They’re the trendiest of trends in wedding food, the tastiest DIY project around, the most appetizing way to please your guests…what am I talking about? Wedding food bars! Delicious ideas have likely taken over your Pinterest feed, and it’s no wonder! They’re creative, adored by guests, and an easy way to personalize your reception meal. I’m sure you’ve seen lots of s’mores, popcorn, and candy bars out there. As yummy as those maybe, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
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65 Wedding Food Ideas for Your Reception
You can DIY a food station with just about any of your favorite things. To prove it, here are 65 wedding food bar ideas you’ve probably never considered—but should.
Our Favorite Wedding Drink Ideas
Okay, not exactly “food,” but these drink stations will definitely be a highlight of your reception.
1. Coffee
Provide guests with sweeteners, cream, mocha powder, cinnamon…yum! Plus, the more caffeine you get into their system, the longer they’ll stay and party. Check out this adorable custom coffee sleeve!
2. Champagne Infusion
Champagne is great by itself, but mix in fresh fruit or even popsicles and you can say “cheers” to one incredible cocktail.
3. Bloody Mary
Celery, beef jerky, pickles, horseradish, olives, jalapeños, hot sauce, buffalo wings, sliders, cilantro, bacon, peppers…can I keep going?
4. Beer Flight
Breweries have taken over the Twin Cities—what about your hometown? Check with local craft brewers to see if they cater to weddings. Or buy kegs from a few of your favorites and serve flights to your guests.
5. Wedding Martini
Liquor, vermouth, olives, lemon twists. Served straight up or on the rocks. “Shaken, not stirred.”
6. Margarita Bar
Shop Custom Wedding Drink Menu
Let your wedding guests choose their flavor, salt or no salt, and garnish. Add tequila shot supplies for real good time. Check out this adorable customizable sign to have at the wedding bar!
7. Lemonade
So sweet! Ideal for an outdoor, summer big day. The kids will love it too!
8. Wedding Mimosa Bar
Serving a wedding brunch? Champagne with OJ is a must-have. Check out this darling Mimosa Bar sign and drink labels!
9. Hot Chocolate
Shop Hot Chocolate Wedding Kit
Warm up your friends and family with white, milk, and dark chocolate varieties. Garnish with peppermint sticks and marshmallows. Oh-so cozy… Keep it easy and sanitary with these individual wedding hot chocolate kits!
Wedding Appetizers & Finger Food
Can't seem to decide on sides for the main dinner? Or maybe you're looking to keep your wedding guests full during happy hour. Either way, consider these wedding appetizers!
10. Salad
Salad doesn’t have to be boring! Fill dishes with incredible toppings like a variety of cheeses, seeds, veggies, fruits, dressings, proteins, and bacon—a really, really big bowl of bacon.
11. Mashed Potatoes
Serve the mashed spuds in martini glasses to class things up a bit. Then, supply diners with toppings like bacon (yes, a very large bowl), peas, cheese, scallions, gravy, dressing, or whatever you love on this classic side.
12. Poutine
French fries topped with cheese curds and drowning in gravy? Count me in. This is a fun dish, especially for southern-style weddings.
13. Macaroni + Cheese
Who doesn't love a cheesy side dish of delicious macaroni?! Especially if you have kids at your wedding, this wedding side dish will be a hit! You can also choose to 'class it up' if you so choose.
14. Spud
Can't seem to decide on your favorite potato? Include them all! Offer your wedding guests every type of potato with all of the fixings mentioned above.
15. Chili
Homemade chili (red and white, perhaps?) with sour cream, cheese, hot peppers, scallions, lettuce, tortilla chips, and cornbread.
16. Bruschetta
I love this Italian station. Toast up a ton of crostini, and provide plenty of toppings. Since there are so many options, I found a list of recipes to try >>
17. Fondue
Oil, cheese, chocolate…three hot, wonderful things. Dip some meat, carbs, and fruit in them and you’ve got a successful wedding food bar.
18. Biscuits
Are you a southern belle? Do you dream of being one? Then build a biscuit bar! Serve with honey and jams. It will be the perfect addition to a southern-themed wedding!
