Wedding Food Trends for 2024
Nature’s paradise awaits with our expertly crafted botanical canapés, nestled on a bed of lush succulents and moss
As the wedding industry evolves, so do the food trends that come with it. In the UK, there are plenty of delicious and creative wedding food options emerging that will leave your guests talking long after the wedding is over. From classic canapés to local ingredients and more unconventional and colourful options, here are some of the latest wedding food trends in the UK for 2024.
“Catering is an essential part of any celebration, and weddings are no exception. As the wedding industry becomes more focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing, locally sourced ingredients are becoming an increasingly popular choice for wedding menus.”
Cool Canapés and Bowl Food
Canapés and bowl food are classic parts of any wedding menu. They are the most popular wedding food options at Peapod & Co. and continue to reign as the top choice at events.
Canapés are small, bite-sized hors d'oeuvres that are served before the starter/main course, while bowl food is a modern concept of serving a complete meal in a single bowl. They are perfect for keeping guests happy and satisfied during the wedding reception, in a variety of creative ways to add a touch of fun and excitement to the occasion.
Creative canapés by Peapod & Co.
Bowl food: Fritto Misto served on a beach-themed tray
Canapés presented on a floral trayscape
Bowl food: Hereford beef fillet, béarnaise and fries with a Peapod & Co. twist
The era of traditional canapés, such as smoked salmon blinis, mini beef Wellingtons, cocktail sausages, and goat cheese and fig tartlets, is long gone. Many caterers are now offering more creative and elegant options served on creative presentation trays. For example, at Peapod & Co. we offer miniature soufflés, sushi rolls, garden vegetables served with edible soil in terracotta pots, mini tacos, arancini, oyster buckets, scallops served on shells and tuna tartare. Our unique canapé trayscapes and food presentation enhances the overall food experience for guests.
Whatever your taste, Peapod & Co. offer plenty of canapé options to choose from to impress your wedding. guests.
2. Street Food
Street food has gained popularity as a growing trend at weddings. This culinary style draws inspiration from the diverse offerings of food trucks and stalls found on the streets of cities worldwide. The idea is to offer guests a variety of dishes that they can enjoy while mingling with other guests.
Many favourite street food choices include tacos, BBQ pulled pork bao buns, shrimp and buttermilk chicken burgers, and mini pizzas. As the trend continues, more unique alternatives are gaining popularity, such as gyozas, Korean fried chicken, lobster and shrimp brioche rolls, pulled short beef rib brioche burgers, Venezuelan arepas, toasties, and Indian chaat.
Street food is a great way to bring a fun and casual atmosphere to your wedding and allows guests to try a variety of different dishes. It has become very popular at festival-style events and often served as late-night food or snacks to keep the party going late into the night.
Street food: Lobster and shrimp brioche rolls
3. Locally sourced ingredients
With an increasing focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, many couples are opting for locally sourced ingredients for their wedding menu. This not only supports local businesses and farmers but also ensures that the food and drink is fresh and of high quality.
Some popular locally sourced ingredients include farm-to-table vegetables, fish, artisan cheeses and fruit, English sparkling wine and locally raised meats.
At Peapod & Co., many of our clients opt for Hampshire wine, beer and spirits at weddings, given the abundance of vineyards, breweries and distilleries in the arcea. The trend reflects a growing appreciation for local and high-quality wine selections, contributing to a more personalised and memorable celebration.
Locally sourced fillet of beef (HG Walter) served with seasonal vegetables, fondant potato, purée and jus
Sourced from Hampshire, Chalk Stream trout served with pea mouse, trout roe and oyster leaf
Candover Brook English Sparkling Rosé from Preston Candover in Hampshire
Exton Park English Sparkling Wine, a Hampshire sparkling wine producer
4. Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Recently there has been an increase in the number of people following a vegan or vegetarian diet. As a result, many caterers are offering vegan and vegetarian options for wedding guests. This includes everything from vegan canapés to vegetarian main courses and desserts.
Some popular vegan and vegetarian options include roasted vegetable tarts, lentil shepherd's pie, and vegan curry. At Peapod & Co. we offer vegan scotch eggs, jackfruit tacos, quinoa and sweet potato burgers, and vegan sushi rolls. By offering a wider menu, you ensure that all of your guests dietary requirements are catered for and feel included.
5. Roaming Desserts and Stations
Finally, roaming desserts and stations are another trend that is becoming increasingly popular for those with a sweet tooth at weddings. The idea is to offer guests a variety of different puddings that they can help themselves to. This includes everything from classic desserts such as brûlée, cheese boards, tarts and chocolate brownies to more unconventional options such as doughnuts, cheesecake, colourful macarons, dessert pop sticks, sorbets and make you own ice cream or gelato stations.
Dessert stations are a fun way to give guests a sweet treat and offer a fun and interactive experience.
Cheese cake tower with Godminster Organic Cheddar, Black Truffle Cheddar, Stilton
Whether you opt for cool canapés or street food, Peapod & Co. offers something to suit everyone. By offering a range of options, you can ensure that all of your guests are happy and satisfied and that your wedding adds the '“wow” factor.