As wedding caterers in Devon we know how important it is to keep our flavours and menus fresh and flawlessly executed and we take inspiration from many places.
So what’s hot and what’s not for 2016’s brides? We scoped the catwalks for bridal gown trends, the kitchens for menu winners and the files of wedding organisers for trendsetting decor and entertainment ideas – so here goes!
Wedding themes for 2016
Colour
Hot colours for 2016 include dusty pink, which is ideal for vintage and shabby chic weddings. Also hot is electric purple, a difficult colour to work with, but an amazingly rich palette, particularly for spring (paired with willow green) and winter (paired with pure white).
Photography
That traditional approach that has begun to filter through the wedding dress factor is also appearing in wedding photographs. Most commonly it’s showing up as black and white portraits of bride and groom in a fairly traditional style but with more of a focus on their interaction than the static posed portraits of the 1950s. These stark, dramatic black and white shots are meant to be framed and hung on the wall as ‘the’ memory of the wedding and wedding photographers are planning for these shots well in advance so if you want this feature, make sure you mention it upfront and check that your prospective wedding photographer is experienced in the black and white wedding portrait field.
Wedding Dresses
Tradition is in
Royal brides have a long lasting effect on the wedding dress market, with designers soaking up the details and producing them in a cascade of wedding elements, so for 2016 the long lace sleeves that Kate Middleton pioneered are all over the runways
So is nude
But to go with the long sleeves and preponderance of lace, brides are showing more body in 2016, with bare backs and what are called illusion backs, which are net, gossamer or lace inserts which cover the spine whilst revealing it.
And feathers
Feathers were everywhere on next year’s key wedding dresses – either as a trim to ball-gown style wedding dresses, on hairbands or making feather collars to high-necked, low-backed gowns.
Food themes for 2016
Attention to detail
Many Brides and Grooms not only want food that is delicious but also food that reflects who they are or where they are going. Many are trying to tell their story on the plate, for example charting their romance in courses like a journey for a sit down meal or for a buffet or hog roast having sides that reflect all the places they have visited together.
Luxe Ingredients
As the Royal Wedding still influences bridal gowns, it is also true that in wedding menus a little luxury is often requested, lobster, truffles, saffron and caviar can all be used in small amounts to reflect a little luxe throughout the meal.
Spectacular Crockery
With more and more couples turning to the professional caterers who offer great food, the emphasis in 2016 and beyond is also shifting a little towards great food that is also presented in an interesting way. This is where crockery can really elevate a delicious but simple looking dish into a real showstopper on the plate.
Food Stations
Popular before 2016, the food station trend has no sign of slowing down. A signature food station is a great option for three reasons:
1. It can be made to work for any venue size, shape or configuration
2. Your wedding caterers can build it into their plans, so you know you’re getting professional staff.
3. It can include any type of food you like.
Popular stations include:
• Ice cream, particularly local and organic ice creams and frozen yoghurt alternatives
• Beverages, such as a tea tasting station for afternoon weddings, with different teas served mini scones and cakes
• Lemonade stalls with a range of flavours from cocktail lemonades for adults through to pink, mint and cherry lemonade for kids, and – of course – lemonade floats!
• Decorate your own cupcake stations are also becoming more popular.
If you are planning a 2016 (or beyond) Wedding talk to us today about your wedding menu planning. We are experienced, professional wedding caterers serving Devon and the South West and we can match great food ideas with your wedding theme to create a fantastic experience for you and your guests.
Email: enquiry@devoncatering.com
Phone: 01271 858505