Wedding food trends we’re seeing (and loving)
Weddings are evolving, and from where we sit at Ōrākei Bay, so too is the role food plays throughout the day.
Gathered, shared, and savoured, family-style dining at its best.
Today’s couples aren’t simply choosing menus, they’re curating experiences. There’s a clear move away from tradition for tradition’s sake, and toward something more personal, more social, and more intentional. Food has become a central part of how a wedding feels, how guests connect, celebrate, and remember the day.
Experience over expectation
One of the most noticeable shifts we’re seeing is the return to sit-down dining, with family-style service leading the way. It strikes a beautiful balance, relaxed yet considered, and naturally brings people together in a way that feels warm and connected.
While walk-and-fork dining has had its moment over the past few years (and still suits the right style of celebration), more couples are choosing to invite guests to sit, settle in, and share a meal together.
That said, cocktail-style elements remain an important part of the day, they’re just being used more intentionally. Whether it’s post-ceremony, pre-dinner, or later in the evening as a dessert-style moment, these experiences are becoming more fluid and reflective of the natural rhythm of the celebration.
Cocktail hour, reimagined. Espresso martini jellies, nostalgic, unexpected, and oh-so-delicious.
Playful, unexpected details
This is where couples are really making things their own.
One standout trend has been the rise of playful, reimagined favourites, like our cocktail jellies, a Collective creation that has quickly become a signature at Ōrākei Bay. Think margarita or espresso martini, transformed into a bite-sized jelly. Nostalgic, a little unexpected, and always a conversation starter.
It speaks to a wider shift we’re seeing: couples are leaning into familiar flavours, but looking for new and memorable ways to present them.
Reimagining the classics
Rather than removing tradition altogether, many couples are choosing to reinterpret it.
Champagne towers are stepping into the spotlight, often replacing the traditional cake-cutting moment. Dessert grazes are also on the rise, offering a more relaxed and interactive way for guests to enjoy something sweet.
And when cake is part of the day, it’s often in the form of slab cakes, simple, generous, and designed for sharing rather than ceremony.
It’s less about the “big reveal” and more about creating something guests can gather around and enjoy together.
Late-night comfort is here to stay
By the time the dance floor is in full swing, the appetite inevitably returns, and late-night snacks have become a must-have.
We’re consistently seeing favourites like hot chips in cones, ham buns, and cheese toasties served around 9:30–10pm. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and perfectly timed to keep the energy high and guests on the dance floor just that little bit longer.
The experience of it all
If there’s one thing these trends make clear, it’s this: couples are thinking more about their guests than ever before.
They’re considering how the day feels, how people connect, and how food can elevate those moments.
Together, these shifts signal something bigger, the evolving role of catering. It’s no longer just about serving a meal, but about shaping the entire experience. From setting the tone to carrying the energy of the day, it’s often where the most memorable moments unfold.
Experience Ōrākei Bay
Take the first step toward creating your perfect event.
