Just as the seasons change, so do the nuances of wedding ceremonies, receptions, and the overall aesthetic that defines these joyous celebrations our POP team loves so much. We’ve been chatting with and learning from our friends at WIPA (Wedding International Professional Association), ICA (International Caterers Association), ILEA (International Live Events Association), and ECEP (Elite Catering + Event Professionals) over the past few months to uncover some of the biggest trends coming our way!

That said, while we’re bringing some 2023 trends into the new year, we’re thrilled to unveil some of the new trends that we think will define 2024 weddings! Ready, trendsetters?

Textured Wedding Cakes

As couples seek to infuse their celebrations with unique and personalized touches, textured cakes have become the go-to choice for adding depth, character, and visual intrigue to the sweet centerpiece of the reception. These cakes are not just desserts; they are edible works of art!

Whether adorned with delicate lace-like patterns, intricate hand-painted designs, or subtle embossing, textured wedding cakes provide a sensory experience that goes beyond taste alone. Deliciously creative!

Sustainable Weddings

This trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards mindful living and responsible consumption. Couples are inspired to plan weddings that not only leave lasting memories but also contribute positively to the world they are entering into as a married couple.

A few ways we’re seeing are:

• • Choosing a venue with eco-friendly practices and green/LEED certifications
  • Invitations made with recycled paper
  • Upcycled or second-hand wedding attire
  • Locally sourced, seasonal flowers and fare to reduce transportation impact
  • Sustainable favors like potted plants or seeds

Foodie Frills

Foodie couples are redefining the notion of a traditional wedding feast with more culinary experiences than ever before. 

That could mean a tasting or pairing menu during the reception (either plated or with food and drink pairings at stations to grab) or interactive food stations or food trucks like our very own Southern Crust that bring in their distinct cultures. 

Our couples love our “Trend Stations,” where you can choose from options like a hibachi grill, dim sum, or a spread of empanadas made with love. What about a Ballpark Station that mirrors all your favorite game-day eats for sports lovers?

Outdoor Weddings

Now, this is a trend that really started back in 2020 but has only grown. To browse some of our favorite preferred venues that have outdoor spaces, simply visit our venues page and click on the arrow next to the “Indoor/Outdoor” section on the left side of the page. From there, you can choose to browse venues that are outdoor-only or both indoor and outdoor. Or check out this blog!

Mushroom-Centric Dishes

This is one Chef Nick is predicting. He shared, “Mushroom culture is something that seems to be coming on strong. There are a ton of different varieties with different looks, textures, and flavors, which make them a great meat substitute. They also absorb any flavor you want to highlight and have crazy amounts of health benefits for both your body and mind.

Mushroom powders are being added to coffee blends, tea blends, sauces, and brines to add that umami flavor to food and beverages, along with providing added health benefits. There are more places to find quality mushrooms from people that forage and farms that specialize in mushrooms.”

A few mushroom dishes you’ll find on our wedding menus this year are: 

• Garlic Mushroom Fried Rice: With Pickled Ginger
• Mushroom Ravioli: With Asparagus, Peas, Truffle Oil, Barely Cooked Spinach, Creamy Parmesan Sauce
• Red Wine Braised Pork & Wild Mushroom Ragu: With Mascarpone Cheese
• Caramelized Forest Mushrooms: Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Corn, Pickled Beech Mushrooms, Roasted Cipollini Onions, Red Chimichurri
• Mushroom Dumpling: Shitake, Cabbage, Truffle Aioli, Shoyu, Pickled Beets, Chives

Dessert Extravaganzas

One way to add the wow factor is through a sweet ending. But not just cake! Couples are going big with the dessert menus, almost cultivating a grand finale as they unveil tables upon tables of decadent delights.

POP couples love dessert shooters, bundt cakes, and tartlets, all on a glamorous spread with décor and florals so guests can pick their poison. 

A few favorites are: 

Dessert Shooters:

• S’mores: Chocolate Mousse, Toasted Marshmallow, Graham Crumble
• Tres Leches: Espresso-Hazelnut Cream, Spice Cake, Chocolate Ganache, Candied Hazelnuts, Cocoa Nib
• Strawberries and Cream (GF): Strawberry Mousse, Fresh Strawberries, Strawberry Coulis

Tartlets:

• Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Tartlet: Pecan Filling and Dark Chocolate
• Coconut Cream Pie Bites: Coconut Custard, Toasted Coconut, Phyllo Crust
• Lemon Raspberry: Lemon Pastry Cream, Raspberry Swirl, Fresh Raspberry

Bundt Cakes: 

• Red Velvet Baby Bundt: With Cream Cheese Glaze
• Carrot Bundt: With Cream Cheese Glaze
• Double Chocolate Bundt: With Chocolate Ganache

We also offer personal pies, cheesecakes, truffles, dessert bars, and more!

