If you’re planning a late-2025 or 2026 wedding in Columbus, your catering menu deserves as much attention as your venue and décor. Couples are making food the centerpiece of their celebration — prioritizing experience, creativity, and personalization more than ever before.
At Knife, Herb & Fire Caterers, we’ve seen firsthand how wedding menus are evolving. From plant-based dishes to immersive dining experiences, here are the top 10 wedding catering trends shaping Columbus weddings in 2025 and 2026 — and how you can bring them to life on your big day.
1. Elevated Comfort Foods
Columbus couples are embracing nostalgic favorites with a gourmet twist. Picture smoked mac and cheese bites, mini chicken and waffle skewers, or slow-braised short ribs that combine comfort and class.
➡️ Explore our Wedding Menu to see how we elevate local favorites into unforgettable dining experiences.
2. Plant-Based Perfection
Vegan and vegetarian dishes are taking center stage in 2026. Couples are requesting plant-forward entrées, vegan charcuterie boards, and flavor-packed sides that impress every guest – not just the herbivores.
3. Family-Style Dining Returns
The traditional plated dinner is giving way to family-style service, where guests share platters and dishes at the table. It creates warmth, conversation, and a sense of connection – perfect for couples who want an intimate atmosphere.
4. Global Fusion Flavors
From Mediterranean mezze spreads to Caribbean-inspired tasting plates, multicultural menus are defining the new era of weddings. Couples are blending global cuisines with local ingredients for a menu that tells their story.
5. Interactive Food Stations
Live food stations add fun and excitement to the reception. Think chef-manned carving stations, pasta bars, or build-your-own taco tables that give guests an engaging, made-to-order experience.
6. Dessert Displays & Sweet Bars
Move over, traditional cake. Dessert walls, mini cheesecake bites, cookie bars, and late-night s’mores tables are becoming wedding staples. They add personality – and plenty of photo ops.
7. Signature Cocktails & Mocktails
Personalized drinks that reflect the couple’s story are trending big. His-and-hers cocktails, locally inspired mocktails, and themed drink stations make receptions more memorable (and Instagram-worthy).
8. Locally Sourced Ingredients
Supporting Ohio farms and small producers is no longer a niche – it’s a movement. Couples want fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that tell a story of community and sustainability.
9. Late-Night Snack Bars
Dancing for hours works up an appetite! Late-night menus – like mini sliders, gourmet fries, or breakfast burritos – give guests the perfect ending to a night of celebration.
10. Personalized Menus
Every couple is different, and their menu should be too. The trend for 2026 is complete customization — menus designed around your story, culture, or favorite flavors.
Visit our Order Catering page to start planning your personalized tasting or custom event menu.
Bonus: Weddings Meet Corporate-Style Coordination
More couples are bringing in professional event management techniques often used in corporate catering – with structured timelines, plating precision, and logistics that keep service seamless.
Explore our Corporate Events Menu to see how our attention to detail translates beautifully into wedding dining experiences.
Final Thoughts
As couples prepare for late-2025 and 2026 weddings, food is becoming an extension of their love story – a way to connect, celebrate, and share unforgettable moments.
At Knife, Herb & Fire Caterers, we’re passionate about crafting custom wedding and event menus that delight every guest. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions, our chefs are ready to make your day exceptional.
Order Catering today or view our Wedding Menu to start building the perfect menu for your 2025 or 2026 celebration.
