It’s hard to believe it’s May already. This year has flown by, and it’s already time to make those finishing details for your summer 2023 wedding. If you haven’t booked a caterer yet, now’s the time. Of course, when it comes to working with a wedding caterer, it helps to have some inspiration for the season’s trends.
In this blog, we’re going to cover the top wedding menu trends and ideas for summer 2023 to help get those creative juices flowing. We hope it helps!
top 10 wedding menu trends and ideas for summer 2023
Want to find the best foods for your summer wedding ceremony but not sure where to begin? Below are some of the top wedding menu trends and ideas for the warm season.
#1: cocktail hour only
While COVID-19 has impacted weddings in the past few years, it hasn’t stopped intimate micro-weddings. In fact, more couples than ever recognize that small wedding celebrations are just as eventful as large ones.
Small ceremonies are perfect for the 20- to 30-something crowd, and they often include small plates, appetizers, and bite-sized desserts. If you’re planning a small wedding, consider including a cocktail-hour-only celebration. (Of course, as long as you and your guests have taken the proper precautions and don’t attend the wedding if you’re sick, your large dream wedding might just be in the cards, too!)
#2: individual plates with environmentally-friendly packaging
Want to make the cleanup easy and keep the packaging as eco-friendly as possible to reflect your and your future spouse’s values? Mundo Catering is here for you. You can select individual plates with a variety of delicious foods, including BBQ style (beef brisket, macaroni and cheese, chicken thighs, etc.) or vegetarian style (arugula salad, fruit tartlets, vegetable wraps, etc.).
More people today adopt environmentally-friendly lifestyles and habits. Why not make it part of your wedding celebration? Switch out those disposable tablecloths and napkins for reusable fabric. Additionally, you can trade in plastic cups and utensils for washable glass, silverware, and recyclable bottles and cans. (Mundo Catering is dedicated to being as environmentally friendly as possible and not letting food go to waste. Check out our blog on where leftovers go here.)
#3: grazing tables
Want to keep your wedding informal? Consider adopting grazing tables for your evening ceremony without the hassle of sit-down dinners. These help-yourself arrangements are a great way to include local cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other charcuterie goodies.
Grazing tables go great with a cocktail hour, which you can include before dinner or during a late-night celebration. Pair the tasty finger foods with some great wine and other drinks for a night (and food experience) you’ll remember forever.
#4: plant-based foods
Environmentally-friendly weddings are a great opportunity to serve up plant-based plates and appetizers. When you ditch meat and animal byproducts, you can help curb greenhouse gas and offer a healthier alternative to your guests.
For ideas, look no further than Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African cuisines, which place more emphasis on plant-based goods. For example, you can swap out beef sliders for vegetables and hummus dip. You can also ensure plenty of tasty vegetarian entrees, such as chickpea, roasted red pepper, and quinoa salad.
#5: edible flowers
What better way is there to demonstrate passion and love at your wedding than with flowers? Why not make them edible? You can add them to desserts and cocktails. Also, don’t forget how beautiful they’ll look on top of salads. (Talk about extra appeal and flavor!)
Roses, honeysuckle, hibiscus, and lavender are often included in cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet wedding favorites. If you need ideas on which flowers would be best on your menu, our wedding catering team is at your service.
#6: local foods
You heard that right! Sometimes wowing your guests with food isn’t just about making cuisine from other parts of the world. You can make food that is known here in the Pacific Northwest and famous in Portland. That will give out-of-towners a great taste of the local cuisine and ensure an unforgettable dining experience.
If you’re not sure where to start with this, the easiest thing to do is ask your caterer. We can help you craft a menu around local foods and adhere to any special requests you might have.
#7: mocktails
Alcohol might be traditional at weddings. However, you don’t need it! If you’d rather go booze-free, consider serving mocktails instead. You’ll still get a delicious flavor and variety of drinks without worrying about liquor permits, people overdoing it, or things of that nature.
Fruity mocktails are always a great choice for summer weddings. Think about your favorite fruits (strawberries, watermelon, peaches, pineapple, etc.), and look up what kinds of mocktails you can make with those. You might be surprised by what you find!
#8: special cocktail
Let’s say you do go the mocktail route but decide to have one cocktail for the toast that means something to you and your spouse. Maybe it’s the drink you had on your first date or the night he proposed.
Whatever the inspiration, a unique cocktail is a great way to mark the occasion and help make your dream wedding as memorable and beautiful as can be.
#9: tiny desserts
Wedding cakes are a classic, timeless tradition. However, if you want to up the ante, consider setting up a table with small serving sizes of desserts. You can do cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or pie–whatever suits your fancy.
This allows guests to have a taste of different desserts without everyone having a piece of the wedding cake, which can increase your costs if you have a large group of attendees.
#10: BBQ style
If you love a good brisket, then this is the trend for you. BBQ-style foods are all the rage as we get ready for summer 2023, and they go well with weddings.
We can create a variety of delicious entrées, sides, and appetizers that adhere to your wedding’s unique style while sticking with a BBQ theme if that’s what you’d like. Just say the word, and we’ll make it happen! At Mundo Catering, that’s what we do.
about us | portland wedding caterers
Looking for an ideal catering experience for your wedding? Mundo Catering would be honored to serve you. Our large and diverse menu caters to a variety of wedding themes and dietary needs, and our customer service is second to none.
We offer everything from vegan plates to steak cuisine. Learn more about what our Portland catering service offers by checking out our Blog. You can also see for yourself by clicking on images from catered events in our Gallery.
Call Mundo Catering today to discuss catering for your wedding: (971) 302-5041