The question has been popped and the engagement ring is already prominently on display on the bride-to-be’s finger. But there are still a lot of elements involved in organizing a wedding. As a wedding planner, there’s much ado before the big “I do” to think of. The venue and the entertainment are at the top of the list. The next most crucial aspect is wedding catering. The national average for wedding catering is $9,500, which works out to $70 per plate for around 135 wedding guests.
There are many types of wedding catering available to suit everyone’s tastes and wedding budget needs. Wedding catering can be as unique and diverse as the couple themselves.
For couples seeking out elegant, classic, or simple wedding catering ideas, we’ve got you covered. Hungry for more? Keep reading below for some fun and tasty catering ideas.
Elevated Comfort Food
The average wedding in New York is estimated to cost $43,863 when all is said and done. Pricey food can eat up a big percentage of a couple’s wedding budget. But the typical steak, chicken, and seafood options don’t always satisfy the palates of picky wedding guests.
Offering an elevated comfort food menu gives wedding guests a selection of tasty wedding catering food options with an elegant twist.
Think of items like gourmet sliders with wagyu beef patties along with inventive toppings like garlic aioli, arugula, and provolone cheese. For sides, you can offer mashed potatoes infused with a luxurious truffle oil or a lobster mac and cheese.
Timeless Buffet Wedding Catering
Buffets offer a selection of food items to wedding guests in a casual self-serve style. They also provide a large amount of food to keep guests filled and happy. Instead of pre-plated portions that are a one-size-fits-all approach, guests can load up on as much or as little of the food of their choice.
For main courses, choose items like slow-cooked beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction. An herb-roasted chicken with a lemon garlic glaze is also a flavorful yet simple wedding catering selection.
When it comes to sides, be sure to offer plenty of grilled seasonal vegetables. You can also add buffet favorites like creamy cheddar or garlic mashed potatoes and bacon-wrapped roasted Brussels sprouts.
Family-Style Dining
With soaring wedding costs due to inflation and supply-chain demands, couples are finding ways to save money on their weddings. One way they’re doing this is by cutting down on wedding guests. In 2023, 39% of couples opted for smaller guest lists and more intimate gatherings of family and friends.
To go along with this close family and friends theme, implement family-style dining. Serve main dishes on large platters that allow wedding guests to pass them around the table. This helps foster a sense of closeness and community and is ideal for laid-back wedding themes.
Include items like meatloaf, roasted asparagus, and truffle mashed potatoes.
Sophisticated Appetizers
Wedding catering doesn’t just involve the main course during the wedding reception. There’s also space for improving upon the appetizers as well.
An example of a simple wedding catering idea could be a Smoked Salmon Canapés. This involves thinly sliced smoked salmon on rye crisps. Serve them with a dollop of dill cream cheese and garnished with fresh dill and lemon zest.
Or you could offer something along the lines of Mini Caprese Skewers. Simply skewer some cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and small basil leaves. Then, drizzle them in a balsamic glaze just before serving.
Live Cooking Stations
A live cooking station is like dinner and a show. Wedding guests can see the food being cooked and prepared right in front of their eyes. This dynamic display is certain to get their mouths watering.
Consider several types of wedding catering for your cooking station like a:
- Carving Station
- Stir-fry Station
- Seafood Grilling Station
- Taco and Nacho Station
- Omelet Station
- Sushi Rolling Station
This versatile wedding catering option lets wedding guests customize their food choices. Offering variety is a surefire way to find ways to please everyone’s palates. They’re a great way to provide delicious food and a memorable experience all in one.
Fusion Cuisine
A marriage often represents a joining together of two people from different cultures or backgrounds. The same goes for fusion food, which takes two flavors and blends them together in an explosion of flavors. Fusion cuisine is also one of the top wedding trends of 2024.
With fusion cuisine for wedding catering, don’t be afraid to go bold and think outside of the box. Think sushi tacos, which combine Japanese and Mexican influences by filling taco shells with sushi-grade fish, avocado, jicama, and a wasabi-infused crema.
