Trending Wedding Food - Being That Couple with Good Taste

Food is a wedding staple that brings people together. Like your venue and flower arrangements, wedding food immerses guests in a memorable celebration through flavors. Beyond a tasty treat, your personalized menu is a gateway for attendees to connect and enjoy the festivities.

If you’re searching for wedding food ideas with a unique spin, we have the perfect post for you. Today, we’re diving into the latest wedding food trends of 2024 that will bring out your inner foodie. 

Without further ado, grab your notebooks and let the culinary adventures begin!

Interactive Culinary Experiences

Want to take your custom menu to the next level? Opt for an interactive culinary experience, like a live cooking demonstration. Showcooking has garnered popularity as a fun way to engage guests by displaying the preparation and cooking process. Imagine watching a chef work their magic and tasting the results.

Photo Credit: Park James Hotel

If you love this entertainment factor, consider adding a live cooking demonstration at your upcoming event. Some fun options include:

• Crepes

• Pizza spread

• Sushi bar

• Grilled meats and vegetables

DIY food and beverage stations are another emerging trend, breaking free from traditional plated dinners. DIY stations add a distinctive spin to the dining guest experience. Curious about this wedding food trend?

Save some of these ideas for your special day:

• Donut wall: A tasty treat doubling as cute décor. It’s a sweet photo op! 

• Popcorn station: Snack fans and moviegoers alike will appreciate this finger-food option. 

• Pizza bar: Simple and casual, a pizza bar is ideal for a buffet-style reception. 

• Taco truck: Line up and enjoy tacos with your guests.  

• Dessert spread: Go beyond a classic wedding cake with a table of your favorite sweets. 

Photo Credit: Park James Hotel

Eco-Friendly Food Ideas:

Sustainability and Local Sourcing

Our latest wedding trends post touched on the sustainability movement and how many modern couples are hosting environmentally friendly celebrations, such as reserving green venues and using native plants in floral arrangements.

Locally sourced menus are a popular wedding food trend, allowing couples to reduce their carbon footprint while receiving fresh ingredients from the community. You can combine your sustainable values with your catering by: 

• Partnering with local bakeries for your desserts

• Offering compostable waste stations at your event

• Collaborating with a caterer that shares your values

• Serving beverages from local wineries and breweries

• Including vegetarian and vegan options (More on this later…)

A Memorable Treat: Edible Wedding Favors

Wedding planning demands many decisions, like selecting wedding favors for your guests. Luckily, you can offer a sustainable and cost-effective option, like edible wedding favors. 

Shower your guests with treats, such as homemade baked goods, tea, coffee, or chocolate. Edible wedding favors are excellent for highlighting your personality and love story. For example, you can gift maple syrup from your favorite breakfast spot or pastries from a local bakery. 

Use the following creative wedding favor ideas for inspiration:

• Mini pies

• Fresh fruit in a carton

• Churros

• Macarons

• Homemade jam

• Cookies

Hop on this delicious trend by brainstorming with your wedding caterer or specialized vendor. 

Health-Conscious Menus:

Keeping Wedding Food Healthy

The health and wellness culture has officially made a splash in the wedding industry as many couples embrace vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free options. A diverse menu also creates an inclusive environment for your closest friends and family.  

Considering a health-conscious approach? These crowd favorites are perfect for welcome parties, cocktail hours, and reception dinners:

• Vegetarian spring rolls

• Cauliflower wings 

• Fried egg patty burger

If you love this concept but worry about the complexity, here are 7 tips to craft an inclusive wedding menu:

1. Communicate dietary preferences with your caterer.

2. Brainstorm plant-based and gluten-free options.

3. Offer vegetarian and vegan appetizers.

4. Include a plant-based course (if you’re offering a plated dinner style).

5. Provide gluten-free grains, like rice or quinoa.

6. Offer dessert alternatives.

7. Label your dishes for guests.

   Photo Credit: Park James Hotel

Customized Bars and Beverage Experiences

Build-your-own bars are another wedding food and drink trend taking over 2024. With a buffet style, a customized bar allows guests to personalize their meals. For instance, you can have a mac and cheese bar as a savory snack, a coffee bar to energize attendees or a cocktail station.  

Speaking of cocktail bars, signature cocktails and mocktails are also trendy wedding beverages. A professional mixologist crafting personalized drinks is an entertaining factor that can complement any celebration. 

