In our fourth annual International Wedding Trend Report, we talked to some of the world’s most prominent events experts, and they weighed in with their predictions. The results are clear: couples will continue to be motivated by a desire to provide guests not with just a good meal, but with a truly memorable experience. How will this focus on experience take shape in 2018? ͞
Studies of...
Several experts suggested that this will be the year of culinary studies, or interactive stations themed around a specific liquor, ingredient or style of cuisine. Guests might be treated to the experience of a study of tequila, for instance, explains Pauline Parry, President of Good Gracious Events.
Speaking of gin
Lucy Barrow, Director of Mix & Twist Bartending agrees. Instead of planning a specialty cocktail, couples might feature a "Pimp Your Gin" station, where guests can have fun tasting and compare different gin combinations. These guided experiences enrich guests’ culinary knowledge and might even introduce them on to flavors and combinations they haven’t tried before – quite a gift from their hosts!
Barrow notes that gin, in particular, will be popular in 2018. Gin & Tonic menus with different botanical garnishes and craft gins will be becoming more and more popular, she predicts.
Photo credit Andrea Harborne Photography
Emphasis on source & quality
It’s no longer about quantity. These days, couples are expected to be highly conscious both of where their ingredients originate and the quality of ingredients used in their menu, instead of the volume of the overall menu. 2018 will be all about purity and unadulterated creations, notes Jeff Farlow, Executive Chef of Wente Vineyards. Sustainably farmed seafood, for example, has gained recognition in the past year and the demand will only continue to grow. Farlow indicates that increased awareness among consumers is driving this trend, and that couples will be willing to spend more on a worthwhile culinary experience.
Photo credit Andrea Harborne Photography
Vegan & vegetarian menus go mainstream
Each year healthy eating at catered events increases in popularity, says Andy Snow, President of Feastivities Events. He predicts a dramatic rise in demand for vegan and vegetarian menus not just as special diet requests, but as a main offering, along with the demise of anything fried.
We are excited, as always to watch these trends unfold. What excites you most about food and beverage trends in 2018?
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