Or why not try Mexican-Italian Enchilada Lasagna? Layer tortillas, seasoned ground beef or chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce like a lasagna, merging Mexican and Italian comfort food. The possibilities and combinations are endless.
Classic Soup and Salad Options
Soup and salad make a great addition to any meal. That’s why your wedding catering should include these choices as well.
If you’re looking to offer a more sophisticated selection of soup and salad, go with a high-end like a creamy lobster bisque. Complement it with a Caesar salad made from gourmet Parmesan cheese and croutons.
On the other end of the spectrum, you can zhuzh up a simple garden salad with nuts, cheeses, herbs, and a variety of different dressing options. A filling and flavorful Minestrone or Italian Wedding Soup can make a delicious pairing.
Luxe Cheese Display
A Luxe Cheese Display is a visually stunning and sophisticated addition to wedding catering. Put out a variety of cheese knives suited for different textures so that wedding guests can easily serve themselves.
Curate a diverse selection of cheeses, including Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Blue Cheese, and aged cheddar. Create small cards with the names and descriptions of each cheese to educate and engage guests.
In addition to your selection of cheeses, you may also choose to include accompaniments. For example, you can put out assorted nuts, dried fruits, and artisanal bread and crackers. This way, wedding guests will have items that complement the delicate tastes and textures of each cheese offered.
Gourmet Dessert Bar
Gourmet dessert bars are all the rage for couples and wedding guests looking to break free from traditional wedding cake. A gourmet dessert bar also fits the bill for a simple wedding catering idea because you can go as simplistic or as elegant as you want.
For example, if you wish to have a more classic or simple focus, then you could utilize dessert items like:
- Mini cupcakes
- Donuts
- Cheesecake bites
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Chocolate-covered marshmallows
You could also consider offering layered dessert shot glasses like Tiramisu and Berry Parfait.
For a more elegant touch, you could incorporate items like:
- Miniature tarts
- Petit fours
- Macarons
- Chocolate truffles
- Eclairs
Having an assortment of dessert items lets wedding guests with a sweet tooth choose the items that speak most to their tastes.
Coffee and Tea Bar
Wedding guests will want something hot to drink to accompany their dessert. Having coffee and tea available is a staple of any successful event planner’s event drink menu. It shows that you have all of your bases covered and have anticipated every need of your clients and their guests.
Provide a variety of teas, including black, green, and herbal options. For coffee, offer both caffeinated and decaf coffee blends with flavored syrup enhancers. Consider offering a signature wedding blend as well.
You can even add some gourmet hot cocoa mixes with whipped cream and mini marshmallow mix-ins.
Signature Cocktails
Offer signature cocktails as part of your wedding catering options so guests can eat, drink, and be merry. Give the cocktails personalized names that hold significance for the couple.
For instance, a triple berry cocktail could be called “I Love You Berry Much.” You could name a Mojito drink “Mint to Be”. Get cute and creative with naming the drinks or get the couple to help name them.
Be sure to include some non-alcoholic or virgin cocktail options for guests who don’t drink alcohol. Add decorative elements for garnish with visually appealing elements like edible flowers, fruit slices, or herb sprigs.
Champagne Toast Table
Nothing says class quite like the traditional champagne toast at weddings. When it comes to wedding catering, don’t skimp on the bubbly!
Choose a quality champagne or sparkling wine for a touch of luxury. It is also important to offer a non-alcoholic champagne option for those who don’t drink alcohol. This way they can still toast the happy couple’s future safely.
You may also choose to offer an additional twist, such as a selection of flavored syrups or edible flower garnishes to enhance the experience.
Discover More Wedding Industry Insights at The Event Planner Expo 2024
Wedding catering is a vital aspect of planning and coordinating a successful wedding. You want to ensure that everything is perfect down to the last detail. If you’re a wedding planner who wants to stay ahead of evolving industry trends, then The Event Planner Expo is the place to be.
It’s never too early to start planning for The Event Planner Expo 2024 It takes place October 15th-17th, 2024 in New York City. You can experience over 150 exhibitors and industry-leading guest speakers in the event planning industry.
Register today to secure your ticket and we’ll see you at The Event Planner Expo 2024.
