Wedding Food & Drinks Ideas
Warm Welcome
Greet your guests with seasonal refreshments. In fall, hot apple and pear ciders served with cinnamon sticks and pumpkin doughnuts take the chill out of an autumn day.
Surprising Blooms
Make your blooms more eye-catching by adding unexpected elements such as rhinestones, pearls, feathers―even fruits and veggies to your bouquet.
Stir It Up
Print the recipe for your custom cocktails on drink napkins so guests can stir up their own batch of Mary and Joe mai tais at home.
Healthy Fare
The "chicken or steak" choice has a new organic twist: hormone-free poultry and grass-fed beef. For a list of delicious organic caterers in your area, visit organicweddings.com.
Dashing Desserts
Create a dessert bar of snowy-hued treats—coconut marshmallows, white chocolate-covered cherries, rock candy—as a stylish accompaniment to your wedding cake.
Wine Spectators
Master the art of pairing food and wine at the Wine School of Philadelphia, which offers one-hour lessons for couples or groups (winedegree.com).
Whimsical Desserts
Give even the chicest party a whimsical feel by serving liqueur-infused popsicles or tiny sorbet cones.
Serve Picnic Style
Encourage conversation among your crowd by having food served on large platters, to be passed family-style or arranged on a buffet. Vary the heights and types of containers you use (wicker baskets and tiered stands along with the more typical silver trays) to add visual appeal.
Sweet Gestures
Rent an old-fashioned ice-cream cart or snow-cone stand to scoop and serve to order. Or hire a vendor to whip up funnel cakes or other summery favorites on the spot.
Snack Time
If your wedding ceremony is on the same site as your reception, ask your site manager or caterer if it's possible to have some appetizers and champagne for the wedding party while they are getting ready.
Old-World Charm
Incorporate small touches that reflect old-fashioned elegance into your reception, like punch served from a vintage-style crystal bowl or candy displayed in antique vessels.
Meals on Wheels
Give a casual rehearsal dinner some spunk by renting a pushcart or two to dispense nachos, peanuts, hot dogs, beer, egg rolls...pushcartparties.com.
B.Y.O.W.
Many catering places—even upscale spots—allow you to bring in your own wine, which can save you big-time, even if there's a corkage fee.Pre-Ceremony Partying
Loosen up your guests by ushering them to a bar or cocktail table before starting the ceremony. It will result in a more laid-back crowd for both the ceremony and the reception.
Honor Your Heritage
Talk to your caterer about incorporating dishes from your ethnic background in new ways.






