The Evolution of Wedding Catering In The New Normal

Planning and setting up your dream wedding ceremony during the new normal will be one of the most stressful tasks in the world, especially when searching for the perfect catering service. No matter how much preparation has gone to your choice of attire, bouquets, health and safety permits, and reception venue, sourcing the best catering options for your most important day (including food and drink selections that would cater to the dietary requirements of everyone) will be exasperating.

The providers of wedding catering Melbourne are looking forward to life after the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdowns associated with it. A lot of Australian couples postponed the dates of their wedding hoping that restrictions on events and travel would soon be lifted. We do not know what the future will bring us, but traditional weddings (including catering) have to adapt to the new normal.

Is your event observing Covid-19 health and safety protocols?

The government started easing their events and travel restrictions, and they recently made changes to the guidelines. The following amendments impacted many social gatherings, such as funerals, indoor venues, outdoor events, and weddings.

- The venue staff must collect and store contact information from every person attending your event. This data can help the authorities keep track of anyone who may be infected with Covid-19.

- Your catering service must make sure that guests and staff are following social distancing protocols by arranging the tables in such a way that people sit at least 1.5 metres apart.

- Guests must stay at least 1.5 metres apart from each other at all times.

- No more than 200 individuals can attend your indoor wedding, but if you want to invite as many as 1,500 people to your outdoor gathering, submit a completed COVID Safe event checklist to your local government unit first.

- Dancing is allowed in an outdoor event, as long as people follow the “1 person per 2 square metre” rule.

How will wedding catering trends be affected by the new normal?

Your wedding plans will greatly depend on the government policies impacting event venues and vendors. The regulations may be limiting, but it will allow catering services to reopen and operate without compromising the health and safety of clients, guests, and staff.

No more buffet catering

Some historians claim the buffet lunch or supper was conceptualized in Scandinavia around the 16th century, where guests got to eat finger foods from small side tables before the main course. Other people claim that buffets began in France around the 17th century, when suitors would unexpectedly visit the homes of the ladies they were courting. The kitchen staff would panic over the sudden visit, serving the guest with whatever was available in the house. The word “buffet” was originally taken from the French sideboard furniture the food was served on, until it eventually became the culinary serving format we know today.

Because conventional buffets involve eating from exposed plates or trays of food, buffets have been banned since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. They may make a comeback once the pandemic is over.

Quality over quantity

Couples now have more room in their wedding budgets since the size of their guest lists have to be adjusted to conform with the government-mandated limit. Instead of serving extravagant foods that make special occasions special, more couples are breaking tradition with less expensive casual dining options. This allows them to spend a little extra on better quality items such as crystal glassware, stunning florals, abundant lighting, premium paper goods, specialty napkins, and linen tablecloths.

The menu must be more flexible

Before the coronavirus pandemic, couples getting married in Melbourne could choose between various catering set meals. Now that we are facing the new normal, there is a greater emphasis on health, so vendors have further customized their catering packages to suit different dietary restrictions. Couples now have more control over what ingredients will be used in their dishes, or what dishes will be served during their event.

Are you getting married in the new normal? Go for it!

Even if the Covid-19 pandemic fills us with all sorts of uncertainties, it should not discourage you from planning your wedding. Form your plans with confidence, make changes when it is needed, and have fun! There are many reputable catering services you can call to help you provide your guests with a special dining experience they will never forget.