Never Mind Tradition: 5 Wedding Catering Alternatives
During the past two years, it’s been more difficult for couples to get the weddings they’ve dreamed of. Big, blow-out ceremonies were taken entirely off the table by lockdown restrictions. With social-distancing rules easing for most, 2022 has become a bit of a comeback year for weddings. We’re seeing more creative spins on traditions than ever before as couples plan a uniquely memorable day for themselves and their guests.
Many will be opting for a more traditional day with a three-course dinner topped off with a spectacular wedding cake. But for those looking to do something a little out of the ordinary, there is a growing trend of using more alternative foods and drinks, from burger stalls to ice cream vans.
So, whether you’re a venue, caterer, planner, or one of the affianced looking for inspiration, in this article we’ll be discussing some of the trendiest alternative foods and drinks to celebrate tying the knot. With some help from Peter Campbell of Snowshock, a UK fizzy slush machines business, we’ve got five great ideas for you.
- Doughnut walls
The doughnut wall trend is a delicious and quirky alternative to wedding cakes or sit-down desserts that allows your guests to mingle while they eat.
Doughnuts have been a popular choice for weddings for a few years now, and this trend is going nowhere thanks to their versatility. Coming in all sorts of flavours to suit the guests, you can also choose all styles and colours to match the wedding!
Some doughnut walls are not even strictly walls, with some couples opting to have their sweet treats served hanging from hooks, stacked on tables, or tucked in cubbyholes.
- Frozen mocktails
While frozen cocktails have been a popular wedding staple for many, in the past few years, data has shown an overall decrease in alcohol intake, especially amongst young people. So it may be unsurprising to hear that there is an increasing number of couples interested in planning tee-total weddings. Non-alcoholic choices are becoming more prevalent, and if you or your clients are looking to combine this with the popular nostalgic trend, there may be no better way than to serve frozen mocktail slushies.
It’s a perfect way to bring a fun party atmosphere to weddings with this grown-up twist on a childhood favourite iced drink. It’ll bring back fond memories for the adults and plenty of entertainment for younger guests.
- Food stalls
Relaxed festival vibes are perfect for making the most of your venue’s outdoor space and warm summer evenings, and it’s great for couples wanting a laid-back atmosphere rather than a more formal traditional dinner.
Wedding food trucks have seen much growth in popularity over the past decade, according to Google Trends search data, and don’t show any signs of slowing down soon. Getting a food truck can especially be a great way to offer guests more options and explore different types of cuisines and comfort foods.
They can also be a lot more budget-friendly than traditional catering for couples who don’t want their big day to blow the bank.
- Dessert bars
Sometimes it’s not just about what food is being served, it’s how it’s served. Whether you’ve got an ice-cream bicycle vendor riding around the venue, a DIY dessert bar full of favourite flavours, or an actual ice-cream van serving classic 99s, this has become a popular way for guests to help themselves to sweet treats at a wedding. Like doughnut walls, serving food and snacks in fun, quirky ways can make for an experience that the guests won’t forget in a hurry.
- Picnics
Pre-packaged picnics have also become a relaxed and romantic alternative way to cater to wedding guests, complete with wicker baskets and woollen blankets. This has been partially inspired by the success of shows like Bridgerton, setting off a trend for 2022’s wedding season that One Fab Day has called ‘Regency Romance’. Featuring soft colour palettes, fine china and afternoon tea classics, this whimsical trend is a good choice if you’re planning a fairytale or country garden wedding during the summer.
Overall, although wedding trends will always change over time, finding unique or alternative ways to serve food and drinks has become quite popular in recent years. Opting for a relaxed, informal, and fun experience has become far more common. Whether from a burger van or a slush machine, planning food and drink for your wedding can be a fun experience, and you can do it in a way that suits your style and gives the guests something to remember.
