Wedding costs have changed, and couples are noticing.

Between venues, florals, photography, rentals, and food, it’s not uncommon for plated wedding dinners to reach $150 per person (or more). For many couples, that price tag no longer feels aligned with how they want their day to feel, or how they want their budget spent.

As a result, we’re seeing a clear shift toward more flexible, guest-focused food experiences that feel intentional without being excessive.

Why Couples Are Questioning Traditional Plated Dinners

Plated dinners have long been considered the “standard” for weddings, but they come with tradeoffs that don’t always fit modern celebrations.

Common challenges include:

• Fixed meal times that interrupt the flow of the day

• Limited menu options for guests

• Guests eating quickly, then moving on

• A large portion of the budget going toward a short window of service

For weddings held at lake homes, cabins, or resort venues, especially in the Brainerd Lakes Area, these challenges are even more noticeable.

The Rise of Experience-Driven Wedding Food

Today’s couples are prioritizing how their guests feel, not just what’s served.

Instead of formal courses, many are choosing food that:

• Encourages mingling and conversation

• Allows guests to eat at their own pace

• Feels abundant and welcoming

• Fits naturally into indoor-outdoor settings

This is where grazing tables and build-your-own food options have stepped in as a true alternative, not a compromise.

Grazing Tables as the Main Meal

A well-designed grazing table isn’t just an appetizer spread. When done intentionally, it can fully replace a plated dinner.

As a main meal, grazing tables offer:

• A wide variety of meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, and accompaniments

• Built-in options for different tastes and dietary needs

• Visual impact that doubles as décor

• A relaxed way for guests to eat throughout the event

This year alone, we’re catering multiple weddings where grazing tables are the primary food experience, and guest feedback consistently reflects how natural and enjoyable it feels.

Build-Your-Own Sandwich Bars: Practical and Crowd-Approved

Another increasingly popular option is the build-your-own sandwich bar, especially for:

• Wedding lunches

• Welcome parties

• Casual receptions

• Day-after gatherings

Sandwich bars strike a balance between familiarity and customization. Guests choose what they want, portions feel flexible, and the experience works well for mixed-age guest lists and outdoor settings.

It’s a solution that feels thoughtful without feeling overproduced.

Where the Budget Actually Goes

One of the biggest advantages of moving away from plated dinners is how the budget is used.

Instead of spending heavily on:

• Multiple service staff

• Strict timelines

• Individually plated courses

Couples can invest in:

• Higher-quality ingredients

• Abundant, visually impactful food

• Experiences that last throughout the event

The result often feels more generous, even at a lower per-person cost.

A Better Fit for Lake-Focused Weddings

Weddings in lake towns tend to be:

• Social

• Fluid

• Spread across multiple spaces

Food that supports that environment simply works better than food that requires guests to stop, sit, and eat all at once.

That’s why alternatives to $150-per-plate dinners are resonating so strongly in places like the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Rethinking “Elevated” Wedding Food

Elevated doesn’t have to mean formal.

For many couples, elevated means:

• Intentional choices

• High-quality ingredients

• An experience guests remember

When food feels approachable, abundant, and well thought out, it becomes part of the celebration, not just another line item.

If you’re planning a wedding and questioning whether a traditional plated dinner truly fits your vision, exploring alternative catering options can open the door to a more relaxed, memorable experience, without sacrificing quality or care.