What's the New Slider?

Three Hot Trends in Catering

By Tara Mandy and Meredith Levy
Editors of BFFBridal.com

Go Mini
As it turns out, sliders are the new slider. Cute, tiny versions of standard American favorites are still the hottest trend in cocktail-hour fare: mini hamburgers and hot dogs, little paper cones stuffed with French fries, and bite-size servings of mac and cheese. There may be a gourmet twist here and there (celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss recently designed a menu that included short rib sliders), but the idea of comfort food in micro proportions is still center stage. Consider having a slider station, where guests can assemble their own mini hamburgers, turkey burgers, or veggie burgers and dress 'em up with fixings from ketchup and barbecue sauce to pickles and onions.

Go Global
When it comes to the main course, couples are braving a departure from chicken and salmon and incorporating global tastes. And we don't just mean Italian food. Ethnic fare is a huge trend right now, with Asian and Indian specialties quickly becoming the most popular (think samosas and shrimp curry or miso soup and steamed striped bass instead of the usual salad and steak). Contemporary etiquette no longer mandates playing it safe. Americans' tastes are becoming more sophisticated, and your guests will enjoy the surprise of an unexpected entrée. So don't be afraid to design a menu around your own heritage.

Go Organic
By far, the biggest trend in catering is slow food. Keep things superfresh by serving dishes prepared with organic meats and locally grown ingredients that are in season during your wedding. If it seems impossible to put together a menu that's completely organic, do what you can. Your guests will appreciate the gesture (and the flavor) of something as simple as including locally grown heirloom tomatoes in the salad.

For inspiration, check out the sample menus and food-porn shots on Websites like www.creativeedgeparties.com, serenabass.com, abigailkirsch.com, and wolfgangpuck.com.

Tara and Meredith edit the wedding website BFFBridal.com