Trending Tastes: Melbourne Wedding Catering Trends for 2024
Decisions, decisions, decisions… The cornerstone of every perfectionist-approved wedding plan. Where will you find the best wedding catering in Melbourne for your big day? What variation of fabulous flowers will adorn the aisle? Which picturesque venue will make your guests swoon? And how about the sweet songs that’ll get you boogie-ing on the dance floor? It’s enough to make your head spin!
Then comes an exciting decision for any blushing bride or gorgeous groom: wedding catering. I’ve gone straight to the source to unlock exactly what’s in this year for wedding catering across Melbourne. You’re welcome!
With so many delicious food trends to choose from, a pinch of advice is a real treat. Do you whip together a vivacious vegan selection of treats? Craft a gourmet gluten-free buffet? Or hire a food truck for omnivores, plus dishes free of dairy, nuts and shellfish?
Here’s everything you need to know about the trends Melbourne wedding caterers predict for 2024.
Calling all Wedding Caterers in Melbourne!
It’s no secret that Melbourne’s foodie scene is an epic one!
But wedding catering in Melbourne really takes the flavour-meter up several notches.
That is, if you choose a reputable caterer with their finger on the pulse.
My community of trustworthy vendors are all over the hottest #trends on the horizon. From the best *hand-plucked* allergen-approved produce for your grazing table, signature cocktails that *sparkle* with zing, or the most delicious vegan wedding catering in Melbourne. There’s something for everyone in Melbourne’s 2024 wedding catering trends.
Don’t just take my word for it! Let’s see what *spicy* trends they predict will take your wedding by storm…
2024 Trend #1 | The Authentic Restaurant Experience
I know you love sipping cheeky cocktails. But let’s be honest, standing around and grazing on small nibbles can be a pain on the ankles.
Luke from Panama Dining Room & Bar comments that cocktail weddings are trending downward. And that a new trend hitting the Melbourne wedding catering scene is a 5-star restaurant-level sit-down dinner.
“Couples are now shunning traditional function venues and caterers for a more authentic ‘restaurant experience’.”
Know what this means? “Booking a function venue or caterer that has very little control over the quality of product, the professionalism of staff, including casual agency staff” is well and truly out, Luke explains.
“The bonus [of choosing wedding caterers such as Panama Dining Room & Bar] is that we have just one venue and one space. We are not stretched with multiple events across multiple locations on the same day. We have the one ‘A-team’ of culinary superstars who are entirely devoted to your wedding. The onus is always on my venue to execute perfection.”
To keep your festivities feeling restaurant-authentic, Luke notes an increase in popularity for seasonal set menus paired with an extensive beverage selection, exceptional customer service and acute attention to detail.
Key takeaways:
- Sit down dinners are in
- Seasonal set menus ft. local produce are rising in popularity
- Less ‘function’ venues means a more extensive beverage list
- Restaurant settings and experiences for receptions trend upward
2024 Trend #2 | The Personally Curated Menu
If you’re a #perfectionist like me, finding the best wedding catering in Melbourne involves more than food on forks. You want your menu to spotlight the love you share. So you’ll be buzzing to know that personally curated menus are the next hot trend!
Katie from Fourside Events explains that “clients are getting really confident customising their own menus with us.”
Crafting a personalised menu is a unique option for couples. One that grants guests a peek into your storybook romance. #awww
From the meal lovingly cooked on their anniversary and the *delicious* cake shared on the first date, to the drinks popped at their engagement party and beyond. Think: gin journeys that feature different styles from each of the locations you two have travelled to. Cute!
The menu becomes a diary of food and drinks underlining key relationship moments.
“They know what they love,” Katie explains. “[And the] menus are becoming more of a story of their time together.”
This *swoon-worthy* trend is one I’m seriously obsessed with.
Key takeaways:
- Work closely with your caterer to create your style
- Personalised menus create one-of-a-kind experiences
- Highlight heartfelt relationship moments through dining options
2024 Trend #3 | The Family-Style Buffet
Weddings that have that family vibe hit me in the feels every time.
So this Melbourne wedding catering trend is one that feels like it’s been a long time coming.
“We’re definitely seeing a downward trend for three courses. So much so that we no longer offer this dining style,” says Ana Kolembus of Your Private Chef. “It’s very dated and just doesn’t cater for all the varied tastes large groups have,” she explains.
“For weddings we are seeing lots of ‘family-style’ dining with couples opting for gourmet BBQ and Buffet packages.”
Family-style meals feature food plated up across the centre of the table, allowing guests to serve themselves. Not only a feast for the bellies, but also for the eyes! Spinning the sit-down dinner on its head allows couples to “keep guests social while creating a beautiful focal point in the room”.
Brad Holtz of Finesse Catering Group agrees, noting that “shared family-style mains … have been the go for a few years and seem to hold most couples’ attention. Everyone loves trying a bit of this and a bit of that, rather than being stuck with one plated meal”.
Best of all, guests won’t suffer from what Ana dubs “canapé anxiety’” since they’ll “see and control the food they take and enjoy without having to chase a waiter down”. #easypeasy
This is definitely a Melbourne wedding catering trend to consider if long lunches and dinners are your jam.
Key takeaways:
- Grazing tables offer a range of dietary options
- Family-style dining keeps guests moving and socialising
- Easy access to food and drinks
- No more canapé anxiety!
2024 Trend #4 | Late Night Snacking
Want your wedding to feel more like a party than a formal affair?
Keep the dance floor pumping and your guests fuelled throughout the night with the latest wedding catering trend to hit the Melbourne scene.
It’s the ultimate comfort food highlight that serves up the goods into the wee hours.
The kind that appeals to couples who want to keep the good times rolling long after the cake is cut.
“Late night snacking is becoming more popular, and our late night menu is a hit at the moment. Guests love it when they’re on the dance floor and platters of food come past,” says ABIA 2023 winner Brad Holtz of Finesse Catering Group.
“Our most popular has to be the three cheese toastie with Roonie’s kickass tomato chutney. Our brioche beef roll with chips and béarnaise sauce is another favourite. And of course the Southern fried chicken burger with tangy mayo and Finesse pickles.”
Key takeaways:
- Roving snacks later in the evening keep guests on the dance floor
- Include comfort food menu items like chips and burgers
- Bite-sized tasties add a new twist
Choosing the best wedding catering in Melbourne
There are so many Melbourne wedding catering options and so little time! How do you pick a cheeky trend to satisfy your guests? Well, lovers, this is not another full time job (well, not for you, anyway!).
No need to run down the rabbit hole of scouring reviews, screenshotting endless Instagram pages or even creating another time-consuming Pinterest board (without knowing who can actually create what you dream of!) #thestruggleisreal
You’re in luck! With my one-of-a-kind planning and coordination packages (plus my hand-plucked array of trustworthy vendors!), your Melbourne wedding catering choices extend beyond the trends.
I specialise in supporting couples like you to create a wedding that’s as unique as you two.
It’s time to find your dream wedding caterer in Melbourne
Ready to be perfectly paired with wonderful wedding caterers that tick all your boxes? Get in touch and let’s get the party started!