If you’re a champagne connoisseur, consider featuring an interactive champagne wall at your reception party. It’s a glamorous backdrop for guests to enjoy their bubbly while taking photos.

Photo Credit: Park James Hotel

A Cohesive Touch: Themed Dinners

For couples who want to tie everything together, look no further than themed dinners. More and more couples are replacing conventional dinners with a cohesive menu that matches the vibe of their special day. For instance, a beach theme pairs well with mussels and crabs.

Wondering how to achieve a themed dinner? 

• Explore the mood: An upscale theme complements formal plated dinners, while a casual and relaxed atmosphere is ideal for BBQ bites.  

• Draw inspiration from your venue: Use your setting as a starting point for your wedding menu. For example, vineyards are perfect for charcuterie boards.

• Pair seasons with snacks and drinks: Humans naturally crave certain flavors during certain seasons. Lean into the seasonal elements as you explore your options. 

• Pay homage to your roots: If culture plays a significant role, consider including it in your wedding menu. You can use family recipes or a food staple from your home country.   

You can also weave your desired theme into your tablescapes with unique floral arrangements. Are you head over heels for this idea? Share your ideas with us today!

A Fun Spin on Wedding Menus:

Late-Night Snacks

One common thread in wedding food trends this year is snacks. Late-night snacks are blowing up, and while it’s not necessarily a new fad, it’s an innovative way for couples to showcase their favorite treats.

We love how versatile late-night snacks can be at weddings. You can serve them during cocktail hour, reception dinner, and afterparty to energize guests for the festivities. 

Here are six midnight snacks perfect for celebrations:

• Soft pretzels 

• Sliders

• Grilled cheese

• Fast food bites 

• Milk and cookies

• Donut holes

Photo Credit: Park James Hotel

Reinvent Your Menu With Wedding Food Trends

When it comes to your wedding menu, there are endless ways to get creative and tell your love story. We hope this blog post inspires you to think outside the box and merge your style with the latest trends! 

We recently partnered with Park James Hotel in Menlo Park. If you’re searching for a wedding venue with a delectable dinner menu, we highly recommend them. Park James Hotel offers everything, from shareable appetizers to main dishes, like grilled ribeye and Akaushi Wagyu burgers.

They also provide housemade pasta and pizza featuring locally sourced ingredients. Some crowd favorites include Potato Gnocchi, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and Soppressata Pizza. Take a look at their menu here!  

Once you reserve your venue, elevate your special day with our custom floral arrangements. Send a message with your vision today!

Embracing Wedding Trends of 2024

Every decade has contributed exciting trends to weddings, from Queen Victoria inspiring the white bridal look in the 1900s to shorter hemlines and pearl necklaces stealing the show during the Roaring 20s. And we can't forget about the notable transition to shift dresses and bouffant hairstyles mimicking icons, like Priscilla Presley, in the 1960s.

Décor and floral arrangements have also reflected a sign of the times with flower crowns and earthy tones of the bohemian era, bold floral displays and cascading bouquets of the 80s, and a minimalistic style of the 90s. Wedding trends define each era, and we cannot wait to explore what 2024 has to offer - from sustainable floral arrangements and interactive décor to fusion cuisine!

Source: The Royal Collection Trust

Exploring Floral Trends of 2024:

Greenery, Sustainability, & Extravagance 

We have a soft spot for statement flowers, but we can't ignore the demand for lush greenery. Greenery-centered arrangements are all the rage, with modern couples opting for this floral trend in their tablescapes and bouquets.

If you want to breathe life into your special day, consider including lots of foliage. Some crowd favorites include seeded eucalyptus, dusty miller, Italian ruscus, and silver dollar eucalyptus. 

Eco-friendly weddings and sustainable blooms are also on everyone's mind. Locally sourced flowers have recently gained traction to reduce one's carbon footprint and showcase breathtaking features of the local landscape. 

Thinking of adding native flowers to your arrangement? Share your vision with Little Little Floral Production today so we can infuse the natural beauty of your landscape into your celebration. We are a Bay Area business proud to highlight California's gorgeous flowers!

In addition to sustainable options, 2024 will trade minimalism for extravagance with dramatic floral installations. Picture this: grand floral focal points, suspended arrangements, and eye-catching arches. We'll also see bold colors, like emerald green, burgundy, and sapphire blue. 

