Like fashion and wedding trends in general, food trends will change from year to year. While there are some staples that will be on menus no matter the year, some 2025 and earlier trends are not going to be as popular in 2026. That said, here are a few wedding food trends we see becoming popular in 2026.
Interactive Food Stations
2026 will continue the trend of interactive food stations. These are not buffets, but chef crafted experiences combining energy, creativity, and a personal touch brought to every dish. Guests will interact with the chef to build their perfect plate. All dishes on the interactive food station are made to order. Couples enjoy interactive food stations because they encourage mingling, add visual elements, and allow guests to personalize their meal.
Global Flavors with Local Ingredients
Cultural fusion is on the rise due to couples embracing food from around the world. While embracing their heritage and food they enjoy, couples are also asking for the ingredients to be locally sourced, helping the local economy.
Global cuisine can be used throughout the reception, such as a beef tartar or a pho soup appetizer, boeuf en croute or an Italian herbed chicken for the main dish. Then you can finish with French macarons or a German inspired chocolate cake for dessert.
Elevated Dessert Displays
Dessert is no longer just the wedding cake. Couples are now incorporating displays with treats such as cookies, cupcakes, pies, and other desserts guests might enjoy. The displays double as décor for the reception, and as a way for you and your guests to interact with the desserts. Dessert displays should include various heights, textures, and colors that match your wedding theme. Edible flowers are a great way to elevate a display of cookies or cupcakes.
Wedding Brunches
Weddings are no longer just an evening affair. Wedding brunches are on the rise because they’re a bit more budget-friendly if you have a morning wedding. Brunch is more than just eggs and sausage, so consider all the things you love about brunch, and work with your caterer to elevate the meal for your wedding.
Gourmet waffles and pancakes, pastries, and eggs benedict are just a few of the ways to make your wedding brunch personalized. A coffee, tea and juice bar is a great idea because guests usually look for those things at brunch. A mimosa bar with different flavors, and classic brunch cocktails will add a fun element to your wedding brunch.
Plant-Based Menus that Meat Eaters Also Enjoy
Plant based is more than just a food trend, it’s about using food to showcase creative and vibrant food using vegetables. Appetizers such as chickpea bruschetta, Nashville hot cauliflower bites, and cheesy broccoli quinoa bites are a great way to start the reception. Main dishes such as lentil shepherd’s pie, mushroom burgundy over polenta, and cauliflower pasta alfredo are great ideas for main courses. Desserts can also be vegan such as vegan cookies, a vegan cake and ice cream, or a vegan no bake pie.
Consider these trends as you plan your 2026 wedding menu. Check out our bridal collection if you’re in the market for a wedding dress.