Weddings can be expensive – everyone knows that, but there are ways to save without sacrificing too much. One of these ways is with a snack bar at your reception that can also double as wedding favors. Guests can munch or sip on delicious treats while they dance the night away, then grab some for the road.
There are lots of options when it comes to wedding favors. Some couples opt for commemorative candles, koozies or picture frames. Others stick to edible wedding favors, which has become a trend for a reason. Guests are less likely to stuff decadent macaroons or bags of personalized M&Ms on a dusty shelf or in the trash can. Let’s be real. Free food and treats are everyone’s favorite when it comes to weddings. Make sure you stock up, set-up a killer snack bar, and sit back and relax.
The possibilities are endless and allow for as much creativity as you want to put in. Whether you choose to keep in simple with treats like the above or take it a step or two further with assorted homemade candy apples, you’ll find edible wedding favors are perfect for your big day. Read on for nine creative snack bar ideas that can double as a wedding favor.
Seasonal Bread
A fresh-baked loaf of pumpkin bread or another favorite flavor makes for a great edible wedding favor that can also fill up your snack bar – not to mention the wonderful aromas that will fill up your venue. Choose a variety of your favorites if you can’t choose one, then call local bakeries to get quotes on mini loaves of bread so you can compare and get the best deal. Collaborate on customized packaging for each loaf, so guests have the choice to bring them home.
You can also set up a bread dipping bar, with a variety of olive oils and spices so guests can mix and match different flavors. Pair with an arrangement of olives and cheeses to ensure it’s a hit.
Mini Cocktail Kits
Cocktails are snacks too, so consider this unique option if you have a more adult attendance – or even if you don’t. Mini cocktail kits are a great alternative to cupcakes or candy, but also make a great addition to anything sweet. A variety of different kits are available, including Moscow mules and gin and tonics. Combine sweets and cocktail kits for a fun snack bar experience, so guests can skip the line at the bar and make their own drink or keep the party going even when it ends.
Trail Mix Bar
Almost everyone loves trail mix or some version of it. Choose a few favorite ingredients like Chex Mix, chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, chickpeas, granola and more. The great thing about a trail mix bar is that you can order your ingredients in bulk to save money. Separate each ingredient, and make sure they’re clearly labeled, especially any nuts because of allergies.
Seasoning Favors
This is a fun wedding favor that you and your future hubby can create together. Blend your favorite seasonings to create your own special BBQ rub or cooking concoction that guests can bring home to try on their favorite foods. Package in simple small sealable plastic bags, and finish with a customized sticker on the front to commemorate the occasion.
Put out smoked sausages and other small h’ordeuvres cooked with your special blend so your guests can get a preview as they munch throughout the night.
Candy Bar
Fill up a bunch of glass jars with the brightest and most colorful candy you can find. You can also stick to candy options that match your color scheme. Choose larger containers for the reception so guests can enjoy throughout the night, but don’t forget to include smaller jars already filled with candy so that guests can take them home afterward.
Black and White Candy Bar
This chic and timeless look incorporates black and white candy into your snack bar decor. Get creative with bows, candles and other fun table decorations that can add that little extra something. Nothing says elegance like black and white.
Hot Cocoa Mix
If you have a winter wedding, consider hot chocolate mix in a jar – a sure crowd pleaser that’s also fun to put together.
Choose your favorite ingredients like marshmallows, chocolate chips, and hot cocoa powder, and layer each one in a glass mason jar. Tie on a wooden spoon with a customized bow to complete the look. You can set them out, along with ingredients that are already out and ready to use so that guests can enjoy their own cup of delicious hot cocoa right then and there.
Cake Pop Favors
Cake on a stick is the perfect treat because guests can grab-and-go, whether they snack on them at your reception or stock up for the road, this is a treat kids and adults alike can enjoy. Pick a few of your favorite flavors, and have fun when you decorate them. Choose colors that match your wedding decor or go crazy with an array of different designs and colors.
Homemade Limoncello
Your snack bar doesn’t only have to include edibles – it can include sip-ables too. Whip up something homemade, like limoncello. Guests can sip on it at the reception, enjoy back at home or both. This is a gift for everyone because who doesn’t enjoy the sweet delight of fresh homemade limoncello? Add a decorative label to a pretty bottle to sweeten your big day even more.
Having a creative snack bar available to guests at your wedding is a great idea for many reasons. For one thing, you’ll save a ton of money if you purchase in bulk, nothing will go to waste, and guests are sure to enjoy whatever it is you choose for your edible wedding favor. Make a list of you and your hubby’s favorite snacks, then take it from there. The nine ideas above are a great start and may even inspire you to come up with your own unique snack bar.
Author bio: Kacey Bradley is the lifestyle and travel blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Tripping.com and more!
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