Exploring Wedding Catering and Micro Weddings in NYC

New York City Wedding Catering

The Rise of Micro Weddings with Green Apple Catering

New York City offers a vibrant culinary landscape perfect for wedding catering, with options that can elevate even the smallest celebrations. In recent years, micro weddings have become a popular trend, providing couples with a more intimate and personalized experience, showcasing local flavors. At Green Apple Catering and Events, we've witnessed this shift firsthand over our 25 years in the wedding catering business—and we're passionate about helping couples celebrate their love in whatever way feels most authentic to them.

Intimate Micro Wedding Collection

Ideal for: 10–30 guests
Style: Plated dinner with shared sides
Starting at: $75 Per Guest
Includes: cocktail hour (4 passed items), first course (1), 2 plated entrées, 2 shared sides, and a petite dessert trio.

Cocktail Hour – Passed (choose 4)

• Mini crab cakes, citrus aioli
• Truffle mushroom arancini, parmesan
• Rosemary grilled beef crostini, horseradish cream
• Whipped burrata crostini, roasted grapes, pistachio
• Falafel bites, tahini, pickled onion (vegan)

First Course (choose 1)

• Baby greens, strawberries, candied pecans, goat cheese, champagne vinaigrette
• Seasonal soup (butternut squash, tomato basil, or chilled gazpacho)

Main Courses – Plated (choose 2)

• Herb-roasted chicken supreme, lemon-thyme jus, roasted fingerlings, seasonal vegetables
• Seared salmon, citrus herb butter, farro pilaf, asparagus
• Wild mushroom risotto, parmesan crisp, truffle oil (vegetarian)

Shared Sides (choose 2)

• Roasted seasonal vegetables, garlic and herbs
• Charred broccolini, lemon, chili flakes
• Gratin or roasted red bliss potatoes

Dessert

• Petite dessert trio: mini cheesecake, macaron, chocolate tart

Signature Micro Wedding Collection

Ideal for: 20–50 guests
Style: Welcome cocktail, robust cocktail hour, family-style dinner
Starting at: $ 95 per guest
Includes: welcome cocktail bites, 5 passed hors d’oeuvres, plated first course, 2–3 family-style entrées, 3 shared sides, and a dessert bar with minis plus cutting cake.

Welcome & Cocktail Hour

• Signature his & hers cocktails on arrival
• Passed hors d’oeuvres (choose 5):
  • Mini crab cakes, citrus aioli
  • Truffle mushroom arancini, parmesan
  • Yellowtail or salmon tartare mini tacos, lime, micro cilantro
  • Rosemary grilled beef crostini, horseradish cream
  • Whipped burrata crostini, roasted grapes, pistachio
  • Falafel bites, tahini, pickled onion (vegan)

First Course – Plated (choose 1)

• Grilled peaches, burrata, serrano ham, basil, toasted almonds, balsamic
• Heirloom tomato & mozzarella, basil oil, aged balsamic

Family-Style Main Table

Entrées (choose 2–3)

• Herb-roasted chicken supreme, lemon-thyme jus
• Short rib bourguignon, red wine jus, pearl onions, pomme purée
• Seared salmon or roasted seabass, Provencal herbs, brown butter, lime
• Cauliflower steak, romesco, chickpeas, charred broccolini (vegan)

Shared Sides (choose 3)

• Roasted seasonal vegetables
• Ancient grain pilaf, herbs, toasted nuts
• Gratin potatoes or roasted red bliss potatoes
• Caesar salad with shaved parmesan

Dessert Bar

• Seasonal fruit tartlets and chocolate-dipped strawberries
• Assorted mini cupcakes or donut display
• Small cutting cake for the couple; minis or sheet cake for guests

Luxe Micro Wedding Collection

Ideal for: 10–40 guests
Style: Multi-course, elevated, “big wedding” feel for a small group
Starting at: $125 Per Guest
Includes: grazing board, 6 elevated passed hors d’oeuvres, multi-course seated dinner (first, second, and 2–3 premium entrées), 3 upgraded sides, and a full dessert bar with designer cutting cake.

