Brides are looking to make their wedding a "signature" event, and this can be easily accomplished by using their monogram from the invitation to the reception including ice sculptures, menu cards and wedding cakes. The growing contemporary design trend continues to flourish with the use of restaurant style china, Chinese take-outs, plexi glass and bamboo mini plates, and artistic demi-plates.

Many of our weddings in 2008 were cocktail and station style receptions that encouraged guests to mingle, and have fun. We expect this trend to continue with brides and grooms placing more focus on quality food and artistic presentation. We expect unique hors d’oeuvres and tasting stations to be a more common alternative to the traditional sit-down and buffet dinner.

Green weddings have hit Ottawa and Epicuria is the perfect caterer with our locally and regionally inspired menus and sustainable practices. More brides are asking for vegetarian or vegan menus or menus using ocean wise fish and locally farmed meats. As for venues, home spun weddings at the family home or a natural setting are growing in popularity as brides move away from cookie cutter banquet halls.