What’s new and trending in the events space in 2025

What’s driving event catering and design this year? Immersive experiences are front and centre in 2025. The key is full commitment to a theme, with seamless execution across menu planning, event design, live entertainment and interactive activations. Attention to detail is everything. Whether it’s a portal-inspired entryway, floating floral installations, giant silk flowers, faux cherry blossom trees, butter sculptures (the new bread and butter) or cake centrepieces, events are now designed to tell a story from the moment guests arrive.

Are there any standout themes or aesthetics gaining momentum? Absolutely. Retro-decade themes are making a major comeback. Think 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, but bigger and bolder than ever. We’re seeing ornate cakes, dramatic draping, ruched linens, bold colour palettes, rococo plates and lush, layered table settings. It’s a clear departure from the modern minimalism of years past.

How are regional and destination-inspired events evolving? Regional themes are hugely popular, with events designed to feel like immersive trips abroad. Guests are whisked away to Tuscany or the Amalfi coast with tiramisu towers, millefoglie and pavlova chef demos and live gnocchi or pasta bars. Caribbean-inspired events transport guests with faux palm trees, tropical cocktails and such vibrant dishes as Jamaican patties, jerk chicken tacos, oxtail stew and ceviche. Moroccan-themed experiences offer interactive tagine stations, custom canapés and lavish dessert spreads.

What’s especially noteworthy is the shift away from generic “fusion” toward authentic regional cuisine, served within deeply curated, destination-specific experiences.

Any love for local flavours? Yes! A new wave of culinary patriotism is in full swing. Showcasing Canadian classics and championing local suppliers is definitely on trend. Think East Coast lobster boils, interactive maple taffy stations and poutine in every imaginable form. It’s nostalgic, delicious and deeply meaningful to clients who want to celebrate being proudly Canadian.

How are people using events to disconnect and reconnect? There’s a growing embrace of “wild escapism”—using events as a portal to nature and calm. Guests want to escape the daily grind and feel more connected to their surroundings. Imagine dining in or on water, sitting down to a dinner on the beach, sand between your toes.  Or getting married in the middle of the forest, then dining under the stars. Live fire-pit cooking is an exciting new request that we’re leaning into as we’ve seen its popularity rise.

And when outdoor dining isn’t possible, we’re bringing the wilderness indoors. Organic decor—like exotic flowers, live moss arrangements, edible centrepieces and fruit or vegetable displays—makes the table feel alive.

Are wellness and mindfulness playing a role in event planning? Very much so. We’re in a personal growth era. More events are wellness-focused, from career and creative workshops to yoga brunches and sober-curious gatherings. Gen Z in particular is seeking experiences that reset, recharge and fuel mental clarity. Mocktails are outpacing cocktails at many of these events, and the vibe is all about intention and transformation.

Any final trends you’re especially excited about? The return of the micro-event. After the isolation of the pandemic and the chaotic rush of post-pandemic celebrations, we’re seeing a beautiful shift toward smaller, more intimate gatherings, the aim being a focus on genuine, meaningful connection. In a world of increasing polarization, diversity of thought and isolation, consumers are seeking thoughtfully curated micro-events where dynamic conversation is celebrated. Smaller events that are community-oriented and purpose-driven feel more authentic.

What can we expect to see from elle cuisine this year? We’re very excited to be hosting four events as part of our dinner series, called A Chef’s Story. Launched in 2024, this concept provides a platform for elle cuisine chefs to take the stage to share their culinary journey through a curated tasting menu.

In March, for our first dinner series event of 2025, we showcased Canadian cuisine. In May, join us for our second dinner series event of the year. Junior sous-chef Young Jang has designed a menu marrying his Korean heritage with the unique spring ingredients available in Canada this time of year. Get tickets here.

On Mother’s Day, we’re co-hosting a premium high tea charity event with The Symes. This is the perfect example of creating an immersive experience that is purpose driven, with a philanthropic element. With the support of vendor sponsors and in partnership with Toronto Life, we’ve planned a luxury high tea experience with the aim of raising funds and awareness for a good cause. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with family, friends, and colleagues. Fifty per cent of all ticket sales goes directly to Shelter Movers, a national volunteer-powered charity organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Get tickets here.

This year we’re celebrating 15 years in business with a big summer party. The theme is Havana nights.  Expect to be transported to Cuba with themed menu offerings, cocktails, design and entertainment. Get tickets here.

You’re celebrating your 15th year since elle cuisine’s founding. That’s an amazing milestone, and we can’t wait to see what else you have in store. How have you built this success and longevity? We thrive on being intentionally small. Our “small-but-mighty” approach allows us to be extremely flexible and hands-on. Every client and event is unique, and we want to approach each one with intention so we can facilitate environments in which authentic and inspired moments flourish and memories are made.

Understanding the whole of a celebration—the “why”—on an intimate level allows us to foster a hospitality experience that goes beyond an ordered menu. We want to create a memory for our client and their guests, each and every time. From custom menu development for themed events to venue placement and event design, we are able to shift with the desires of our clients.

You’re currently facing an unprecedented and unstable political and economic climate, one that has disrupted supply lines and shaken the Canadian identity for many small businesses. How have you managed? We’re thankful for our amazing partnerships with many small businesses across Canada, especially in Ontario. We’ve always been proudly Canadian in our identity, and that has become more important than ever.

There are so many amazing stories to be shared about the people and products we work with. From wineries and farms to fish mongers and butchers, we want to show the world how much stronger we are together as Canadians—and to showcase these strengths and stories on the plate, on the table and in conversation.

What motivates you to keep going? Ultimately, what it always comes back to is connection or, as we like to call it, enlightened hospitality. We lead with intention and empathy from the initial correspondence with our clients through to the very end of their event. For our clients and for our team, building relationships and creating moments that matter is why we do what we do.

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