02 Jul This Summer’s Sustainable Wedding Food Trends

Summer wedding trends look a bit different this year due to COVID-19 social distancing safety measures. Whether your invite list includes just you two or 20 of your nearest and dearest, you can still take steps to protect and preserve the environment. From responsibly sourced floral arrangements to consciously crafted clothing, make your special event a planet-friendly affair – starting with the summer’s hottest sustainable wedding food trends.

Party Plastic-Free

While invite lists have certainly gotten smaller, any amount of plastic utensils, table covers, or favors only adds to the growing pile of pollution finding its way into oceans and green spaces. Take a stand by replacing plastic and paper disposables – utensils and napkins, for instance – with vegan or reusable items. Additionally, you can save leftover food from the waste bin by composting or donating it to a local shelter.

Go Clean-Grown Green

A growing number of events feature plant-based, organic, and non-GMO foods. While 100% vegan menus are on the rise, there are also lots of inventive ways to incorporate fresh, farm-to-table produce into meat dishes. Contact local farms, independent markets, or co-ops to find a rich selection of clean-grown greens to make every plate a colorful palette. Short on time? Ask your caterer to source local – better yet, work with a company that specializes in vegan or plant-based options.

Make it Personal

This year’s weddings are all about celebrating what makes you, you. Menus include down-to-earth fare inspired by hometown classics, ranging from barbecue to good old-fashioned grilled cheese. In a thriving metropolis like New York City, for example, couples incorporate “elevated street food” options like lamb mignon and smoked tzatziki bites. At West Coast events, avocado is everywhere, adding pops of color to appetizers, dips, and more.

Customized, Interactive Bites

Churro umbrella, anyone? In 2020, event food gets way more fun and functional. Fill your guests’ tummies and imaginations with interactive food displays, in addition to “floating” servers (today’s upgrade on the classic tablescape). Meanwhile, customizable options – like choose-your-own toppings or made-to-order dishes – keep guests of all tastes satisfied.

Planet-Friendly Planning At Your Fingertips

Make earth-first planning effortless with help from companies like Everlasting Vegan Events. The women-owned Los Angeles-based event planning company collaborates with vegan vendors and small local businesses. Their goal: to create memorable events that “do no harm to humans, animals, or the planet,” so you can enjoy your day stress and waste-free. They offer a range of wedding planning packages to meet a variety of needs and event-planning skill levels. Plus, right now, they’re offering COVID-19 Crisis Wedding Packages to help offset the work of planning (or re-scheduling) an event due to Coronavirus.

Next, discover more sustainable wedding food trends on Brides.com. Plus, learn about the new waste and cost-saving micro-wedding trend here on our blog.