No Boring Wedding Menu Ideas... No Matter What Your Budget Is!

Looking for wedding menu ideas? Well, I'm here to say that boring wedding menu ideas aren't allowed - no matter how big or small your budget is!

Let's talk a wee bit of presentation and creativity before getting into some fun ideas for your wedding reception menus below.

You know it, I know it, EVERYone knows it- When food looks great (regardless of cost) it just tastes better. And, even just a wee bit of creativity when displaying your food and planning your menu can make ALL the difference.

And the good news, for you budget-brides, is that those creative touches don't have to hike up the cost of your wedding menu at all.

Read on to find out about some of the most interesting cheap, simple, and stylish options for any meal style you're thinking about - from finger foods and appetizers to your cakes and desserts. Mmmm, dessert!

A Stylish Wedding Reception Buffet

Depending on your wedding budget and style, wedding reception buffet menus can be ideal. Buffets have had a bad rap, but they've really made a come-back. From tasting tables to lavish displays and varied menus they're ideal for today's casual, laid back and simple wedding. Kick it up a notch with decorative candles and displays as well as great dishware and serving sets. Just make sure you have someone manning the buffet table(s) to keep it sanitary and looking great!

Delicious Roast Beaf		Macaroni & Cheese - Kicked up a notch!
Photo by Tracie Howie Photography		Photo by Kellie McCann Photography

Trendy Wedding Reception Finger Foods & H’ors D’oevres

True story - At our wedding, we had finger foods all night long. It was divine. Simply divine! These days, there are so many categories of finger foods including meats, veggies, cheese, dairy free foods and a whole a bunch of other stuff. My only tips for you is to make sure you have enough waiters manning the venue with your tasty treats. If not, those farthest from the kitchen will lose out on your great menu ideas.

Easy Sliders		Fresh Vegetarian Kabobs
Photo by Olivia Gird Photography		Photo by Bowerstock Photography

The great thing about having finger foods and h’ors d’oevres at your wedding is that you can create a variety of dishes. Veggie Kabobs are my favorite! But other things like Sliders, french fries, and stuffed mushrooms are fabulous as well - and easy to handle. Get creative! Have fun!

The Most Cheap Wedding Reception Menu Ideas

Cheap does not necessarily need to be a bad thing. Perhaps you prefer the word ‘affordable’ instead. Don’t fret. You are not alone. So, you are having a wedding and your guests expect to eat food. Yes, this has happened before and you need to find a way to get through it. Help has arrived!

There are cheap or affordable wedding reception menu ideas that work! Sshh! Your guests will never know how cheap the food is if you don’t tell them. If you prefer, you could also get higher-priced versions of many of these foods. Check out these great cheap wedding menu ideas.

Dips With Pita, Bread and Crackers		Corn On The Cob
Photo by Bowerstock Photography		Photo by Amy Hedges

Local & Themed Based Wedding Reception Food Ideas

At your reception, you want a nice selection of foods, without trying to be or compete with the last great wedding out there. Jokes aside, you do want nice food – perhaps healthy, seasonal, local and themed choices that you can be proud of.

A Seasonal Vegetable Dish		A Pasta Dish Made With Local Produce
Photo by Daniela Degrass Photographyi		Photo by Daniela Degrassi Photography

A plate of fish, exotic stir-fried vegetables, and fresh pastas will make no enemies at your reception and leave mouths watering. Perhaps a option of affordable gourmet-styled perogies can kick your wedding menu up a notch. People love chicken and steak too.

Wedding Drinks With Style

Let’s talk about drinks. Some guests live for this part of the celebration, so we must certainly talk about drinks. Seasonal drinks such as apple cider for winter can be a great idea. Spice up your drinks! Make them as jazzy as you want. A touch of class in presentation cannot hurt too and sometimes, these extra measures are so, so cheap. No huge dent in your budget.

Decorative Serve-Yourself Summer Drinks		Signature Drinks Menu
Photo by Olivia Gird Photography		Photo by Megan Dailor

Champagn With A Single Raspberry		Fancy Virgin Drinks
Photo by Bowerstock Photography		Photo by Amie Otto

Consider the following: a piece of fruit in each glass, chalkboard displays for the Bride and Groom's choices (a nice alternative to bar menus) and monogrammed beverage napkins. Aren’t these ideas neat? Cost of drinks are also important. Yeah, sometimes, it’s all about the money too. A flat-rate open bar might work. Also, get creative. Serving a fancy sparkling beverage of some sort can help lower costs!

Wedding Cakes and Desserts

Simply delightful! Who says that you have to go big or go home? Not true. A smart way to get a cheap or affordable cake is to use a simple and small cake. Perhaps a couple of small, simple cakes would be great too. Who would have known that a stunning cake stand and simply perfect cake topper can transform your cake into a thing of beauty? It’s true. Thanks, Martha Stewart!

Homemade Cherry Cookies		Fancy Candy Apples
Photo by Laura Witherow Photography		Photo by Jeray & Kim Weddings

Simple Sugar Donuts		Summer Fruit Kabobs
Photo by Amy Hedges		Photo by Bowerstock Photography

Also, since you will be queen for a day (whoohoo!!), you can decide not to go the traditional route or get a traditional wedding cake. Any ole cheap wedding cake of your choice could suffice and look great! Think about using cupcakes too or a table filled with pies and dessert. In the right format and presentation, you can create something unique and truly wonderful.

Wedding Candy Buffet

It’s candy time! Who can resist a candy buffet? This is a great, no fuss wedding menu idea. Well, perhaps it can get a bit messy. Think about candy … think about kids … but most importantly, think about fun!! So what, if it gets a little messy? It’s your wedding. Besides, you wouldn’t want to overlook an affordable and fun idea.

Gummy Surprise Candy Buffet		Flavored Popcorn Candy Buffet
Photo by Hendrickson Photography Weddings		Photo by Bowerstock Photography

Wedding Menu Cards

Now, who would think menu cards are something to consider. Yes, indeed! Welcome to the world of wedding planning. For you day, considering every detail does not imply collapsing at the door of the bank. Yeah! Yeah! Celebrities may have menus that are written in gold, but you can have really great menus that match your place cards and invites and all at an affordable cost!

Wondering What Else You Can Do To Save?

The food you serve at your wedding will very likely take up the majority of your budget. It's ONE of the reasons a small guest list is super helpful if you're on a budget. BUT, there are about a kajillion other ways to save or scrimp on one thing or another to get exactly the wedding and wedding menu you want. Find out how with The K.i.s.s Wedding Guide.

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