Are you looking for the best wedding food bars to recreate for your special day? Here are 32 insanely good and affordable wedding food stations that are serious crowd-pleasers.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Congratulations to all the soon-to-be brides. I already know wedding planning is stressing you out. You have a hundred and one things on your to-do list that need attending to, the decorations need to be finalized, and you have to decide on your makeup, nails, hair, and literally so much more. I know it is supposed to be the most special day of your life but man is it overwhelming.
On the very long list of things that are stressing you out, food options should not be one of them. It’s literally the main reason I go to weddings, haha! Don’t judge me too hard. If you didn’t already know, weddings are EXPENSIVE! Ok, I’m talking well over 20k to 30k or possibly even more depending on what kind of wedding you’re having.
If you’re looking for a cost-cutting solution, this is the post for you. I am a firm believer that you don’t need to spend thousands on food. Most weddings I have attended always have self-serve stations with your usual everyday foods. I’m almost a hundred percent sure guests will enjoy those more over something super fancy and expensive.
Anyway, I’ve gathered over 30 of the most delicious wedding food stations that won’t break the bank. You can pick out about 8-10 options or even less depending on the size of your wedding. Make sure you include a couple of vegetarian options for those who don’t eat meat and also some kid-friendly foods as well (if you are allowing them at your wedding).
Pin for Later
WEDDING FOOD STATIONS
1. DONUT BOARD
Honestly, who doesn’t love donuts? They are an inexpensive treat that your guests will love. Get a large donut board from Etsy to display all of the options.
You can also get it custom-made and include a cute quote on there. Include a lot of different options to cater to everyone.
2. CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
Chicken and waffles are literally one of my favorite combos. They taste so good! It has the perfect amount of saltiness and sweetness.
You can place the waffles and the chicken on a tray with the waffles on one side and the chicken in the middle.
You can also cut up some fruit like strawberries and blueberries for the guests to add to their food. Make sure to put out some maple syrup as well.
3. CHACUTERIE BOATS
If you ask me, I think charcuterie boards are a must for every event. They are a great way to display appetizer options to the guests and look amazing.
But, since it’s a wedding and there will be a lot of people there, you won’t be able to add enough ingredients to a small board for all of the guests.
Instead, you can use serving trays and add all of the ingredients there. A few options to include are, fruits, cured meat, cheese, and a toothpick so the guests can pick up the food.
This way, everyone will get one of each ingredient and there will be no fighting over who gets the last slice of cheese, haha!
4. SALAD CUPS
I know some people don’t like salads but, if majority of your guests do, then it doesn’t hurt to put a few out. You can add the lettuce, chicken, and other ingredients in a cup. Grab a small bottle and pour in some salad dressing as well.
5. PRETZEL BOARD
Pretzels are just one of those things you have to have. I promise they are sure to become a huge hit. Buy a pretzel board from Etsy and just hang up the pretzels.
The most common type of pretzels used for the board is large, soft pretzels. Display some sauces for the guests to choose from as well.
A few popular choices are cheese sauce, marinara, honey mustard, and honey.
6. SODA BAR
Make sure your guests have plenty of drink options and create a soda bar. Include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and a few other popular drinks.
I also suggest you buy some plastic straws and syrups for the guests to add to their drinks.
7. SANDWICH WRAPS
Sandwich wraps are a crowd favorite. Every time my parents host a party or get-together, they always make sandwich wraps and they are the first thing guests go for.
They are insanely easy to make and take very little time. You’ll need soft taco shells, and some ingredients for the filling.
A few options to include are chicken, lettuce, sour cream/ranch, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. You can of course add different ingredients to each wrap so guests can choose which they like best.
8. MEAT AND CHEESE SKEWERS
If you’re looking for a simple appetizer idea for your wedding, these meat and cheese skewers are for you.
All you need are some cubes of cheese and meat of your choice. The most popular choice people use for these skewers is ham but I’ve also seen people opt for salami or chicken bites.
Now all you need to do is put them through the wooden stick and to alternate between each ingredient.
9. PINWHEEL SANDWICHES
I am a huge fan of finger foods and these pinwheel sandwiches fall under that category. They are basically like regular sandwich wraps but just cut into smaller pieces.
