Here’s a controversial statement: Wedding food is boring. Chicken, beef, or fish? And let’s not forget the obligatory vegetarian option: a sparse plate scattered with a few, over-roasted pieces of vegetables and cold rice. An exercise in the “for worse” part of the nuptials?
If you’re planning a wedding, why not opt for an exciting menu? And don’t worry—exciting isn’t code for expensive. The following wedding food trends are fun and tasty alternatives to old-school wedding food.
1. Rent food trucks
Yes, you can rent your favorite street taco truck for your wedding reception. But if you plan on renting a food truck, keep the following in mind:
- A food truck is a great option for a spring, summer, or fall wedding. If you live in a cold region, you may want to nix this idea if you plan on getting married in the winter.
- “Plan on at least one food truck for every 75 guests, so you don’t keep your loved ones hungry and waiting.”—wise words from The Knot.
- If you have the cash, rent a few different trucks to give your guests a variety of food and desert options to choose from.
2. Snacks
Wedding receptions are for dancing—not sitting and eating a three-course meal. Satisfy your guests’ cravings by serving portable snacks. Everything from pretzels and rustic crackers, to hummus and a “dip bar”—anything that’s easy to grab and crunch, and then party.
3. Takeout food
This is the direction my fiancé and I are going. We’ve scoped out a few local pizza joints that serve pies that please any diet: gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, etc. Going this route also is saving us a ton of money and the headache of booking a caterer.
4. Brunch reception
Who doesn’t love breakfast food? A brunch reception is the way to go if you want to get your ceremony and celebration out of the way—and your honeymoon started—before 3 p.m. We suggest finding a caterer who can serve brunch family style so everyone can sit together and gab. Also: consider setting up a Bloody Mary or Mimosa bar.
5. Mini-food stations
Get guests up and walking around with mini-food stations. You can serve everything from candy, to pretzels—even mini donuts, fruit, and fondue—with all the fixins.
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Image of wedding reception via Shutterstock