19. Cheese & Crackers
Easy and delicious. Cheese and crackers make for the perfect finger food during happy hour! Check out this adorable heart shaped cheese and cracker board for serving to your guests.
20. Olive Oil
Freshly baked bread and a variety of delicious olive oils for dipping. Serve these at a station or on each table for easy access.
21. Wedding Charcuterie Board
Shop Wedding Charcuterie Board
Want to keep your wedding on the ~classy~ side? Charcuterie boards are so trendy right now! We recommend adding lots of meat. Cheese optional. Serve on an adorable personalized board, like this one.
22. Fruit
Lots of fruit, obviously. Then provide dips, cool whip, or yogurt for a sweet pairing.
23. Oyster
Expensive, but delectable. Some love the taste of raw oysters, and some need lemon, Siracha, horseradish, or Mignonette sauce to make it work.
24. Soup Bar
Cook up a variety of soups and toppings. You could even try soup shooters! This option is the perfect addition to a cold-weather wedding.
25. Pickle Bar
Cool idea, right? And super easy. Just find a ton of different, delicious pickles and DIY some labels.
26. Wedding Trail Mix
Shop Personalized Trail Mix Bags
Just purchase all of the fixings you like and let your guests mix! This can be an event app or your favor, depending on the dish you use. Hand out the trail mix in these cute personalized bags!
27. Wings
I thought it would be cool to supply diners with plain wings, then bowls of unique sauces they can mix and match. Be prepared! This bar will be messy.
28. Popcorn
Popular for a reason! Seasonings, sweet mix-ins, and lots of butter. Serve at the reception or let your guests take some home in a simple paper bag.
Spanish Appetizers
29. Chips and Salsa
You can never go wrong with chips and salsa! Sort them from mild to spicy and watch everyone dig in.
30. Nachos
All the veggies. All the meat. All the cheese. All the greatness. Nachos are always fun in a party setting.
31. Taco Bar
All the veggies. All the meat. All the ch—you get it. Save some cash and make them walking tacos! Small bags of Doritos, ground hamburger with taco seasoning, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream. Make it cute with this taco wedding sign!
32. Burrito
A bit trickier than the other Mexican options, but definitely doable. You just need an expert burrito roller on-hand. Or, consider walking tacos for an easier option!
Wedding Dinner Ideas
So, you've found the perfect drinks and appetizer for your wedding day. Now, onto the most important choice - dinner! Here are some of the best options for wedding meals.
33. Sushi and Saki
If you're looking for a unique choice, consider sushi! This one requires a sushi chef unless you know how to whip up a good roll. It would make for a memorable meal.
34. Grilled Cheese
Slice up a variety of unique cheeses and have a frying station. Or hand out mini grilled cheeses with tomato soup shots. Dress it down for the kids, and class it up for the adults! Grilled cheese is extremely versatile.
35. Pizza
Create a build your own bar with sauces, veggies, meat, and more, then grill or bake. You could do classic crust or even flatbreads!
36. Burgers
Fire up the grill for this savory wedding meal! We suggest a designated griller who whips up patties in bulk. Guests can grab a patty cooked to their liking and dress it up with any fixings you provide.
37. Pasta
Every wedding guest loves pasta! Put out a variety of noodles, pitchers of tasty sauces, veggies, meats, and shredded cheese. Let your guests combine their favorites and create a personalized pasta dinner.
38. Sandwich Bar
Class it up with unique, fresh bread, meats, cheeses, and more.
39. Sliders
Like a burger bar, but smaller. Give your wedding guest more meat options to choose from, like meatballs or chicken!
40. Hot Dogs
Like a burger bar, but no burgers. Chili, anyone?
Wedding Breakfast Ideas
Considering having a wedding breakfast? Or perhaps you're looking for the perfect meal for your bridesmaids and groomsmen! Here are some of our favorite ideas for wedding breakfasts.
41. Cereal Bar
Large glass jars filled with your favorite, sugary cereals and pitchers of milk. So adorable. For a low-key wedding breakfast, cereal is an amazing option!