You’ll need some soft tortillas and all of the ingredients that you usually put on a sandwich wrap. A few to consider adding are chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
If you are making them ahead of time, use a toothpick and slide it through each pinwheel so it will keep its shape.
10. MINI BURGERS
Here is another sandwich option you can include in your wedding. A lot of people love burgers. I mean, even my own sister cannot go a week without one.
Which now that I think about it, is not that healthy. But, they are absolutely delicious and very easy to make.
Grab mini sandwich buns, beef patties, or chicken for those who don’t eat beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and some sauce.
Poke a toothpick through each sandwich so the ingredients don’t fall everywhere.
11. PUNCH STATION
Seeming as most weddings take place during the warmer months, a beverage station is a must. No matter whether you’re holding the wedding indoors or outdoors, you need to set up a drink station with plenty of options.
The most popular choices to include are fruit punch without alcohol, some wine, toppings like watermelons, strawberries, and blueberries, sodas, and of course straws and plastic cups.
12. MILK AND COOKIES
If you’re planning on having kids at your wedding, you need to make sure you have a couple of kid-friendly options.
Milk and cookies are classics that both adults and kids can enjoy. Include different flavors of milk like chocolate (my personal favorite), strawberry milk, and regular milk as well.
Chocolate chip cookies go best with milk in my opinion but some prefer Oreos as well.
13. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
The wedding is not complete without some sort of dessert being shared. Strawberry shortcake is a top contender and is loved by many.
It has layers of sponge cake/yellow cake or biscuits. Not all three but one out of three, haha! Then there are whipped cream and cold strawberries added. Include wooden forks in each cup and enjoy!
14. PRETZEL BAR
Have you met anyone who doesn’t love pretzel bites? I certainly haven’t. pretzel bites are amazing and they taste even better with seasonings and dipping sauces.
Include a couple of different options like plain, parmesan garlic pretzel bites, and butter pretzel bites.
Make sure to include some dipping sauce (marinara, ranch, and cheese) along with some sort of heater to set the trays on so the pretzels stay nice and warm.
15. MINI PANCAKES
Pancakes aren’t just for breakfast. They taste just as amazing for lunch and dinner as well. You can serve them at your wedding as a light snack for the kids or adults.
Stack a few mini pancakes on top of each other. Top it off with a couple of blueberries/strawberries or raspberries and poke a toothpick through it to keep everything together.
Don’t forget to include the syrup as well. You can just pour some into small dipping cups.
16. CHICKEN WINGS
Do I really need to explain why chicken wings are a must for your wedding? They are incredibly good and very budget-friendly.
You can buy a couple of bags of chicken wings from your local grocery store and air fry them at home. Prepare a variety of sauces and mix the chicken wings together.
Include plenty of ranch for dipping and napkins cause this is gonna get get a little messy.
17. PIZZA BAR
Setting up a pizza bar is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to feed your guests. Almost everyone likes pizza and they are perfect for whatever type of wedding you’re having.
Just make sure to include different options such as plain cheese, vegetarian pizza, chicken, pepperoni, and some with other toppings so there are plenty of options to choose from.
18. TACO BAR
If your guests go to Taco Bell regularly or make tacos at home themselves, then a make-your-own taco station is an absolute must.
Include taco shells, chicken, beef, onions, tomatoes, sour cream, and other taco fillings for your guests to choose from.
19. CHIPS AND SALSA
Chips and salsa anyone? Yes, please! They are a classic party appetizer/snack that your guests won’t get enough of.
Not only are they super duper cheap, they taste incredible and require very little effort. Make some salsa and guacamole and watch how fast this disappears.
20. COFFEE
I know what you’re thinking. Coffee? At a wedding? Absolutely! Weddings are very long. At least the ones I’ve been to.
The ceremony itself is quick and is finished around 30-60 minutes. But the reception lastes about five hours and sometimess even more.
Make sure your guests have the energy to party all night long and share your joy by setting up a coffee bar. Include brewed coffee, mugs, creamer, sugar, syrups, and a stirring stick.
