2: Increased Creativity & Innovation

The pure reliance on creative and divergent thinking has been a resounding win for all and will continue as we push into 2021. The absolute need for innovation within our services and the scope of their possibilities has insisted our industry get outside the box to survive. This type of thinking and creative work will continue to flourish in the coming year. Our eyes-wide-open approach to how we can better serve our clients right where they are in their lives has provided opportunities many of us would not have reached for otherwise."

- Renee Miner, Owner, Empyrean Events and Catering

Individualized cocktail hour apps, drinks, and desserts: Grazing tables had their moment, but they’re certainly not COVID-friendly. Instead, caterers took those same concepts and put them in individually packaged delights: mini jars of dips, individual charcuterie plates, canned cocktails, and single-serve mini cakes. The micro wedding trend that was boosted to follow COVID guidelines has allowed for more focus, and budget, to go to the individual guest experience. Out-of-the-box entertainment: You did not want to see dance floors packed at 2020 weddings, and this is likely to extend into 2021. Keep guests entertained with other forms of performance entertainment, such as fire dancers, magicians, and drag queens."

- Brittny Drye, Editor-in-Chief, Love Inc. Magazine

Out-of-the-box thinking! Caterers are one of the most creative people I know. I’ve seen companies pivot to find work, from food trucks to ghost kitchens to home-delivered meals. Just because you haven’t done it before or it’s out of your normal business profile, doesn’t prevent caterers adjusting to the times."

- Chef Peter McCaffrey, Culinary Director, Leading Caterers of America; Senior Consultant, Certified Catering Consultants LLC