42. Waffles
Leslie Knope would be proud…serve up stacks of hot waffles with whipped cream, fruit, and syrup.
43. Pancakes
Quicker than waffles, but just as delicious. You can also consider having a post-wedding brunch if you plan on opening gifts with guests!
44. Crepes
Parlez-vous Français? Thin pancakes with lots of fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, and more folded inside. This fun wedding breakfast option will have you feeling like you're in Paris!
45. Oatmeal
Crockpots of gooey oatmeal and dishes of the best mix-ins like brown sugar, cinnamon, and fresh fruit.
46. Omlette
These classic breakfast stations exist at your favorite hotels and brunch spots, so why can’t you have one on your big day?
47. All of the above
There’s nothing better than a breakfast buffet, right?
Wedding Dessert Ideas
48. Caramel Apples
Caramel apples make for the perfect for fall wedding snack. Let guests dip and decorate themselves! Candies, nuts, chocolate syrup, and lots of napkins should be provided.
49. Donut Wall
Donut walls make for the cutest decoration AND desert bar! You can thank Pinterest for that one. Plate them pre-decorated or let them DIY. A donut tower serves as a great wedding cake, by the way.
50. Pies
Cherry, blueberry, apple, pecan, pumpkin…everyone loves pie! Serve this all-American dessert with a giant bowl of Cool Whip.
51. Cheesecake
Fruit, chocolate, peanut butter…there are so many sweet ways to dress up your cheesecake. Create bite-size cheesecakes, or serve up slices for a classic wedding dessert.
52. S’mores
Use Sterno lamps as mini fires and supply guests with the usual s’ more materials. Or, hire in a s'mores caterer - yes, they exist now!
53. Ice Cream
DIY sundaes, anyone? I know I’d scream for ice cream.
54. Milk & Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are classic, but sugar means lots of fun decorating for your friends and family!
55. Wedding Candy Bar
Fill a variety of clear vases, bowls, and jars with your favorite candies. Sweet-lovers can enjoy a handful at the reception or take a bag home as their favor.
56. Cake/Cupcakes
People love options. Instead of making the impossible flavor decision, why not offer a few? Cupcakes make that easy, but you can do it with smaller cakes as well. My friend ordered hers from a local grocery store bakery and saved SO much money—but they still tasted incredible.
57. Chocolate Fountain
Pretty tasty and lookin’.
58. Fruit Pizza
A “healthy” alternative to your typical cookie station. All you need are soft sugar cookies, Cool Whip, and sliced fruit.
59. Churros
Cinnamon sugar, melted chocolate, hot caramel, and fruit sauces are just a few of the possible sides.
60. Milkshakes
All you need is ice cream, candy, fruit, and a lot of blenders. Not to mention a few dozen cans of whipped cream. Plus, how cute will the photos be?
61. Root Beer Float
Root beer + ice cream = win.
62. Snow Cone
Talk about a summer classic! Help your guests cool off in a delectable way.
63. Oreo Bar
Scatter them, stack them, build a tower of them…you won’t regret it.
Alternative Wedding Food Options
So, none of the above options fit your fancy? No problem! Here are a couple more alternative options when it comes to wedding food.
64. Fast Food
Save yourself some trouble and time—isn’t that what fast food is all about? One huge order of takeout from McDonald's, Taco Bell, or whatever joint you and your fiancé love will serve as the ideal late-night snack.
65. Food Truck
Lots of food trucks are catering for weddings nowadays. Have them cater the whole big day or stop by for a mid-reception pick-me-up! They're also a fun option for rehearsal dinners.
Let's Chat!
Did any of these wedding food ideas inspire you? Or do you have any options that you want to share with us? Let us know in then comments below!
I hate to be that person but it’s spelled “Sake” not “Saki”.
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Most foods served in a food bar are important to ensure that the guest is not starving in the middle of the ceremony. Thank you for sharing some awesome ideas!
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Love the popcorn bar
Mac and Cheese and anything breakfast ;0
the coffee bar idea is genius!
Sangria bar would also be an awesome idea
I love the coffee idea! Especially for a morning or midday wedding!