Beyond vibrant colors, monochromatic blooms will give weddings a sleek and cohesive look. With a full display of florals in varying shades, you can capture the attention of every attendee at your event.

Love this color palette concept? Consider using the following suggestions for your monochromatic bouquet:

• All-white aesthetic - White calla lilies, hydrangeas, roses, and peonies

• Rich, passionate red - Red roses, ranunculus, dahlias, and amaryllis

• Dreamy lavender haze - Lavender sprigs, roses, statices, and agapanthus

A Glimpse into Contemporary and Vintage Décor 

2024 will lean more into details like statement lighting to transform the ambiance of special events. Rather than relying on your venue's lights, you can transport guests to another world with fairy lights, chandeliers, or custom light installations. Statement lighting is a small element that can bring a luxurious touch to your celebration.

If you're a fan of the 60s and 70s, you'll be happy about the resurgence of vintage glamour. With popular shows like Daisy Jones & The Six and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, couples are bringing back vintage styles and classic color palettes.

Are you head over heels for this nifty concept? Ask your local floral designer to add daisies and wildflowers to your floral arrangements to complete the look!

Interactive décor will continue making waves in weddings across the nation with photo booths, art stations, and more. Experiential details are only one way to immerse guests. You can also set the stage for your wedding weekend with music.

If you want to elevate your celebration with the best sound paired with personalized lighting for your music and ambiance, our creative partner, DJ AntitDope, is a perfect match. We love how he infuses energy into every event and keeps the music family-friendly! 

Technology Bringing Weddings to New Heights

Technology is starting to play a major role in modern weddings, from digital invites and wedding websites to ceremony live streams and virtual photo booths. While we appreciate the retro revival, we also welcome sustainable and accommodating tech solutions with open arms. 

Augmented reality (AR) is also making its way to the wedding scene with interactive menus and LED dance floors. Explore the latest tech trends and consider incorporating contemporary details into your big day.

In addition, drone photography is taking flight next year. Many photographers and videographers are adding this service to their wedding packages. You can capture a stunning view of your romantic event to share with family and friends. 

Culinary Adventures:

Pushing the Boundaries of Traditional Menus 

One of our favorite parts of celebrations (besides the flowers!) is the food, and 2024 will not disappoint. Interactive food stations are pushing formal plated dinners to the side and introducing a new delectable experience. From fun food booths to live cooking demonstrations, this unique trend is gaining popularity by the minute. 

Want to leave a memorable impression on your guests? Here are some unique food stations to host at your reception party:

• Mixology bar

• Dim sum station

• Ice cream cookie booth (perfect for those with a sweet tooth)

• Charcuterie board station

• Boba tea cart

Global cuisine fusion is another trend emerging next year, showcasing diverse flavors across the festivities. If you and your partner don't want to settle on one cuisine, consider including multiple dishes throughout your wedding weekend. For instance, you can have Italian food at your welcome party and Japanese cuisine at your reception dinner. 

Are you feeling inspired to switch up your menu? Stay tuned for our next blog post for more wedding culinary ideas!

Make Your Wedding Day Unforgettable With 2024 Trends 

Trends have shaped weddings for decades, and we cannot wait to see how couples add their personal spin to these trends in 2024. Whatever you decide to do, remember to craft an event that truly celebrates your love story and the chapter ahead!

Want to breathe life into your upcoming wedding with stunning floral arrangements? Get in touch with us today! 

Festive Forecast: Top Tier Holiday Trends of 2023

Holiday cheer is in the air, meaning it's time to deck the halls and break out your decorations. Dressing your home in holiday décor immediately welcomes a new season and creates a festive ambiance. It also pays homage to tradition, allowing you to tap into your creativity.

Most importantly, it's an opportunity to create a peaceful refuge amid a typically stressful season. If you haven't started decorating yet, no worries. We've got you covered. Allow us to guide you through our favorite holiday décor trends of 2023.

Let's get started!

Dazzle and Decorate: Festive Christmas Tree Trends

While you can stick to holiday staples, there are many ways to add a modern twist. Consider incorporating a soft, neutral color palette with light blues, creams, and grays to evoke feelings of calmness. You can pair this color scheme with a minimalistic aesthetic.

