
When they hear the words ‘wedding catering,’ many people think of a very specific type of set up. This is usually a sit down dinner with very few choices, and something that’s generally a bit uninspiring. Many people choose an amazing theme and put together a big day that looks amazing, but when it comes to the food, things fall a little bit flat and the guests are left wanting more. However, in recent years, many couples are moving away from this stale sort of affair, and are instead choosing something that’s a bit more reflective of their personal food favourites and current wedding trends. From delicious local produce to innovative dessert ideas, who said wedding catering has to be traditional? If you’re looking for some wedding catering options your guests will love (as well as you, of course!), then we have put together some of our favourites here. Some of these are led by the current trends in the wedding space, and some of them have been around for a while longer. But, whether you’re looking for fun entrees, delectable mains, or something a little sweeter, we think that you will find something here to tantalise your tastebuds.
What are our favourite wedding catering options your guests will love?
1. Locally sourced produce is a big trend
Possibly the number one food trend at the moment, for weddings or otherwise, is fresh and locally sourced produce. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s undeniable that Brexit has had an impact on our eating habits. Imported food will probably become increasingly expensive, and there has been a real drive to focus on the ‘Best of British’ rather than food imported from overseas. There’s also the environmental factors. People are becoming more and more conscious of their carbon footprint and the effects that their food choices are making on the environment. Of course, choosing local produce takes away a lot of these concerns! Plus, local food is far more likely to be fresh, and you can choose some amazing seasonal ingredients to compliment the time of year. We absolutely love creating a main course using local meats from the Surrey Hills as well as Scottish Salmon to create dishes that are real crowd pleasers while also remaining environmentally conscious.
2. Why not try dessert carousels instead of a plated dessert?
Got a bit of a sweet tooth? Then you’ve probably already put a lot of thought into your dessert options! But, when it comes to wedding catering options your guests will love, everyone tends to have a different dessert that would be their number one choice. So, it can be very hard to choose what to go for. But why limit yourself to just one? Dessert carousels are a relatively new wedding catering trend that means you can share all of your favourite desserts with your guests on your special day. They also make a great alternative to serving your wedding cake as a dessert that will prove to be a real talking point!
3. Canapés work for every situation
When it comes to wedding catering, no reception is complete without canapes! They provide a brilliant solution to all sorts of on-the-day catering problems. Looking for something to feed your guests while they’re waiting for their evening meal? Don’t want to serve a traditional starter and instead give your guests the chance to mingle while they eat? Or, perhaps you’re having your meal at an earlier time and looking for something to serve later on? Canapés work well for all of these situations and more. They’re an incredibly versatile choice, not least because there are so many different types. Love Indian food? How about an Asian fusion? Maybe even traditional British fare? There are canapés from every cuisine that your guests will love. If you are looking to serve them at your wedding, we recommend serving them in two ways. Firstly, static stations that look great and allow your guests to walk up and pick the canapés of their choice is always a popular option. But, pass-around canapés on trays also work well for a busy reception and people who want to dance and eat at the same time!
4. Sharing tapas starters are always popular
Many couples struggle to choose the right food for their wedding day because there are just so many options to pick from! How can you know exactly which wedding catering options your guests will love? That’s why we are huge advocates of serving a selection, so there’s something for everyone and you don’t have to make the difficult decision of what to serve and what to leave out. Sharing tapas starters are an amazing option for this sort of dining. You and your guests will get to sample lots of different options in bite sized portions, so that you don’t get too full before the main course is served. If you’re going with a particular theme or type of cuisine, this is a great way to showcase all the different specialities. Or, you could mix it up and showcase food from lots of different cultures, all in one go. It’s also a great opportunity for your guests to share a meal and bond together, especially if they don’t all know each other well!
5. Vanilla Bean’s Churrasco BBQ
Looking for some unique wedding catering options your guests will love? Meet Vanilla Bean’s authentic Churrasco Brazillan BBQ! Churrasco is a traditional style of BBQ cooking using beef, pork, sausage, and fish, lamb chicken that’s grilled on a ‘churrasqueira’. This is cooked over an open grill with lava rocks to create a delicious and unique flavour. It also comes with an opulent station of artisan salads, grilled vegetables, and traditional South American dishes to go alongside the BBQ. Not only is this wedding catering option popular, it’s also a surprisingly healthy cooking method, so you don’t have to worry about overindulging! The meats will be carved to order for each individual guest, so it’s easy for them to tailor their meal to their specific tastes. So, this is a catering option that they will definitely not expect, but we can guarantee will be a hit all-round.
6. How about couples sharing a whole baked fish or chateaubriand?
Your wedding is designed to be a special day, that’s all about you celebrating your love in luxury and style. And, what could be more luxurious than serving whole baked fish or large chateaubriands for couples to share? Not only is this option delicious, it also offers an extravagant dining experience that your guests are unlikely to forget in a hurry. It provides a large and satisfying main course, but also complements a whole range of side dishes, drinks, and desserts, so you can either get creative or choose something more traditional to go with this main course option. So, if you’re after wedding catering options your guests will love, you can’t go wrong with this delectable sharing choice.
7. Try an espresso martini bar as a coffee course alternative
At many weddings, it is traditional to serve a coffee course to round off the evening meal and give your guests a little something extra to enjoy. But, if you want to update your menu and bring your wedding catering into 2021, how about an espresso martini bar instead? This offers you and your guests a similar pick-me-up, but with a more sophisticated twist. And who doesn’t love a cocktail? You could even offer some alternative cocktail options for those who aren’t a big fan of espresso martinis. If you expect your reception to go on into the early hours, your guests are sure to be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a delicious and energising drink that’s a little different from the traditional coffee course.
8. A grazing cheese board: the most popular survivors’ food
Speaking of receptions that go on into the early hours, have you thought about the food you’ll have available to feed those ‘survivors’? We’ve found that the most popular option for ‘survivor’s food’ is definitely a cheese board that your guests can graze on to keep them going long after the last meal has been served. You can pick your favourite cheeses and arrange them into a board with crackers and other snack foods to make sure that nobody goes hungry. We’re sure that it will be a welcome addition for the last few guests who are dedicated to keeping the party going for as long as possible!
Conclusion to our favourite wedding catering options your guests will love
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding catering options for you, you truly are spoiled for choice. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer. It’s all about finding a menu that both reflects your tastes and preferences, but is also something that your guests will enjoy. But, whether you want to go traditional or out there, there’s certainly no need to serve a mundane menu! Here at Vanilla Bean, we are passionate about serving you and your guests with a unique menu, expertly prepared by our talented chefs to ensure a memorable dining experience, no matter the occasion. To find out more about us and how we can help you find wedding catering options your guests will love, please visit our website by clicking here, or get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.