Wedding buffets are another excellent option for your wedding meal.

A wedding buffet is a common meal service style where numerous dishes are attractively displayed for guests to serve themselves. Rather than being served individual plates at their tables, guests can visit food tables and choose which foods and how much they would like on their wedding plate.

Buffets allow couples to offer guests more options and variety. They also create an informal environment where guests can mingle while serving themselves. Wedding buffets require planning to ensure ample food amounts, dinnerware, and decor that aligns with the couple's style and wedding aesthetic.

Generally, a typical wedding menu for a buffet might include a chicken entree, beef, pasta, multiple side dish options, salad, and dinner rolls.

We recommend including options for vegan guests and those with dietary restrictions.

You also can tweak the buffet options to include a favorite dish, from seafood to lamb. Or, you can include foods that time in with your theme, like fried chicken or barbecue for a rustic wedding.

Sliders

Sliders have been growing in popularity at wedding receptions and cocktail hour. They’re delicious, but not too filling. They’re not messy, and they lend themselves to a lot of creative options. Sliders are also high on our list for wedding luncheon ideas.

Sushi Station

Sushi is a great wedding food choice, especially if you and your partner love it. Sushi displays are lovely and add an element of elegance to a wedding.

Keep in mind though, that not everyone at your wedding reception will be a sushi fan. It's possible that someone will ask, "Why would I want to eat raw fish?" That's not a big issue. We simply suggest, as we mentioned, offering a variety of options. Another consideration: Because of the raw ingredients in sushi, we don't advise leaving it out very long.

Paella

This works as an appetizer or side dish. Served in a pan, paella is a big crowd-pleaser at weddings. Guests are drawn to the aroma of the rice, vegetables, and meat, along with the sound of sizzling food and the colorful, delicious ingredients.

Grazing Tables

When it comes to cool wedding food ideas, one fun option is the grazing table: a generous, colorful, family-style food presentation. Grazing tables often feature a large charcuterie or a display of meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, and loaves of bread, along with fresh fruits, dips, crackers, and nuts.

These tables encourage mingling and relaxed conversations as guests help themselves to the food.

Food Tower Ideas

With food, presentation plays a major role in creating appeal.

And at weddings, one popular mode of presentation is a dramatic, show-stopping tower.

You can talk with your venue or caterer about a cookie tower, a Champagne tower, a cheese tower—the possibilities are practically endless.

Skewers

Kebabs are another great wedding food. You can offer creative combinations of meats, cheeses, vegetables, or maybe vegan options. Grilled kebabs are tender and flavorful, too.

Braised Meats

Braised dishes (chicken, pork, or lamb) are an excellent choice for weddings: They’re flavorful, and juicy, and they pair with a wealth of side dishes. They also offer great visual appeal.

Fish Option

Salmon is a popular wedding food choice among couples and their guests. It holds its shape well, and makes for a beautiful presentation in a plated meal.

Other excellent fish and seafood choices for your entree include sea bass, red snapper, and shrimp.

Add a tasty sauce to enhance flavor.

Texas Favorites

You always can embrace Lone Star favorites for your wedding main course ideas, from barbecue brisket to fajitas, for your meal. Complement the barbecue with French fries, mashed potatoes or potato salad, or corn. If you go with fajitas, think about refried beans or Mexican rice as sides.

Pizza for Your Wedding

If you're looking to infuse a sense of casual charm and universal appeal into your wedding menu, consider the timeless option of pizza.

A pizza station at your wedding brings a familiar and comforting touch, making it a favorite among guests of all ages.

Pizza varieties to consider include:

Traditional Margherita: Classic and simple, featuring tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Meat Lovers' Delight: Packed with savory goodness, including pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and other meaty delights.

Veggie Extravaganza: A garden-fresh option with an array of colorful vegetables, from bell peppers to cherry tomatoes.

Custom Creations: Allow guests to craft their own personalized pizzas with a variety of toppings, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they crave.

Serve Brunch Dishes

Looking for some unique wedding food ideas? Serve breakfast for dinner.

Brunch foods are a huge crowd-pleaser and a great choice for wedding evening food. Offer a crepe station or serve up pancakes, smoked salmon, crab cakes, fruit kebabs, and deviled eggs. Other fun choices include mini quiche, donuts, and Belgian waffles.

SUMMER WEDDING IDEAS

Thinking of a summer wedding? We recommend lighter fare that's fresh, seasonal, and creative. Some of your many options include edible flowers served with berries, melons, and fresh herbs. Or, offer a summer picnic complete with fried chicken, whipped sweet potatoes, and grilled mixed vegetables.

AFFORDABLE WEDDING MENU RECEPTION IDEAS

Couples sometimes ask us about “cheap wedding reception menu” ideas or “cheap appetizers for a wedding.”

Planning a wedding reception menu on a budget can seem daunting, but it's possible to employ inexpensive wedding menu ideas without breaking the bank.

For appetizers, for example, a simple vegetable or cheese and cracker tray is an affordable option.

Main course ideas include herb-roasted chicken, pasta, and pork tenderloin.

NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDING FOOD IDEAS

Looking for wedding menu ideas that are anything but ordinary? Explore these creative, non-traditional food options for your reception.

Try tasty Asian dishes like chicken broccoli, fried rice, or Hoisen beef.

Or, instead of chicken offer roasted duck or lamb.

Or, go with popular regional dishes like Texas barbecue, chicken fajitas, or blacked chicken with crawfish étouffée sauce.

Another fun option is to offer late-night snacks on your menu. Burgers, slider sandwiches, tacos, fries, or milkshakes offered late into the night are great for soaking up cocktails and satisfying hunger after dancing up an appetite.

WEDDING REFRESHMENT IDEAS

In addition to food, you should be prepared to offer a wide variety of wedding refreshments including water, iced tea (especially for a Texas wedding), juices, and sodas.

Additional possibilities, in addition to the alcoholic beverages you offer, could include punch, mocktails, fruit-infused water, lemonade, coffees, cold-brew tea, or hot chocolate.

WEDDING MENU SIGN IDEAS

Displaying your wedding menu is a great way to let guests know what delicious foods will be served. Menu signs also double as attractive decor elements for the reception. Consider these creative ideas for your wedding menu signs:

-Chalkboard signs: Chalkboard menus exude a trendy, rustic vibe. Have your calligrapher list the courses in colored chalk.

-Framed paper signs: Print your menu on decorative paper and frame in simple wood or metal frames for a refined look.

-Signs on easels: Place menu signs on elegant easels at the entrance to the reception or beside the buffet and bar.

-Individual table menus: Set single menu cards printed with the courses on each guest table setting.

-Flower menu boards: Arrange a menu on a board surrounded by flowers matching your wedding palette.

Mirrored signs: For glamorous weddings, print menus on mirrored acrylic or glass signs.

Signs on wood slices: For natural weddings, print your menu on slices of wood cut from trees.

Get creative with size, materials, fonts, colors, and embellishments to design wedding menu signs you'll treasure along with memories of your menu. Display them prominently so guests know what delicious details they can look forward to.