Eat, Drink and Be Married

More and more, couples customize every aspect of their wedding, transforming what was once a highly traditional affair into a personalized celebration of their love. It’s no wonder wedding food is changing, too. Many couples are turning their receptions into culinary experiences, where every bite reflects their personalities, values and style. From globally inspired menus to playful late-night snacks, wedding menus are all about creativity, customization and connection. Here’s just a taste of what couples and caterers are doing at today’s weddings.

Less Plated, More Playful

Gone are the days of checking off “chicken” or “fish” on wedding invitations. Couples are swapping traditional plated dinners for dynamic, build-your-own stations where guests can have fun customizing their meal. Imagine a burger station with toppings and sauces, a DIY bruschetta board or even a bespoke caviar bar. Interactive stations turn the reception dinner into an experience, encouraging guests to mingle and sparking conversation.

At the same time, global favors are taking center stage, with menus reflecting the couple’s heritage, travels or favorite takeout spots. Delaware’s Savora Catering served a wedding that combined these trends. “At one unforgettable wedding, we created a ‘global tasting experience’ with interactive food stations featuring signature dishes from the couple’s favorite travel destinations,” said Lori Seward, catering and events director. “Guests indulged in everything from hand-rolled sushi to freshly made pasta, and even a build-your-own taco bar. It wasn’t just a meal — it was a journey through their love story, bite by bite.”

Keep the Party Going

When the dance floor heats up, many weddings are offering another wave of food — late-night snacks that are as fun as they are flavorful. These crowd-pleasing nibbles may be nostalgic comfort foods like sliders, chicken and waffle bites, soft pretzels or mini donuts, offered right when guests need a pick-me-up.

Even couples who stick with a more traditional dinner are opting for late-night snacks to sprinkle some personality and whimsy into their celebration — think truffle fries in custom cones, a gourmet popcorn bar or milkshake shots served on a passing tray. It’s a delicious surprise that keeps the energy high and guests fueled well into the afterparty. Because, let’s be honest: nothing pairs better with dancing than a perfectly timed snack!

Raise a Glass

Wedding drinks are getting an upgrade, too. With the help of expert mixologists, guests can craft signature cocktails that tell a story, incorporating the couple’s favorite flavors or named after special memories — see County Lines’ April 2023 issue for inspo.

But it’s not all about the alcohol. Mocktails are stepping into the spotlight: complex, beautifully garnished creations just as enticing as their boozy counterparts. With sobriety — and sober-curiosity — on the rise, zero-proof drinks are a thoughtful, elegant way to make all guests feel included.

Today’s wedding menus are doing more than feeding a crowd — they’re telling a story. Couples are using food and drink to express their tastes, honor their roots and create memories guests will remember long after the last dance. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what’s on the plate, but how it brings people together.