It should come as no surprise that millennial couples are changing the landscape when it comes to feeding their guests. What was once known as traditional fine dining has been turned on its head into something more contemporary and innovative. Couples want to give their guests a culinary experience they won’t forget. So what does that entail? Let’s take a look at some of the top trends you can expect:
Love for local
With couples loving the ‘return to nature’ theme, it only makes sense that they would also want to keep everything local—especially the food. Emma Riddell of Goose and Berry in the UK explains, “using local and in season produce is key” to a satisfying experience. If keeping the food local wasn’t enough, couples also take their cocktails and craft beer very seriously. “Drinks are just as important,” says Riddell. “Choosing cocktails and offering a local brewers ale alongside a drinks flight for each course showcases the drinks you’ve chosen as much as the food.”
Photo Tim Dunk
Keeping it personal
Millennials are all about customization when planning their weddings. Cookie cutter ceremony and receptions are out the window in 2017, and that includes the food. Instead, they are opting to fill up their menus with favorite childhood dishes or a meal that has personal meaning to the relationship, and then presenting it in a creative way, says Riddell.
Photo Ryan Polei Photography
Small plates & tasting menus
The traditional three-course meal certainly isn’t going anywhere, but some couples are incorporating their own take by opting for small plates and tasting menus. "In 2017 we will see more stylized tasting menus with tableside service rather than your traditional full course meals,” says celebrity planner David Tutera. “Think refined small plates such as artisanal Tuscan flatbreads or shrimp and filet mignon skewers. This lets you keep the sophistication of your menu, while having a little twist on the traditional sit-down dinner, making it more unique and fun for your guests."
The millennial fine dining experience is shaping up to be a fun and creative trend that could easily become the new normal.
Kylie Carlson is the owner of the International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning. With six locations globally, the academy boasts an internationally recognized accreditation program that brings professional training to wedding planners, designers and stylists.
