9 Summer Wedding Food Trends

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By James Smith

As the summer wedding season approaches, couples and wedding planners are eagerly anticipating the latest trends in wedding cuisine. From fresh, seasonal ingredients to health-conscious menus, there are many possibilities for creating a memorable and delicious menu for your big day. Here are summer wedding food trends that you may not want to miss when hiring wedding catering:

1. Local and Seasonal Ingredients

In the summertime, seasonal ingredients mean incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons into your dishes. Local meats and cheeses can also take center stage on charcuterie boards or cheese plates. By using ingredients that are in season, you can have your dishes burst with flavor and at their peak freshness.

2. Small Plates and Tapas

Small plates can allow for a more casual setting where guests can mingle, try multiple dishes, and customize their meals to their liking. Small plates can also cater to different dietary restrictions. The variety may allow everyone to find something they enjoy. Tapas-style dining may encourage guests to socialize, dance, and enjoy the party atmosphere.

3. Grilled Foods

Whether roasting vegetables, cooking burgers and hot dogs, or searing a juicy steak, grilling can add a unique, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate. Grilled foods can be incorporated into many different styles of weddings, from casual barbecues to more formal affairs.

4. Local Craft Beer and Wine

Couples who incorporate local craft beers and wines into their reception can add a fun and personal touch. You can select small-batch ales or wine flights curated to your guests’ taste to offer them something they may not have tried yet.

5. Fresh Fruit Cocktails

Couples can embrace signature cocktails inspired by fruity infusions, customizing them to fit their fancy. Whether you want a tropical feel or a slightly healthier concoction, the fruit cocktail trend has options that can suit any preference. You can use luscious summer fruits like pineapple, strawberries, and watermelon to make refreshing drinks perfect for a summer wedding.

6. Food Trucks

Food trucks can allow couples to personalize their receptions with local wedding catering and specialty cuisines. They can easily provide guests with drinks and snacks during the reception. Food trucks often eliminate the need to hire extra servers.

Food trucks can also be great for smaller weddings or budget-conscious couples. Most food truck rentals come in packages that include everything you need. They have all the necessary equipment like tables, chairs, and utensils. They may also have select ingredients and menu items at a fixed price per person or plate.

Many food trucks may have customizable menus allowing couples to tailor their reception fare to their guests’ tastes. They can even opt for special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options.

7. Ethnically Inspired Menus

This trend is great for couples who want to show off their culture or explore other cultures through food. Whether they plan on serving regional dishes from their hometown or traditional recipes from another country, they have plenty of options available. When designing an ethnically inspired menu, consider the range of different cuisines and special ingredients from around the world that could be used to create unique and flavorful dishes.

8. Dessert Tables

Couples this summer could take it up a notch by adding a touch of whimsy to this traditional element of the wedding. Think mini pies, donut towers, multi-layered cakes, and fun-sized cupcakes in playful colors. You can turn a simple dessert table into a work of art with the right presentation. It can be a great way to create a fun atmosphere that guests will remember.

9. Health-conscious Menus

Fresh ingredients can make all the difference when serving healthy food. Adding an array of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide more nutritious options for your guests. Allow guests the freedom to customize their own plates with whatever options suit them best.

Couples should also consider adding sugar-free or low-sugar beverages to their wedding menu. Offering organic teas or juice drinks can give guests access to healthier refreshments without sacrificing taste.

Hire the Best Wedding Catering Today

No matter what type of wedding you’re planning, incorporating these summer food trends allow your guests to be well-fed and happy throughout the celebration. Hire professional wedding catering to help you make your wedding day an unforgettable culinary experience for you and your guests.