While I’m sure you’ve already started browsing potential wedding caterers, have you considered hiring a wedding food stylist? Of course, top caterers always pay attention to the presentation, but a food stylist will transform the culinary experience into a work of art. Food stylists make the food the centerpiece, utilizing edible colors and shapes to awe your guests. This is also something you can learn to do yourself if you have a creative side and don’t mind figuring out the logistics. Keep reading for a guide to wedding food styling.
Food Stylists Inspiration
If you click on an intriguing party picture of someone in the entertainment industry, chances are they probably tagged the food stylist or cake designer. This is a great way to understand what a food stylist does for events.
Barbora Gábová taps into the inherent magic of enjoying a meal together. You’ll find plenty of inspiration on her instagram page, from golden citrus towers to dramatic butter candles. Her work is enticing because it uses the inherent physical properties of each food to create new and unexpected configurations, such as edible placemats woven out of bread. Eliza Mozer conceives of bountiful spreads that look more like abstract paintings. The lush colors and juicy ingredients perfectly set the stage for a celebration. Laila Gohar takes a surrealist approach to food styling. She’s made meringue swans and a chair made entirely of…brioche.
Hire a Wedding Food Stylist
Food stylists don’t always have the most traditional career path, so they may not appear with a simple google search. If you’re hoping to book a wedding food stylist, then social media might be your best bet. Perhaps you’ve been to a work event with exceptional food displays, ask them who they hired. You might even want to check the film credits of a music video or movie that noticeably features food!
DIY Wedding Food Styling Aesthetic
The first step to activating the more sculptural aspect of food is to clearly define the overall aesthetic. For example, if the baroque style inspires you, then plan for cascading bunches of grapes, pomegranates, and a general abundance of finger foods. If you like a minimalistic look with major impact, then you’ll want to find foods with bold shapes. Sculptural food styling works best for a wedding as an appetizer centerpiece or for sharable elements, while the main entree will come later. I also suggest thinking more about the garnishes for the individual dishes and provide the caterer with clear visual examples of what you want.
DIY Wedding Food Styling Tools
Structural supports are key to creating high visual impact with organic matter. You can use foam forms from the craft store to create more volume with less food. Blocks of wood placed underneath fabric also work well to create depth. Metal stands also work well, such as this unique fruit stand. Keep an eye out at the thrift or antique stores, as previous generations paid a lot more attention to daily food presentation. The main point is to get creative with the structures and find something that suits your personal wedding aesthetic.
Wedding Food Styling
This is an element of wedding decor that not many people pay attention to, but it’s a fun opportunity to create a whimsical atmosphere of celebration. Whether you choose to hire a wedding food stylist or to learn how to create edible constructions, it will add a special touch to the gathering. After all, food also feeds the soul! Visit my website for more tips and templates.
