THE 2025 HOSPITALITY TRENDS REPORT

Trends in Culinary, Weddings and Business

The following trends were identified by Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP), a collaborative network of leaders from the world’s top catering and hospitality organizations.

This year’s Trends Report was compiled during the ECEP 2025 Symposium in

Napa, California, by the ECEP Trends Council:

Michael Stavros, Partner, M Culinary Concepts, Phoenix, Arizona

Holly Safford, Founder, The Catered Affair, Boston, Massachusetts

Bridget Bitza, Chief Revenue Officer, Butler’s Pantry, St. Louis, Missouri Santiago Diaz, Best Impressions Catering, Charlotte, North Carolina

New in 2025: The Council’s insights are organized into three key areas:

Culinary, Corporate Events, Weddings, and Business.

From top left: Tater Tots and Caviar, Vestals Catering | Ossetra Caviar, Santa Barbara Uni, Tempura Shiso Leaf, Seasoned Dashi, Carneros Resort and Spa | Spaghetti with Caviar, Vestals Catering | Roaming Caviar Cart, Ridgewells Catering

Culinary Trends

1.     Sensorial Menus and Multi-Sensory Dining

2.    Caviar Culture: Indulgence for the Tik Tok Generation

3.     Butter, But Make It Bougie More …

Corporate and Wedding Trends

1.     Corporate Events: The Rise of the Open Format

2.     Luxury Mindset: Aspirational Weddings

3.     Wellness-Centered Celebrations

Business Trends

1.     AI in Hospitality

2.     Marketing: A Return to Print

3.  The Collaboration Economy: Strategic Alliances

CULINARY TRENDS

1.    Sensorial Menus and Multi-Sensory Dining

On the flip side of digital fatigue, guests are craving more presence and connection. Sensorial dining delivers cuisine that awakens all senses. Chefs are designing immersive experiences through taste, scent, texture, sound, and light. Think dishes served on aromatic platters, ambient soundscapes that shift with each course, and lighting that evolves throughout the meal. Even cocktails are getting in on the action, like one memorable example served in a Tibetan sound bowl and stirred by sound waves created by the mixologist.

2.    Caviar Culture: Indulgence for the TikTok Generation

Caviar is having a cultural revival, moving from elite delicacy to playful lifestyle statement. Fueled by Gen Z’s love of vintage glamour and over- the-top moments, caviar is popping up at events on roaming carts, in caviar tin service, and paired with nostalgic favorites like tater tots, spaghetti and deviled eggs. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about flair, image, and turning everyday bites into luxurious rituals.

3.    Butter, But Make It Bougie

Butter is getting the star treatment. No longer a quiet side note, or something to shun for its cholesterol levels, it’s now front and center with curated flavor flights and tableside butter trolleys. Inspired by restaurants like Emeril’s, butter is becoming the opening act—personalized, nostalgic, and delightfully over-the-top. This is comfort food elevated, with a couture twist that invites guests to savor every spread.

WEDDING AND CORPORATE EVENT TRENDS

1.    The Luxury Mindset: Aspirational Weddings

Gen Z is redefining luxury with a focus on curated, high-touch experiences. Today’s couples are seeking weddings that reflect their personal style and values, prioritizing uniqueness, exclusivity, and emotion over price tags.

From designer décor and custom favors to private tastings and immersive storytelling, the luxury mindset is about creating unforgettable, deeply personal moments.

2.    Corporate Events: The Rise of the Open Format

Corporate gatherings are shifting toward a more casual, fluid structure that encourages meaningful networking in a relaxed environment. While many events retain a core agenda, participation is intentionally flexible— allowing guests to engage at their own pace throughout the day. This open format fosters dynamic interaction, especially when mirrored by interactive food and beverage stations.

3.    Wellness-Centered Events

Wellness is no longer a trend—it’s an expectation. Couples and corporations desire celebrations that reflect a holistic approach to health and well-being. Menus include nutrient-rich options, and programming often features serene spaces, yoga sessions, or spa integrations. These thoughtful inclusions speak to a generation that values mindfulness, sustainability, and self-care as part of the celebration experience.

BUSINESS TRENDS

1.    AI in Hospitality

Artificial intelligence is reshaping hospitality with tools that enhance personalization, streamline communication, and optimize kitchen operations. From predictive analytics and smart inventory to voice- enabled service and automated follow-ups, AI is helping hospitality businesses run more efficiently while delivering elevated guest experiences.

2.    Marketing: A Return to Print

In a digital-saturated world, caterers are turning to print. High-end menus, stationery, custom invitations, and beautifully designed mailers are making a bold statement in brand marketing. Tangible materials offer a sense of intention and craftsmanship, creating emotional impact and reinforcing a brand’s premium positioning.

3.    The Collaboration Economy: Strategic Partnerships

From rental companies to brand sponsors, catering and event firms are forging new partnerships to create value. These collaborations reduce overhead, amplify marketing reach, and unlock access to new client bases. It’s a modern, cooperative approach to growth that reflects the increasingly connected nature of the industry.