Wedding, Mitzvah & Event Catering Trends

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

Top 8 Trends in Food & Drinks for Weddings, Bat & Bar Mitzvahs and Kosher Events

Industry experts share the hottest trends in wedding and bat & bar mitzvah catering.

From our 2013 Trends Report – Download the Wedding Trends Report or Mitzvah & Party Trends Report

One of the major forces in weddings and bat & bar mitzvahs is personalization, and catering is no exception.  Menus are showcasing the bride and groom or child’s taste, style, culture, and creativity. Food and presentation can also support the event theme.

1. Food Design & Presentation

Unique Food Presentation Magnetic TrayPhoto: Magnetic Tray from Swank Productions

It’s no longer just about the food. It’s about creating a one-of-a-kind experience! Examples are: custom-made serving platters, coat hook-lined walls holding donuts, and acrobats sliding down streamers serving champagne. – Maya Kalman, Swank Productions

2. Fun & Interactive Stations

Interactive Buffet Station, HummusPhoto: Interactive Hummus Buffet from Regal Caterers

2013 is all about the fun factor!  Watch out for more interactive (Build Your Own) food stations and DIY cocktail bars. Other popular foods include cotton candy, donuts, snow cones & S’mores.

New versions of old-fashioned foods are trending. – Alexis Fine DeAngelis, The Glazier Group

3. Mini-Menus and Drink Pairing

Mini-Burgers, Fries & Soy ShakePhoto: Mini-Burgers, Fries & Soy Shake from Morrell Caterers

Guests are loving mini versions of everything – bite-size appetizers, mini desserts, and tiny cocktails and shooters.

Small bites are being paired with small drinks, like tacos and mini-margaritas. – Dave Esquenazi, Exquisite Caterers

4. Food Trucks

Cupcake Food TruckPhoto: Cupcake Food Truck by Dance Time Entertainment

We’re seeing “Food To-Go” more and more these days – whether it’s a NY style hot pretzel on the way out or a food truck in the parking lot as people leave. – Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime

There are trucks for almost any type of food or drink, from hot dogs to waffles to espresso trucks.  It’s a great way to end the night on a fun and delicious note.

5. Signature Drinks

Signature Drinks, Frozen Cocktail Push-PopsPhoto: Frozen Cocktail Push-Pops from Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships

For weddings, signature cocktails are common, and are often inspired by the event color, time of year or ethnicity.  – Alison Awerbuch, Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships

More and more bat & bar mitzvahs are showcasing signature mocktails, often inspired by the child’s favorite flavors.  Naming the drink using a spin-off of the child’s name is a great way to add a personal touch. – Brianna Ellis, The Sands at Atlantic Beach

6. Roaming Food Stations

Noodles & Sushi Roaming CartPhoto: Noodles & Sushi Cart from Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships

High-End Roaming Carts are beginning to accompany traditional food stations.  Servers come around with mobile carts such as delivery bicycles or market carts and prepare upscale items in front of guests. Examples include a truffle rolling station or savory waffle cart.  – Ellen Vaknine, Esprit Events

7. Global Cuisine

Moroccan Food, Martini Glass DisplayPhoto: Moroccan Food in Martini Glass, Dan Aguirre Photography via NM Events

Couples are using food to showcase their culture and heritage, or foods that are indigenous to something from the couple’s past, like where they met or went to college.

Another trend is incorporating a custom station during the cocktail hour that is made up of local artisanal foods. – Alison Awerbuch, Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships

8. Creative Catering Formats

“Grab & Go” Food

Appetizer, Ice Cream ConePhoto: “Grab & Go” Food Served in Ice Cream Cones from The Original JEM Caterers

For bar & bat mitzvahs, “Grab and Go” food is spreading fast.  Pass Around Starters during cocktail hour and Action Stations for dinner engage the guests and allows for a non-stop 4-hour type of event. – Brianna Ellis, The Original JEM Caterers

Tasting Plates

Wedding Tasting Plate TapasPhoto: Hudson Valley Tapas Tasting Plate from Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships

While seated dinners remain common at weddings, couples are offering more unique options. Couples are looking to make the sit down meal a more creative and unique experience.  “Tasting Plates” with smaller portions of multiple dishes allow guests to try a variety of food.

Download Your FREE Copy of the Mitzvah & Party Trends Report or Wedding Trends Report

Other Articles You Might Enjoy:

Interactive Food & Drink Station Ideas

“Grab & Go” Food Trend

Frozen Cocktail Push-Pops

Creative Soup Shooters

Bar Mitzvah
Wedding, Mitzvah & Event Catering Trends