Champagne Welcome & Grazing

• Champagne or sparkling toast on arrival
• Grazing board with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruit, nuts, and crudités

Elevated Cocktail Hour – Passed (choose 6)

• Mini crab cakes, citrus aioli
• Truffle mushroom arancini, parmesan
• Yellowtail “crudo” mini tacos, lime, micro cilantro
• Rosemary grilled beef crostini, caramelized onions, horseradish cream
• Whipped burrata crostini, roasted grapes, pistachio
• Duck or pork banh mi sliders
• Falafel bites, tahini, pickled onion (vegan)

Seated Dinner – Multi-Course

First course

• Grilled peaches with burrata, figs, serrano ham, basil, toasted almonds

Second course

• Heirloom tomato & basil salad, aged balsamic, extra virgin olive oil

Entrées (choose 2–3)

• Short rib bourguignon, red wine jus, pearl onions, pomme purée
• Roasted seabass, Provencal herbs, brown butter, lime
• Lamb rack or rib-eye cap steak (premium) with rosemary potatoes and seasonal vegetables
• Wild mushroom risotto (vegetarian)

Sides for the Table (choose 3)

• Roasted seasonal vegetables
• Truffled mashed potatoes or gratin
• Ancient grain pilaf with herbs and toasted nuts
• Charred broccolini, lemon, chili flakes

Dessert & Late Night

• Signature dessert bar with 4–5 minis (tartlets, brownie pops, macarons, seasonal verrines)
• Small designer cutting cake for the couple
• Optional late-night bites: mini sliders, gourmet pizza slices, fries cones with dipping sauces

Beverages

• Signature cocktail pair (his & hers)
• Wine pairing or premium wine & beer service
• Coffee & tea service

The Culinary Landscape of Wedding Catering in NYC

New York City's wedding catering scene is a vibrant tapestry that reflects the cultural mosaic of the city. Couples are no longer constrained to traditional wedding fare; instead, they can explore a plethora of culinary options that span the globe. From classic Italian and Asian fusion to modern American and vegan delights, the variety available is astounding. This diversity not only caters to different taste preferences but also allows couples to infuse their own heritage and personality into their wedding meals.

Green Apple Catering specializes in creating exceptional wedding experiences across all five boroughs. Whether you're planning in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, our team understands the unique culinary preferences and venue requirements of your neighborhood. We believe that your wedding menu should reflect you and your partner's tastes and preferences—not a generic template. Explore our comprehensive wedding catering menu samples to discover options that speak to your vision.

When it comes to serving style, couples face a choice between buffet, plated service, and interactive experiences like food stations or family-style dining. Buffets are popular for their casual atmosphere and adaptability, allowing guests to customize their plates. Plated meals create a more formal setting and ensure that every guest receives a perfectly portioned dish, which can elevate the overall experience. Food stations introduce an element of fun and engagement, encouraging guests to mingle as they make their selections. At Green Apple Catering, we work with you to determine which service style best matches your wedding vision and guest experience goals.

Unique trends in wedding catering have emerged, driven by a growing emphasis on sustainability and seasonality. We're committed to sourcing the finest and freshest natural ingredients in the marketplace with an emphasis on seasonal foods. This not only enhances the taste but also supports local farmers and businesses, aligning with many couples' desire for eco-friendly practices. Seasonal menus can feature dishes like heirloom tomato salad in summer or hearty squash risotto in fall, offering guests a memorable culinary journey that resonates with the time of year.

Moreover, many caterers are introducing creative twists to classic dishes, merging flavors and techniques from various cuisines to surprise and delight guests. From fusion appetizers to inventive desserts, these innovations can set a wedding apart and leave a lasting impression. At Green Apple Catering, we excel at creating custom menus that tell your unique love story through food. Whether you require vegan and vegetarian wedding catering, desire fun wedding signature cocktails, or need gluten-free and sugar-free options, we're equipped to bring your culinary vision to life.

Ultimately, catering is a vital component of the wedding experience. The choice of menu influences the atmosphere, engages guests, and helps to create lasting memories. With a wealth of options at their disposal, couples in NYC can design a dining experience that truly reflects their vision for their special day.

The Rise of Micro Weddings: Why Intimate Matters

The rise of micro weddings has become a hallmark of modern nuptials, particularly in the vibrant and ever-evolving scene of New York City. A micro wedding, typically defined as an intimate gathering of no more than 50 guests, offers couples a unique way to celebrate their love in a personal and meaningful manner. These celebrations are not simply downsized versions of traditional weddings; they encapsulate a movement toward intimate, intentional, and cost-effective experiences.

One of the chief advantages of micro weddings is the significant cost savings they offer. With reduced guest lists, couples can allocate their budgets more liberally toward luxury experiences that may have seemed out of reach in larger weddings. Couples who work with Green Apple Catering often find that they can afford premium ingredients, elevated presentation, and personalized service because they're celebrating with their closest loved ones. Many of our couples tell us that the savings allowed them to invest in what truly mattered—exceptional food, meaningful design elements, and the freedom to focus on enjoying their day rather than managing hundreds of logistics.