21. SHRIMP SHOOTERS
Make your wedding a little more elegant and serve some delicious shrimp shooters. Usually classy and more costly weddings always have at least one type of seafood.
Salmon is the number one choice but shrimp shooters are just as good. You can buy little shot glasses from Amazon and place one or two jump shrimps there.
Add some tasty cocktail sauce on the bottom and serve!
22. VEGGIE CUPS
Coming from someone who doesn’t even like vegetables, when they are put into cups and served with lots of ranch, it becomes my favorite thing ever.
I seriously don’t even understand it, haha! Usually if I eat raw veggies by themselves, I end up spitting it out but somehow ranch just makes everything taste more delicious.
Cut up some bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery, and cucumbers and place them all in plastic cups.
You can add the ranch on the bottom but I suggest you just pour some in small dipping cups because some people like to eat them plain.
Add a toothpick or long wooden skewers to pick up the vegetables.
23. FRUIT CUPS
Looking for some vegetarian options to include at your wedding? Well fruit cups should be number one on your list. They are cheap, easy to prepare, and great for sunny days.
A few fruits to include are watermelon (because it’s the best fruit. You cannot change my mind), kiwi, pineapple, apples, grapes, oranges, and raspberries. Don’t forget the forks.
24. FRENCH FRIES
This is another delicious vegetarian-friendly food option that is loved by everyone. French fries make for the perfect snack, appetizer, and side.
Most people usually buy them from fast food restaurants but I suggest buying the frozen packs from your local grocery store instead.
You can make them fresh at home, there will be no cross-contamination with the meat, and it’ll be crispy and hot for a longer period of time.
25. CHURROS
If you’ve never tried churros, what are you doing?! Haha, seriously though, they are one of the best snacks/deserts out there.
You can very easily make them yourself at home. If you don’t already know what they are, they are a type of fried dough that are rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar afterwards.
They are incredible. Take a look at this recipe for the best chrurros ever.
26. OYSTERS
Serving oysters as a part of your raw bar is a fantastic idea. They are a great appetizer for your wedding and are very luxe.
Include some lemon wedges and various different sauces for the guests to choose from.
I suggest about 2-3 oysters per person and make sure you know who likes seafood and who doesn’t otherwise it’ll just go to waste.
27. CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES
Chocolate-covered strawberries are just way too good not to include on your wedding menu. They are a delicious appetizer and snack that everyone loves.
Plus, strawberries and chocolate are both often associated with romance, love, and sensuality. Which is perfect for your wedding.
28. BRUSCHETTA
Yummy! These look amazing even through the computer screen. Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer and is absolutely amazing.
If you include these for your wedding, your guests will be coming back for seconds and thirds. You’ll need to grill some bread and add some toppings.
The most common are veggies, feta cheese, fresh herbs, olive oil, cured meats, and some garlic to enhance the taste. You should definitely try them out, even if not for your wedding.
29. MIMOSAS
Everyone deserves a break and to have a little fun once in a while, especially at a wedding. So, serve some delicious mimosas for the guests to enjoy throughout the reception.
Make it look extra fancy by adding some strawberries on the rims of the glass.
30. MINI CAPRESE SKEWERS
Caprese skewers are absolutely delicious and super easy to make. All you need are some wooden skewers, cherry tomatoes, cured meats, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls.
These are perfect as a party appetizer and a light snack. Here is the recipe.
31. CROISSANT SANDWICHES
If you’ve never tried croissant sandwiches, you’re seriously missing out. They taste one thousand times better than regular sandwiches.
The buttery, flaky croissants with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, ketchup, and jalapeños are out of this world good. Put a toothpick through the sandwich so the ingredients don’t fall out.
32. PASTA SALAD CUPS
Last but definitely not least, we have these pasta salad cups. Pasta salads are great all year round but I think the ideal time to serve them is during the summer.
This is because they are usually served cold and in my opinion, cold foods just taste better in warmer weather.
I don’t know if I’m alone on that thought or not but I definitely like pasta salads during the summer. So if you’re planning a summer wedding, definitely add it to your menu.
Pin for Later
THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST WEDDING FOOD STATIONS
Leave a Reply