The Hottest Wedding Food Trends of 2015

I'm a self-proclaimed foodie. The term “foodie” means many things to many people, but it technically refers to someone with a specific interest for food. Personally, I have yet to meet someone who doesn't have an interest for food, so my definition of “foodie” is someone with an interest for food and actually holds a certain degree of credibility in the food industry. I don't have the majority of the credibility qualifications to be a foodie, but I did work for bettycrocker.com and have worked in countless restaurants specializing in wedding catering, plus I make a mean white chicken chili, so I'm self proclaiming that I am a foodie.

Because I have surrounded myself with talented food editors and have spent the majority of my weekends working in wedding catering, I feel confident to present to you: the Hottest Wedding Food Trends of 2015. (If you're looking for an excuse to bring back the chocolate fountain, I apologize in advance. It did not make the 2015 trending list).

Food stations

Our initial thoughts: Couples who incorporate food stations at their reception are just winning at life.

What we love: So many things to try. Plus, sampling different foods is an easy way to meet people who are standing around the same station as you. It's interactive and the reception becomes experiential for guests. From build-your-own taco bars to sliders and fries, the menu options are customizable and endless.

Bottom line: This trend isn't going away any time soon, and honestly, we're okay with that.

Buffets

Our initial thoughts: I have mixed feelings. As a former server, buffets are the key to an easier night at work. As a wedding guest, I love having the options to choose my food and portions. As an observer, I have seen a lot of disorganization with buffet lines, poor planning with food estimation, and intoxicated guests having significant difficulty maneuvering throughout the buffet line.

What we love: The choices. This allows wedding guests to choose how much food goes on their plate. Sometimes a plated gourmet dinner doesn't fill you up.

Bottom line: Proceed with caution in planning your dinner buffet. Classy can turn messy with lack of planning.

Bite-size foods

Our initial thoughts: Although appetizers are popular, sometimes you're just looking for that big meal at the wedding (looking at you, intoxicated best man). Just make sure your guests are informed that there won't be a meal served.

What we love: This goes along with the food station-styled wedding. I have seen soup shooters with bite-sized sandwiches (think tomato soup in a shot glass, topped by a bite of grilled cheese) and shrimp cocktail in a mini martini glass. We love that you can walk around and try things all night instead of filling up on one large meal.

Bottom line: Finger foods should be a way of life.

Dessert bars

Our initial thoughts: Check out my recent post on dessert buffets. I'm a dessert enthusiast so having options on one table is kind of a dream come true.

What we love: We love the idea of incorporating favorite desserts from the couple and wedding party, completed with signage telling us who loves what. We also love how the dessert bar can be dressed up according to the color scheme or theme of the wedding. Did anyone say doughnut buffet?

The bottom line: Nothing says “happily ever after” like multiple mini desserts on one table.

Signature Cocktails

Our initial thoughts: It's hard to let go of the open bar campaign, but you had us at “cocktails.”

What we love: Let's be honest. People appreciate open bars, but open bars are expensive and sometimes troublesome. Oh, and you will notice that suddenly your friends who drank Karkov in college have upgraded to Grey Goose. Funny how that happens. Anyway, by featuring signature cocktails, you can choose drinks that you love while simultaneously controlling the bar cost more effectively.

Bottom line: Yes, people look forward to open bars. But no one ever complains about free alcohol, so as long as you include some form of hosted liquor, you will be doing it right.

Farm-to-table

Our initial thoughts: This trend continues to gain momentum and it doesn't show signs of slowing down any time soon. And we get why—fresh, seasonal ingredients make food all the more delicious.

What we love: We love that couples are choosing to support local farms and co-ops for fresh, quality food.

Bottom line: Find a farm that you really connect with for the ultimate experience.

Brunch

Our initial thoughts: When I was a server at a golf course in Minnesota, I worked my first brunch-themed wedding. The brunch began slightly before noon on a Saturday, so I assumed it would be lacking in entertainment. With an equation that included hand-passed mimosas, a Bloody Mary station and a French Toast bar, I couldn't have been more wrong about my perception of brunch-style weddings.

What we love: After a brunch reception, it typically ends early enough to continue the party elsewhere or head to the airport for the honeymoon. Bonus: several venues will offer a discount on the room rental if your reception ends early enough for another reception to take place that night!

The bottom line: Brunch has become America's favorite pastime and I am on board.