Beyond financial benefits, personalization shines in micro weddings, allowing couples full creative control over every detail. This intimacy fosters a deeper connection among guests, transforming an ordinary gathering into a celebration filled with love and laughter. With Green Apple Catering's attention to detail, every element—from handcrafted appetizers to customized wedding cakes—can reflect your unique story as a couple. Your guests feel like they're part of your love story, and that's what makes it all the more special.

Additionally, the tranquil setting of a micro wedding allows for unique experiences that may be challenging to achieve in larger gatherings. Cocktail hours where couples can mingle meaningfully with every guest, personalized vows delivered in intimate settings, or thoughtful toasts that resonate deeply are easily achieved. Consider hosting an engagement or cocktail party to celebrate with your closest friends, or plan a special bridal shower brunch with our catering expertise.

As New Yorkers embrace this trend, the essence of what a wedding can be is shifting, showcasing not just a commitment between two people but an opportunity to celebrate love in its most intimate form.

Integrating Catering and Micro Weddings: From Vision to Reality

As couples in NYC embrace the magic of micro weddings, integrating tailored catering into these intimate celebrations has become essential for crafting memorable experiences. With fewer guests in attendance, couples can afford to elevate their dining offerings, turning the meal into a centerpiece of their celebration.

Planning a micro wedding catering experience begins with understanding the couple's unique tastes and stories. This is an opportunity to personalize the menu, perhaps incorporating dishes that reflect the couple's heritage, favorite spots in the city, or even memorable meals shared during their relationship. At Green Apple Catering, we begin every wedding planning journey with a first meeting to simply hear what you hope to achieve with your wedding and reception. We know that not every couple is working with the same budget or headcount, so we approach each client with a blank canvas and genuine curiosity about your vision.

When selecting the right caterer for your micro wedding, consider those who have experience handling intimate celebrations in your specific borough. Green Apple Catering has served hundreds of weddings throughout the New York City Metropolitan area over our 25 years in business—from traditional formal weddings to vintage-style celebrations, micro intimate gatherings to large-scale receptions. A caterer familiar with the nuances of smaller, intimate gatherings can provide individualized service, which is key for a seamless experience. A great caterer will not only handle the food but also assist with aspects like plating, presentation, and themed decorations that align with the couple's vision.

Personalizing the dining experience extends far beyond the menu. Couples can enhance the ambiance by curating a cohesive theme that permeates every element, from the tableware to the décor. For example, a couple could opt for a vintage Parisian theme, complete with a French-inspired menu featuring coq au vin and macarons, all presented with elegant attire and vintage-style table settings. Green Apple Catering can help bring such visions to life with our comprehensive wedding catering services.

We understand that every wedding is different and you may have special needs and requests. Would you like us to prepare a special meal for your youngest guests under 12? How about special meals for your wedding vendors such as your band members or photographer? We offer a large selection of menu options and we're happy to help you choose the absolute best delicacies for your special day. We can adjust any of our menu options to fit your theme and vision. We can also offer menu choices including specialty diets such as gluten-free and sugar-free options.

Successful micro weddings leverage thoughtful design. One couple chose a seasonal farm-to-table menu, aligning their wedding date with local harvests. They held their event in a picturesque rooftop garden in Brooklyn, where the fresh ingredients echoed the urban landscape below, creating an immersive experience reflective of their love for NYC. Another couple incorporated a beautiful custom wedding cake from our wedding cakes catering service, making the dessert experience as memorable as the entire meal.

Incorporating interactive culinary stations, such as a build-your-own taco bar, pasta-making station, or carving station, can engage guests and encourage interaction—fostering the intimate connections that micro weddings celebrate. At Green Apple Catering, we specialize in creating these engaging moments that guests will remember long after the celebration ends. Whether you're interested in fun stations, family-style dining, or a formal multi-course menu, we will work together to build the culinary vision you want.

Your Wedding Vision Deserves Expert Hands

NYC is a treasure trove of culinary delights for wedding catering, making it possible to create unforgettable micro weddings. These intimate events allow for deeper connections and personalized experiences, elevating the celebration beyond traditional norms. At Green Apple Catering and Events, we're widely regarded as one of NYC's most trusted wedding catering companies, known for handling every detail from start to finish.

From your engagement party to your bridal shower, your rehearsal dinner to your wedding reception, from wedding cakes to post-wedding brunches, we are committed to providing you with the very finest quality cuisine, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality. When planning your special day, you want to work with the very best—and that's where Green Apple Catering and Events comes in.

Your vision is our mission. Let us help you plan, design, and coordinate your micro wedding. Contact Green Apple Catering and Events today to discuss your wedding vision and explore how we can bring your dream celebration to life across all five boroughs of New York City.