicious dinner. Serious foodies could consider serving a tasting menu of five or more small courses (possibly paired with wine), putting a real focus on your food.
We hope that this list has helped you find some foodie inspiration. If you’re still not 100% sure, chat to a caterer to find out about what is feasible within your budget and will fit with the overall theme and season.
At Harrington House, we work with experienced, creative caterers who will make the food on your day just as special as you are. Give us a shout and we’ll send you the list of caterers that we work with; we’re also happy to listen to what you’re looking for food-wise and match you up with the caterer that we think will be best suited to your requirements.
