NEW YORK— Modern brides and grooms are approaching the bridal registry experience in a different way than generations before them. The cultural influence of artisanal food and craft cocktails, even craft coffee and teas, has had a big influence on this generation of brides and grooms.
The foodie culture/craft cocktail culture has essentially innovated how consumers approach home entertaining, the food they prepare and the cocktails they serve.
Those brides and grooms that are interested in modern food and cocktail trends on a more elevated level are choosing items for their registries that speak to these interests, something these modern registrants are keen on sharing with friends and family.
“This is the time they are shifting from going out to entertaining people inside. Whatever those cool cocktails are that you have outside, you want to be able to prepare and present them on the inside. There is a larger focus on the right accessories to achieve this versus the more traditional items that modern couples don’t want anymore,” said Bob Varakian, group president, Lifetime Brands.
When it comes to barware, registrants may not follow suit with the tools and glassware their parents and even grandparents deem necessary. Rather, they are more apt to seek out bar tools that best fit their bar cart preferences.
Cutlery is another area that this modern focus on food holds true. Cutlery manufacturers have caught onto this and are creating lines that have more of an artisanal look, feel and quality to it.
“When it comes to cutlery, there is not much change with the material of the blade. Most consumers are looking for either German or Japanese steel, depending on their preferences based on the research they have been doing. There has been increased demand for Damascus patterns on blades, however, trends are more focused on handles,” noted Ethan Hamme, national sales manager, Messermeister.
Hamme stated that younger consumers, such as those setting up their first homes, are seeking unexpected materials when it comes to cutlery handles. The look of cutlery has become just as important as its performance, as the cutlery may be presented on the counter or is used while entertaining friends.
Exotic woods such as olive wood in serving pieces have become more in demand as has deeper walnut tones as well.
Customization is another area that has been catapulted by this heightened focus on food and cocktails. A custom serving board, perhaps one that features an icon or message that has a special meaning to it, translates into how the couple shares and presents their meals and love of foods to guests in the home. Such personalized touches also elevate the experience, something food-savvy and ingredient-conscious brides and grooms believe in.
“Personalization has been a huge area for us, especially as consumers are looking to give and receive more personalized gifts with special messages and meaningful designs,” said Jon Blatchford, president, J.K. Adams.
This extends to the company’s new larger feast boards, which the company forecasts to be a popular trend with brides and grooms.
“These larger serving sized boards are designed so that you can layer in the pieces you are serving, such as cheeses and fruits. We saw the trend coming out a lot from what caterers are doing,” Blatchford said.
As couples who are interested in bringing a more refined, sophisticated way of entertaining into the home, larger feast boards satisfy their serving needs. Premium, fresh ingredients, perhaps exotic ingredients and bites, are being presented for all to share, a communal feast that is also presented on a board that reflects a couple’s lifestyle.
As this food revolution continues, the challenge of aligning the changing and more sophisticated tastes of today’s consumers with modern registry items will continue. By embracing new ideas such as artisanal cutlery or more personal, intimate serving pieces, vendors and retailers will be able to connect with food-savvy consumers on a more personal level.
