For a long time, there were only one or two ways to serve food at your wedding. Couples could choose between a formal sit-down meal with at least three courses or a big wedding buffet. Food was either delivered silver service style, plated to the table, or guests would slowly make their way forward and help themselves. Then, in the late 00s, things started to shift. Couples wanted greater choice and wedding caterers quickly caught up. From food trucks and mobile pizza ovens to afternoon tea and ice cream carts, ‘alternative’ wedding catering really took off.
The Casual Dining Revolution
As relaxed, informal celebrations have become increasingly popular, the way food is served at weddings has also become more casual and laidback. Silver service is out and family-style dining, feasting menus and sharing boards are in. Following the permanent relaxation of rules regarding outdoor ceremonies, even low-level wedding picnics are a possibility!
In 2022 and 2023, roughly 75% of my couples have opted for some form of feasting menu or sharing boards for their wedding food. Styling tables for these more casual dining options requires a little more thought, so here are a few top tips…
How to Style Feasting Menus and Sharing Boards
- Chat to your caterers about how much room they require for food on each of your tables. Plan your décor accordingly and be careful not to block access to boards, dishes or plates.
- Instead of decorating the centre of each table, focus on creating beautifully layered place settings.
- If centrepieces are out of the question, hanging arrangements are a great way to create visual impact without losing precious real estate needed for food. Speak to your florist and check with your venue to see if this is an option.
- Casual dining doesn’t have to mean paper plates and disposable napkins! I recommend using beautiful linen, gold cutlery and decorative glassware, so it still feels special.
Further Reading
If you love food and you’re planning a relaxed, laidback wedding, you may find these links useful:
And if you decide you need some expert help, please get in touch. Helping couples celebrate in a way that feels both stylish and true to who they are is what I do best!
Photo Credits:
{Modern Barn} Photographer, Clare Kinchin Photography // Styling, Knots & Kisses // Food, Garnish & Thirstchoice
{Boho Hawaii} Photographer, Katy Jones Photography // Styling, Knots & Kisses // Florals, Brompton Buds // Food, Artisan Catering Devon
{Modern Pre-Raphaelite} Photographer, Summit Imagery // Styling, Knots & Kisses // Florals, Thorn Flowers // Tableware, Keeping It Vintage // Food, Erans Kitchen