Weddings today have changed immensely in terms of venue, theme, and food. Gone are the standard starters and entrées—today’s brides and grooms have seemingly unlimited options to consider. For couples choosing outdoor weddings, the planning possibilities for your wedding menu are endless. When deciding what to cater for your outdoor wedding, get creative with the seven ideas below.
1. DIY Stations
Let your guests be the chef with DIY food stations. Laying out the ingredients in a styled way is a visual feast for the eyes, giving guests the option to pick and choose what to snack on. Whether it’s a rustic wedding or formal affair, these stations of colourful food are sure to get everyone excited and hungry.
From grazing charcuterie boards to enjoying guacamole and taco stands, there are endless ideas that give guests a different opportunity to socialize while putting a plate together.
2. Signature Drinks
Add something special and memorable to the day with a signature drink. Couples can work with the bartender beforehand to concoct a special drink with meaning that reflects who you are as a couple, and one that also matches the wedding’s theme.
Tie in fresh fruit, mint, and other seasonings to present personal taste and seasonal offerings while providing a fun and classy drink for guests to enjoy. Be sure to include a mocktail version for guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks and your youngest guests.
3. Barbeque
Nothing says summer like a good old barbeque, and outdoor wedding catering today intertwines the elegant parts of the day in a casual social and dining atmosphere. Regardless of the theme, barbequing is sure to be a hit for outdoor wedding catering. It’s not limited to the classic “hot dogs and hamburgers” deal, either.
Chefs can whip up versatile options for any eater, from kebabs and grilled veggies, to chicken, ribs, and more. The tantalizing smell of the grill is sure to entice all of your guests, bringing together good food and great company on that special day. Think local, fresh, and colourful barbeque!
4. Salads and Veggies
Who says you don’t win friends with salad? Salads have endless possibilities, and your wedding is a great time to wow you guests with the unexpected! Offer fun summer salads that include strawberries and goat cheese, pear and brie, or endive and yogurt. You can season vegetables in light oils and spices to give them an extra flavor. Salads and veggies make a great side dish to any meal, adding colour to the food display and presenting a refreshing option for your guests.
On hot days, guests don’t want to be loaded down with heavy food. Salad is light, fresh, and requires minimal refrigeration. Salads and veggies are a light and delicious alternative for everyone to enjoy.
5. Fun Desserts
A traditional cake and sweets table is no longer the only dessert option. Couples can choose a variety of dessert options. From candy tables to create-your-own sweets, no dessert is barred.
Consider ice cream carts where guests can make their own sundaes, popcorn stands for guests to fill up their own bags, and donut stands with miniature flavours of any kind. With so many options, you’ll satisfy every sweet tooth.
6. Chef Stations
Bring a more hands-on approach to the food with chef stations situated throughout the wedding, instead of waiters walking around passing out hors d’oeuvres. From raw bars with chefs chucking oysters to Asian-inspired bars where chefs are rolling sushi, there are many outdoor wedding catering options to choose from. Guests can interact with the chef who provides the experience of how it all comes together. Not only will you feed your guests freshly made options, you will entertain the whole crowd.
7. Drink Carts
In line with your signature cocktail, consider setting up different drink carts. They can be themed, featuring Manhattans and Dark ‘n Stormys for that Mad Men vibe or bubble bars with sparkling wines, champagnes, fresh fruit, and flavoured juices. On hot summer days, these options will keep guests hydrated and refreshed. Don’t forget to include mocktails and cocktails, so everyone can have something tasty to drink.
