Catering Trends on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Hinterland for 2025

The world of catering is always evolving, and here at Good 2 Eat Catering, we’ve seen some strong trends emerge for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Hinterland. Whether you’re planning a laid-back backyard wedding or an elegant sit-down dinner, here’s what’s shaping up to be the most popular ways to dine and celebrate this year.

1. Stand-Up Canapés with Substantial Fork’n’Talk – The Ultimate Social Dining Experience

One of the biggest catering trends right now is the combination of stand-up canapés and substantial fork’n’talk dishes. This style is perfect for weddings, milestone birthdays, and corporate gatherings where you want guests to mingle freely while enjoying amazing food.

How It Works:
   •   Think of the canapés as your entrée – small, elegant bites that awaken the taste buds.
   •   The substantial dishes act as your main meal satisfying, flavorful, and served in an easy to eat format.
   •   At Good 2 Eat Catering, we offer a six portion menu, ensuring that guests enjoy a variety of delicious flavors, similar to a deconstructed degustation experience.

Why People Love It:

Lots of variety – no need to settle for just one dish.
Encourages socializing – no formal seating, just great food and good company.
Outdoor-friendly – works beautifully for backyard weddings, marquee events, and garden celebrations.

The Atmosphere? Picture a stunning outdoor wedding or private event with a marquee, a dance floor, and relaxed seating options. Some hosts go for hay bales for a rustic touch, while others bring in vintage lounges for a more elegant feel. This setup creates an incredible vibe casual, stylish, and full of energy.

2. Feast-Style Shared Platters – A Sophisticated & Social Dining Experience

For those wanting a more upmarket yet relaxed feel, shared feast platters are another top trend. This style creates a warm, communal dining experience where guests pass dishes, chat about the flavours, and go back for seconds (or even thirds!).

What’s Included?

At Good 2 Eat Catering, our feast-style menu includes:
Three mains – such as slow roasted meats, grilled seafood, or plant based specialties.
Three sides – fresh salads, seasonal vegetables, and hearty accompaniments.

Why People Love It:

Creates a luxurious yet relaxed dining experience.
Perfect for weddings & corporate dinners where food becomes part of the conversation.
No preset meals guests can choose their favorites and enjoy as much as they like!

If you’re looking for something between casual and formal, this is the perfect balance it looks incredible and feels like a special occasion without the stiffness of a traditional plated meal.

Other Catering Styles – Buffets & Alternate Drop

While the above two styles are the most popular right now, there are still other great options depending on your event type:

Buffets – A classic choice for large gatherings, offering plenty of variety and flexibility.
Alternate Drop – A more structured sit-down meal where guests receive one of two pre-chosen dishes.

However, if you’re after the best balance of taste, style, and guest experience, stand-up canapés + fork’n’talk or shared feasts are the top picks for 2025!

Which Style is Right for Your Event?

At Good 2 Eat Catering, we love helping our clients design the perfect menu for their event. Whether you’re hosting a rustic backyard wedding, a coastal celebration, or a corporate gala, we can create a tailored dining experience that your guests will love.

📩 Get in touch today to chat about your catering needs we’d love to bring your vision to life!

Would you like me to tweak this for a specific audience, or add anything about your menu options?