Your wedding is an expression of you and your partner. It’s an opportunity to infuse your personalities, your love story, and all your favourite things into one spectacular day, shared with the people who matter most. Every detail, from the decor and music to the food menu, drink list, and broader catering choices, should reflect your unique style and creative vision.
Still, we can all use a little inspiration along the way! This list aims to provide just that. We at Bradshaw Catering have assembled the top wedding catering trends that are taking off in 2025 to help spark ideas, elevate your planning, and make your celebration truly unforgettable.
Dare-To-Be Different Drinks
1. Made-to-order custom cocktails
More weddings will be pouring personalized cocktails during the 2025 season. Rather than offering guests a limited selection of standard cocktails, cocktail bars are embracing creativity, personalization, and variety.
Made-to-order cocktail bars give guests the ability to order their favourite drinks, choose from a range of exciting ingredients, or sample customized cocktails inspired by the couple and wedding theme. These bars can also reflect the season, location, or even incorporate family traditions, offering a meaningful and memorable experience.
2. Mocktails for the sober-curious
The sober-curious movement is still going strong. Mocktails are having their moment, particularly at weddings, where inclusive beverage options are becoming a must. Complex, curated, and creative mocktails are just as beautiful and appetizing as the standard choices, and they can be tailored to match the wedding theme and menu.
Adding an alcohol-free selection to your cocktail menu is a great way to let your guests participate in the fun without risking a headache the next day. It also shows thoughtfulness and consideration for guests of all ages and preferences, making everyone feel welcome and included.
3. Cocktail party reception
Cocktail party wedding receptions are on the rise. These offer a more relaxed and interactive atmosphere where everyone can socialize and mingle freely. Instead of sitting at assigned tables for a formal meal, guests sample hors d’oeuvres and order drinks from the bar.
This is the perfect way to encourage all your favourite people to spend time together, making memories and celebrating your love. It’s a modern and fun way to celebrate your big day.
4. Caffeinate at the coffee cart
Coffee at a wedding? Why not! Sipping espresso in the evenings is common in Europe, and that extra buzz from a shot of caffeine might be just the thing to keep your guests dancing well into the night. A coffee cart or small espresso truck is a fun addition to your wedding day.
Main Meal Magic
5. Authentic street food
Street food has established itself as one of the enduring catering trends. Incorporating this style of dining into weddings means that you don’t have to wait until your honeymoon to start savouring international delights. Of course, your guests will be equally delighted!
There are nearly endless options to choose from, depending on your tastebuds, including taco bars, dumpling stations, and pretzel stands, just to name a few. Remember, street food can be savoury or sweet, snack-sized or filling, so it’s an easy addition to most weddings.
6. Inclusive menus
Nowadays, people have a wide variety of allergies and dietary restrictions. By making your menu as inclusive as possible, you ensure that everyone feels welcome at your wedding and that no one will leave hungry.
Weddings are supposed to be joyful occasions—you don’t want guests worried about whether or not they’re going to be fed. Incorporating vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options is the future of wedding catering.
7. Late night snack station
Couples often wish that their wedding day would never end. You can encourage the party to keep on going by offering late-night snacks to your guests. All that dancing is going to work up quite the appetite, after all!
Late-night bites keep spirits and energy levels high well into the wee hours of the morning. Comfort food, like s’mores, donuts, and shakes, provide great bursts of energy late at night.
8. Preparation spectacles
Dinner and a show, anyone? This is an incredible way to turn your wedding into an event to remember.
Interactive experiences are a top wedding trend, providing a fun way to keep guests engaged and entertained. Flambé stations, for instance, add a touch of excitement with savoury dishes and desserts created over an open flame.
Marrying Weddings and Eco-Consciousness
9. Local, seasonal fare
Seasonal produce is always the most delicious, making it an ideal foundation for your wedding menu. Plus, opting for local (and, ideally, organic) is the more sustainable choice.
You’re helping to support local farmers while minimizing your wedding’s carbon footprint. The bounty will be truly beautiful, and it captures the essence of your venue location, highlighting both the local produce and the season.
10. Zero-waste catering
Today, couples are taking the health of the planet into consideration during wedding planning. As a result, zero-waste catering will be more of a focus in 2025. This includes opting out of single-use plastics as much as possible, as well as minimizing food waste. Uneaten food can be redistributed to food shelters, helping those in need.
Embrace These Wedding Catering Trends With Bradshaw Catering
At Bradshaw Catering, we specialize in wedding and special events catering. Whether it’s a fresh oyster bar, live carving station, mobile pizza oven, or food truck, our services add a unique and memorable twist to every celebration.
We are skilled in immersive dining experiences that are just as entertaining as they are delicious. From buffet-style to plated dinner, casual to fine dining, guests will not be able to stop raving about your wedding with Bradshaw Catering.
To learn more about our wedding catering services, call Bradshaw Catering at 905-557-0882 or contact us here.
