One of the most memorable things about weddings is the food, and while it's important to choose the right food for your wedding menu, it's also important to consider other elements of food that might come into play, from pre-dinner canapés to late night snacks. We've already looked at alternative dessert tables but what about other food bars and stations for your guests to peruse throughout the day.
Cookie station
If you're a serious sweet tooth then you'll love this idea for a sweet food station. Have a variety of cookies on hand for your guests to test. Go for the old favourites, chocolate chip, shortbread, and white chocolate. Then move onto some creative cookies, like peanut butter, oatmeal and raisin, coconut and M&Ms. For added fun, add some optional toppings like icing, melted chocolate and caramel for your guests to create their own cookie masterpiece.
Doughnut bar
Staying on the theme of sweet treats and guests creating their own masterpiece. Set up your table or bar with different types of doughnuts, particularly plain ones so that your guests can dress their own doughnut from scratch. However, don't neglect the joy of dressing a chocolate or jam-filled doughnut. Leave plenty of toppings, icing, chocolate, sprinkles, sugar and anything else you can think of that would dress a doughnut up nicely. Don't forget the coffee.
Mexican station
If you're looking for a food bar that's a little more savoury than sweet, we love the idea of a Mexican station. Whether you have tacos, fajitas or nachos, make sure you add plenty of salsa, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. This is the perfect alternative to small canapés or late night snacks. Set up your Mexican station with chili or chicken and let your guests add whatever toppings they want to taco shells, nachos, or wraps.
Fruit bar
For a healthy option for your guests to snack on, think about fruit for your food bar. Now, before you roll your eyes, a DIY fruit salad might be just the thing your guests want, especially for a summer wedding. Add yoghurt, ice cream, honey, granola and chocolate as options for guests who want to make their fruit salad a little more exciting. Stick to fruits that are in season and add plenty of variety for colour.
Popcorn station
This is definitely one of our favourite food bars. The rise in popcorn flavours is becoming a strong trend for our food palettes. It's no longer just about salty popcorn with melted butter. These days, there are plenty of different flavours of popcorn, from garlic and herb and chili, to sweet and salty and chocolate covered popcorn. Cornude offer a wide range of popcorn flavours and can offer bulk bags, jars and scoops for your wedding popcorn station.
Caramel apple bar
We've mentioned caramel apples a few times, with autumn well and truly on its way. Caramel apples are definitely one of our favourite autumn snacks, and it's a great food bar for your guests to enjoy, with caramel and different types of chocolate for your guests to dip into. Don't forget about the extra decorations, like sprinkles, nuts, hundreds and thousands and anything else you fancy dipping a chocolate covered apple in.
Sweet cart
You don't always have to think so far outside the box, or sweet cart, as the case may be. Sometimes, an old favourite is the perfect choice for your food bar, and it's a great way to bring the nostalgia back to your guests.
- Jenny Darmody
Image credits: Cookie bar: Pinterest | Doughnuts: Pinterest | Mexican station: Pinterest | Fruit bar: Indulgy | Popcorn: Cake Buzzer | Caramel apples: Wedding Bee | Sweet table: Sweets and Treats.