Spicing Up Reception Fare

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Today's Bride

Are you afraid of having boring reception food? Don’t worry! Instead of offering an overdone assortment, kick up your catered cuisine with these ten memorable food trends! 

1. Build-Your-Own Bites

Giving guests the power to create their own snacks adds to the fun of any reception. Allow your guests to build their own hors d’ouevres with a breakfast parfait bar. Not only that, but also a popcorn bar, an ice cream bar or a burger bar!

2. Food Trucks

Trendy, unique and definitely memorable, food trucks evoke a fast, fresh take on reception food. Food trucks are affordable and can even save you money by eliminating the need to use china, instead, serve your food in baskets or festive recyclable plates.

3. Elegant Appetizers

Shrimp cocktail is an obvious appetizer, so surprise your guests with an accessible, flavorful array of sushi pops! Perfect for grabbing and gabbing, guests can walk around with drinks and apps in hand.

4. DIY Drink Stations

If you’re looking for a different way to distribute drinks, consider a DIY drink station! Budget friendly, accessible and more aesthetically appealing than a bored bartender, crafted drink stations serve just the right amount of any bride’s signature drink! Be sure to ask your venue if there are any limitations here.

5. A BBQ Buffet

Slow-smoked barbecue buffets pair perfectly with rustic backyard wedding receptions. Flavorful but widely loved, BBQ is a non-traditional entree that will infuse fun into your big day. So, keep the wet wipes handy!

6. Naked Cakes

Naked cakes prove it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Icing sits in between cake layers allowing cake toppers and fruit accents to steal the show! Skip the sugar overload and serve guests a slice of outstanding dessert.

7. Tiny Treats

Small portioned hors d’oeuvres are great for satisfying guests’ after-ceremony hunger without ruining their appetite. They can taste an array of options instead of having to choose just one! Miniature tacos, cheeseburger sliders, chicken and waffle bites and even mini Creme brulee bowls will charm your guests and excite their taste buds.

8. Seasonal Salads

Salads can be boring sides, but brides can beat the balsamic blues by jazzing up their bowls with seasonal salad dressing! Having a winter wedding? Go for an apple-cranberry walnut salad. Getting hitched in the dog days of summer? Choose a strawberry spinach vinaigrette!

9. Designated Dipping Area

Entertain guests’ taste buds with a variety of different dips! Fill a designated dipping bar with roasted red pepper hummus, olive tapenade, guacamole and mango salsa! Also, pita bread, kale chips, carrots and various veggies will add to the fiesta of flavors!

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No matter how you slice it, food is a huge factor in hosting a successful reception. Traditional dishes are always appreciated, but it’s fun and festive to add modern twists of flavor. By spicing up your menu you’re sure to keep guests intrigued and delightfully entertained! Don’t let your food fall flat. Do what feels right! You can eat and have fun with these options. Have any suggestions? Comment what you did below!