However, if you prefer a vibrant Christmas tree, pops of color are also trendy this year. With the popularity of Barbie, many fans are opting for an all-pink look. Adding a glamorous pink touch to your tree could give it some personality that matches yours.

Taking a step away from the glitz and glamor, the natural, woodsy style is another popular theme this year. It includes garlands, berries, pinecones, and dehydrated fruit. The final result will create a cozy rustic display in your living room.

Finally, we can't forget about toppers to complete your Christmas tree. Beyond the classic star and angel, many families are thinking outside the box with bows, red berry toppers, and even bouquets. You can also reference Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer with a stag topper or add a hint of humor with a gnome topper.

A Holiday Take on Your Tablescapes and Centerpieces

Why stop at your tree when you can infuse a holiday theme into the rest of your home? To elevate your dining table, go big with a classic look or opt for a cohesive aesthetic that matches your Christmas tree. For instance, a winter wonderland tablescape with neutral color tones and snow-inspired elements pairs perfectly with a white-monochromatic tree.

You can also incorporate natural, woodsy characteristics with pinecones and garland. Christmas table bouquets with silver dollar eucalyptus, blue thistles, and hypericum berries are another way to dress up your tablescape with a subtle holiday touch.

If flowers and greenery are your cup of tea, but you prefer a simple arrangement, consider placing seasonal flowers in mason jars or combining metallic ornaments and faux winter florals in a clear vase. We love blending artificial flowers with fresh blooms for a timeless result.

Going Above and Beyond with Trendy Wreaths

For those who love outdoor Christmas décor, we're happy to report wreaths are still in. This is the season to embrace metallic accents through metal garlands and wreaths. The shimmer will add sophistication to your front door. If you like this luxurious style, it's worth including on your shopping list.

Love the natural aesthetic? Red berries and pinecone wreaths are an excellent way to celebrate the season's colors. You can go one step further with a classic Christmas wreath designed by a local florist to capture a gorgeous combination of reds, greens, and burgundy.

In addition, you can tap into a winter wonderland theme with a white wreath. The monochromatic look will provide a stunning result you'll want to keep all year round.

Indoor Floral Arrangements Designed for the Holidays

Celebrate the season with a showstopping floral arrangement. Some crowd favorites include:

• Red roses: With a pop of red, roses can add love and warmth to your home.

• Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a lovely holiday classic.

• White lilies: A symbol of peace, white lilies can transport you to a tranquil oasis.

• Berries: Holly offers the perfect blend of red and green while adding a unique texture to your arrangements.

• Chrysanthemums: A breathtaking statement flower, chrysanthemums will immediately capture your attention with their beauty.

• Greenery: Pine and cedar branches bring a refreshing contrast to your flowers.

Now that you have flowers and greenery in mind, it's time to select a container. We love creative options, like vintage watering cans, teacups, and water bowls.

To complete the cozy holiday vibes, you can also drape floral and greenery garland on your fireplace mantel.

Seasonal Florals for 2023

With growing environmental concerns, more people are seeking sustainable options to reduce their carbon footprint. Luckily, we have seasonal flower recommendations to support your values and create a gorgeous display in your home.

All-white floral arrangements are a popular choice for their elegant and sophisticated appearance. You can combine roses, lilies, ranunculus, carnations, anemones, and more. And what's an arrangement without some lush foliage?

Greenery, like ferns, snake plants, succulents, and eucalyptus, pair beautifully with various statement flowers. They can also be the main attraction.

With the holidays approaching, we will likely see some classics, such as:

• Red amaryllis

• Poinsettia

• Hypericum berries

• Greenery, like juniper, holly, mistletoe, boxwood, and noble fir

Want to weave iconic holiday elements into your arrangements? Bring out the bows, ornaments, and dried fruit. These details will instantly breathe the spirit of the season into your display.

Give Your Home a Seasonal Makeover

with the Latest Holiday Trends

While the holidays can be stressful with back-to-back social engagements and shopping, decorating your home can create a safe space to decompress and enjoy the season.

Whether you include the newest trends, like a Barbie color palette or woodsy elements, or want to decorate with seasonal flowers, this is your opportunity to embrace the holiday magic.

We hope our festive forecast inspires you to transform your home with your personal spin.

If you want to book us for your upcoming holiday parties, leave us a message here!