We’re walking into 2024 feeling inspired and beyond excited to celebrate all of the newly engaged couples from last year! Our culinary and pastry teams love crafting unique menus for each of our wedding couples based on their own story and vision, and innovating new ideas that are spot on for the year's upcoming trends.
Here are some of our current musings for 2024:
1. Zero-Proof Cocktails
Inclusivity is more than a buzz word for us. Making every guest feel welcome and valued when they enter your cocktail hour or reception is the foundation of great hospitality - and the makings of an extra fun experience. At the LCA Executive Summit this past November, we served up delicious cocktails along with a speciality crafted mocktail option. The “A ‘Pear’ntly It’s Fall Mocktail,” featured Wildwood Spirits Ginnocence, Spiced Pear Puree, and Soda. Incorporating a non-alcoholic gin elevated the mocktail by making sure all the traditional herbal notes were still front and center, and every guest was able to fully enjoy the experience of the opening night cocktail hour.
2. Dessert Spreads
It’s not that wedding cakes are “out”, but dessert spreads are definitely “in”. Our pastry team crafts an abundance of dessert options so that every wedding guest can spot their favorite dessert at the reception. The spreads themselves also serve as a beautiful display that draws the eye of every guest. Whether it's cakes, cupcakes, bars, ice cream, cookies, or creme brulee, our team ensures that everyone experiences a sweet treat at the end of the night!
Some of our favorite desserts for the upcoming year include our Chai Spiced Crème Brûlée, Butterscotch Pot De Crème, Candied Meyer Lemon & Cardamom Polenta Cake, and Toffee & Dark Chocolate Truffles.
3. Bite-Sized Everything
We offer an array of passed hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hours and receptions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in our full range of flavors and culinary innovations. Seeing the reactions from our guests as they experience bite after bite is truly one of our favorite things about what we do. Bonus points because we get to be creative with the presentation, both with the food and the tray itself. For example, we used sleek mirror trays for the LCA Executive Summit, and love to use wooden trays for stunning PNW outdoor weddings.
4. Plant-Based Menu Items
Plant-based culinary innovations are here to stay and to say we’re loving it would be an understatement. There are so many opportunities to experiment with plant-based cuisine, and we can’t wait to continue to push the limit and see what dishes our culinary teams prepare this year. We appreciate that plant-based cuisine provides us with the ability to play with vibrant colors, feature local produce, and add diversity to our menus.
Some of our past favorites include our Broccoli Tofu Spring Rolls with Lemon Cashew Dip, and our Stone Fruit Salad with Arugula, Chopped Marcona Almonds, Fresh Mint, and a Honey Basil Vinaigrette.
Cheers to the 2024 wedding season!
Photo Credits:
Diwas Photography | Hero Image & Photo 4
Mandee Rae Photography | Photos 1 & 3
Natalie Shapiro | Photo 2
We've been one of Seattle's top catering and event companies for over 30 years thanks to our obsession with great food and dedication to always putting our guests first. Contact us today to start planning your special day.
Written February 2024.
