Creating an unforgettable wedding starts with serving remarkable hors d’oeuvres. Whether planning a grand celebration or a more intimate affair, these 20 ideas will elevate your menu and guest experience without breaking the bank. Get inspired by these food options that guests will talk about nonstop.
5 Affordable Hors D’oeuvres
Delight your guests with appetizers that are just right for your budget.
Meatballs
One-bite, savory snacks like meatballs will always impress guests of all ages. Serve these tasty bites on skewers so your guests can hold their drink on the other. You can also introduce dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour, Thai peanut sauce, tomato sauce and mushroom gravy.
Fruit Skewers
Offer appetizers that are as colorful as your big day. Elevate the traditional fruit platter or bar by serving fresh fruits on skewers. Use seasonal fruits, as they are more nutritious than when picked out of season. For instance, use apples, bananas, blueberries and cherries when hosting a summer wedding.
Deviled Eggs
Your wedding appetizers don’t need to be expensive to look elegant. Deviled eggs are a true testament to that statement — they are a blank canvas that allows you and your partner to top it with almost anything. Delicious toppings include smoked salmon, bacon, blue cheese and basil pesto.
Pretzel Bites
Pretzels are a classic appetizer. A bite-sized version of this snack dipped in cheese sauce will satisfy your guests’ palettes. Consider offering other dipping sauces for variety, including spicy cheese and salsa.
Mini Spring Rolls
These hand-rolled, crispy treats give a refreshing taste of Asian flavors. You can choose between vegetable spring rolls or the all-meat version. They’re good on their own, but you can offer various dips, such as sweet and sour and hoisin sauce.
5 Classy One-Bite Appetizers
These elegant bites add a luxurious touch to your cocktail hour. Consider adding these appetizers to your cocktail hour menu.
Goat Cheese and Bacon Balls
This appetizer is a mouthful of flavors. It combines various cheeses, such as goat and cream cheese. Add parsley, bacon and walnut bits for a splash of colors and textures. If you’re hosting a sustainable wedding, stick these balls in pretzel sticks instead of cocktail sticks.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a classic choice for, of course, cocktail hour. Paired with cocktail sauce, shrimp is an easy appetizer to hold guests over until dinner. To make this work with your budget, pay attention to portions. One pound generally contains 16-20 shrimp, and the average serving size is about 3 shrimp per person. Do some math on your guest list to see how much would be enough.
Lobster Rolls
Lobster rolls are another crowd pleaser. This appetizer is for couples hosting a beach affair or those who want to bring a taste of the sea to their far-flung reception. If there’s a must-have summer hors d’oeuvre, this should be it.
Spicy Crab Salad Tapas
Vanessa Mason — the creator of this mouthwatering appetizer’s recipe — said via Taste of Home that this got her guests wild, which tells a lot about its crowd-pleasing potential. Add this hors d’oeuvre to your menu so your guests won’t stop talking about it during the cocktail hour and beyond.
Turkey Bolognese Polenta Nests
This aesthetically pleasing appetizer combines two crowd favorites — bolognese meat sauce and polenta. They’re shaped like nests as they’re cooked in mini muffin cups. Ask your caterer to sprinkle chopped parsley or put fresh basil at the top for added visual appeal.
5 Plant-Based Hors D’oeuvres
These hors d’oeuvre ideas are ideal for guests with dietary restrictions. Give your attendees who enjoy plant-based treats something to indulge in during your cocktail hour.
Oil-Free Onion Rings
This guilt-free appetizer is one of the best ways to kick-start a casual cocktail hour. It’s a classic finger food that everyone can enjoy without the greasy oil. Serve with ketchup and let the party start.
Spinach Bites
These green spinach bites contain potato-based cheese centers that burst inside the mouth. Your guests can dunk the spinach bites in marinara sauce or serve them in appetizer spoons filled with sauce.
Biscuit Stacked Fruit Appetizer
It’s simple yet beautiful — this easy finger food is ideal for nibbling before the reception officially starts. Use non-dairy or vegan buttermilk biscuits as a base for a tower of fresh fruits, such as kiwi, banana and strawberry slices. Ensure an ingredient list is on the food bar before serving to inform people with allergies.
Bell Pepper Poppers
These bell pepper poppers combine sweet and savory flavors. They’re like a hand-held salad containing tomatoes, mango, cucumber and scallion. To complete the treat, add fresh lemon juice and finely chopped cilantro.
Thai Fruit Skewers
This fruit-forward version of Thai chicken skewers offers fresh Asian flavors. Ask your caterer to marinate your favorite fruits, then thread the chunks onto skewers. Sprinkle with finely chopped mint before serving will help balance the tropical flavors.
5 Hors D’oeuvres You Can Make at Home
Many couples consider preparing appetizers at home because of rising catering expenses. On average, catering costs between $1,000 and $15,000 for a reception with 100 guests. These ideas can lower your food expenses without compromising quality.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Are you hosting a kid-friendly wedding? Consider adding these treats that adults and children will love. It’s a classic snack with a modern twist. Place them onto sturdy skewers and watch your guests discuss it for days.
Caprese Salad Skewers
To create this stunning snack, add mini mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper for added visual appeal.
Crispy Vegetable Balls
Fried finger foods are an instant hit, no matter your wedding reception venue. Elevate the experience by serving them as crunchy snacks. Simply chop carrots, zucchini and potato into thin slices, mix with your coating of choice and fry until golden brown.
Hand Pies
Pay homage to your grandmother’s pie recipe and create mini versions. It’s a charming way to show appreciation for your family’s cooking talent. Prepare this special recipe with your family’s chefs to ensure the best quality.
Bite-Sized Cuban Sandwiches
A classic Cuban sandwich contains ham and cheese. Instead of serving bulky sandwiches, consider creating sliders speared with a toothpick so guests can enjoy this treat while moving around your reception area.
Create a Memorable Hors D’oeuvres Experience
Your appetizers set the tone for the entire evening, so it only makes sense that you choose the best ideas that your guests will love. Communicate your ideas to your caterer or family to make your dining experience truly unique.