Statement Lighting

Statement lighting has always been one of our favorite ways to set the ambiance at events. It allows couples to infuse their personalities and styles into the wedding décor in a sustainable way. From custom monograms to unique fixtures like chandeliers, pendant lights, or fairy lights, couples can create a visually stunning atmosphere that reflects their individuality as a couple, which adds a special touch to their big day.

Plus, on the practical side, it can sometimes enhance the quality of wedding photographs and videos, making the memories even more magical. Statement lighting is a powerful tool for cultivating the atmosphere. Whether it’s a vintage-inspired chandelier for a classic wedding or neon signs for a contemporary affair, lighting can reinforce the overall theme and contribute to a cohesive design.

Immersive Guest Experiences

In a world where weddings are becoming more personalized and unique, couples are drawn to venues that offer a distinct and unconventional setting. 

So naturally, venues that incorporate some sort of immersive experience are becoming more popular! Think the Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola, Delta Flight Museum, or the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Bold Colors & Florals

Incorporating bold colors and vibrant florals into wedding design has gained momentum, reflecting a shift toward more expressive and daring design choices—which we are so here for. Couples are choosing color palettes that radiate positivity and whimsy, showing a departure from traditional whites and pastels (which, we’ll be honest, we still love, too!).

Late-Night Bites

After hours of dancing and celebrating, guests appreciate a boost of energy. Late-night bites provide a welcome refuel, ensuring that the party continues with energy and high spirits until the DJ plays that final song. 

Our POP late-night bite favorites include both passed nibbles and chef-attended stations, like:

• Chef-Attended Totchos Bar: Tots with Charred Onions, Pickled Jalapeños, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Chopped Brisket, Sour Cream, Cheddar, Queso, Scallions
• Chef-Attended Asian Take-Out Station: A choice of Bang Bang Shrimp with Peppers and Onions, Beef and Broccoli, Sesame Chicken with Cashews, Peppers, Onions, and Snap Peas, and Orange Chicken with Peppers, Snap Peas, and Onions—all served with white, brown, or fried rice
• Rolled Pizza Bites: Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Marinara
• Waffle and Chicken Skewer: With a Maple Drizzle
• Cheeseburger: With House Chips, Pop Sauce, and a Small Coke

Global Fusion Fare

We knew that when our CEO, Adam Noyes, was interviewed for a recent Atlanta Business Chronicle article about global fusion fare, there was a trend emerging—and we are at the forefront of it. 

Chef Nick Klug also weighed in, sharing, “Global flavors are a never-ending trend as our world gets smaller. I love taking something as simple as braised short rib and adding a spice rub to make it taste like pho or taking traditional BBQ and adding Middle Eastern spices to transform it into something completely different, yet familiar to the guest.”

Champagne Towers

Forget the champagne toasts and build a tower! 

As weddings continue to evolve, champagne towers have made a comeback as a trendy and glamorous feature that adds a touch of sophistication and spectacle to the celebration. The cascading bubbles and golden hues create a visually stunning and luxurious focal point, elevating the overall aesthetic of the event. Plus, it’s fun and interactive for guests.

You can also personalize a champagne tower to match the theme or color palette! Couples can choose different types of bubbly, add garnishes, and incorporate lighting effects.

Themed Weddings

Chef Nick even shared a good point that social media can start a new trend in the blink of an eye—and we think this one is tied to that. Themed weddings are on the rise because they allow couples to blur the boundaries between traditional and unconventional, allowing for more personal and diverse expressions of love and commitment.

A few we adore are: 

• Harry Potter
• Steampunk Spectacle
• Moroccan Magic
• Art Deco Elegance
• Nautical Nuptials
• Wildly in Love

Ready to Plan Your Trendy 2024 Wedding with POP?

Which 2024 wedding trends will you make your own this year? Proof of the Pudding’s team is ready to help. Let’s chat about your trend-setting vision and get planning!