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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

Shop Pizza Bar Sign

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

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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

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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

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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

Shop S'mores Wedding Kit

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

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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

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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!