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Event Trends to Look Out For in 2023

January 26, 2023
Posted by clare

As the UK’s leading luxury caterer and event planning company, By Word of Mouth is perfectly placed to identify the trends that will dominate at events and parties in 2023.   Covering everything from food and drink to locations, tableware, and sustainability, these are the things the BWoM team feels will feature again and again as we create the UK’s most stylish events:

The Power of the Plant

The growth in veganism is supported by the surging availability of fantastic, plant-based ingredients.  Requests for fully plant based menus are on the rise and hosts are making really interesting menu choices that showcase the very best of plant based eating.  At By Word of Mouth, we offer delicious plant based options on all our menus. Expect to see elevated plant based dishes such as Hickory Smoked Kohlrabi, Courgette Flowers stuffed with Caponata and a stunning Raspberry & Macadamia Frangipane, all of which demonstrate the exceptional range and flavour that can be achieved when the best ingredients are put in the hands of the best chefs.

Bold Themes

Bold, creative themes have been at the core of some truly spectacular parties in recent months and a desire for fun and informality is being enthusiastically embraced by private and corporate clients in equal measure.  From an eccentric Alice in Wonderland party to a replica Burning Man Festival, the themes have been varied but consistently set at the highly imaginative end of the scale and we expect the enthusiasm for themes to continue this year.  With vivid colour dominating the worlds of fashion, interiors and homewares (even the Pantone colour of the year, Viva Magenta, is a joyous, vivid shade), expect events to be equally bright and adventurous in their presentation.  Take a look at our Creativity page to find out more about our approach.

Breakfast and Brunch

For many people, breakfast is the favourite meal of the day so it is arguably no surprise that we have seen an uptick in clients looking to host breakfast gatherings, with brunch also very popular.  Including an element of  ‘elegant takeaway’  in the menu is a great way of sending guests off to face their day armed with a delicious treat.  Popular breakfast dishes include Sussex halloumi, chilli tomato & avocado muffins and our pastry section’s ginger & pecan granola scattered over Greek yoghurt and rhubarb compote.

Alcohol Free Alternatives

With the spotlight being on health and wellbeing, the result has been a spike in interest in delicious alcohol free drinks and we are here for it.  From the fermented sweet tea drink, Kombucha, to delicious gin and sparkling wine alternatives, clients are taking the time to make considered and creative choices when it comes to the soft drink options for their event.  We have had several requests for the soft drink be offered to the table alongside the chosen wines, such is the demand for non alcoholic alternatives.  For every cocktail mixed by the BWoM bartenders, you can be sure there will be a delicious, beautifully garnished soft alternative served alongside.

Bespoke Detail

Unique bespoke details are all the rage as clients look to create a personalised experience for themselves and their guests.  Hand blocked linen napkins, intricately woven raffia placemats, vintage napkin rings, personalised cocktails and hand painted menus are a few examples of those extra touches that elevate the experience and give a tablescape a sense of detail and personality.

Event Legacy

Weaving an element of charity into an event is high on many a priority list.  We have made it easy to include giving back thanks to our charity canapes, offered in support of City Harvest London, the food surplus champions who redistribute surplus produce to hundreds of community projects across London.  Clients welcome the opportunity to include these delicious No Waste canapes on their menu, raising money for City Harvest as a result.  We expect the enthusiasm for giving back to be a welcome trend in 2023 and you can find out more about this initiative and other related issues on our Social Responsibility page.

Something Different

Venues with private tours, royal connections or headline grabbing experiences, entertainment with a difference (think mind readers, watercolourists, LED ballerinas, aerial performers), even transport by river boat to the event…..every host likes their event to stand out and we predict an increase in events that incorporate something a little different.  In the corporate world, the opportunity to connect an event with a brand or product in a uniquely powerful way is, to many, the key to success and we are looking forward to thinking outside the box as By Word of Mouth brings its unrivalled mix of experience, imagination and style to 2023.

Let’s Chat About Your Event

Get in touch to add exceptional food and event planning expertise to your event, wedding or party.


020 8871 9566
events@bywordofmouth.co.uk