From bite-sized treats to gorgeous food stations, see some exciting appetizer ideas for co*cktail hour and beyond.
Photos, left to right: MNC Photography, Samm Blake, B&G Photography
As you are building out your menu for your nuptials, you definitely should put lots of thought into what you choose for your wedding appetizers. Whether enjoyed during co*cktail hour, to start a reception meal, or at the after-party, wedding hors d'oeuvres can keep guests fueled for the festivities and also add a fun culinary boost to your celebration. When working with your caterer, chat about some of their classic choices to serve up to guests, as well as some exciting trends to step up your selection. Don't forget to ask questions about unique ways they can present your bites, too. Unique food stations, food trucks, and passed appetizers can all be integrated into your contracts.
Want some amazing wedding appetizer ideas to your wedding caterer? Read ahead to get inspired for your celebration's menu. Pro Tip: If you're still searching for a great caterer, start your search on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
1. Cheeseburger Sliders
Cheeseburgers are a comfort food classic that can definitely find their way to your wedding co*cktail hour. Just make sure to serve them as mini sliders so guests won't spoil their appetite ahead of the reception.
2. Oyster Raw Bar
Photo: Emily Wren Photography
If you're hosting a coastal affair or just love seafood, serve up oysters at a raw bar for your guests to enjoy. Make sure they are pre-shucked or have a professional shucker present so they are easy to enjoy.
3. French Fries
Photo: Larissa Cleveland Photography
Is there anything better to snack on at an after-party than french fries? Place this salty app in cups filled with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce for a yummy late-night bite.
4. Charcuterie Grazing Board
Photo: Hannah Bryerton,Catering: Avvino Restaurant
One classic appetizer option is a charcuterie spread. Filled with delicious cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and plenty of crackers, guests can graze and fill their plates with their favorite selection of nibbles.
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5. Individual Charcuterie Board
Photo: MNC Photography,Catering: 23 City Blocks Catering
Instead of serving charcuterie during co*cktail hour, consider making it the first course of your seated dinner. Individual boards for each guest will be an absolute hit.
6. Charcuterie Cones
Photo: Caitlin Gilbert Photography,Catering: The Hillside Catering
Want your charcuterie options to be easy to carry around co*cktail hour or a late-night after-party? A cone is a perfect vessel for your appetizing selection.
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7. Passed Brick Oven Pizza
Photo: Mary Costa Photography,Catering: The Urban Oven
Pizza is always a hit, but make sure you step it up if you're serving it at your wedding celebrations. Fresh slices straight from a brick oven set up at your venue will add an elevated touch to the treat.
8. Sushi Bar
Photo: Person + Killian Photography,Catering: Catering by Andrew
Not only is sushi the perfect bite-sized appetizer, but it also can look very pretty set up as a spread at your wedding. Be sure to have a few fish options, along with some vegetarian options so guests can mix and match.
9. Pretzel Bar
Photo: Koman Photography and Cinematography,Catering: Lobo Castle Catering
Serve up a salty treat and create a fun design moment with a hanging pretzel bar. Make sure to pair them up with mustards and dipping sauces so guests can have an even more savory snack.
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10. Fried Chicken and Waffle Bites
Photography: Millie Holloman Photography
Want an appetizer featuring a pairing that's just as perfect as your relationship? Serve up fried chicken and waffles for a sweet and savory treat.
11. Dim Sum Bar
Photography: Judith Rae Photography,Catering: Great Performances
Is dim sum a date night favorite of your and your spouse-to-be? Create a station for guests to grab a great selection for their appetizers.
12. Dumpling Take-Out Boxes
Photo: Vue Photography,Catering: Peter Callahan
If you don't want to create a station, consider serving up dumplings or other savory treats in fun takeout boxes. Bonus points if you add your monogram to the design.
13. Spoon Crudo
Photo: Samm Blake
Want to serve a delicious crudo that's not a hassle for guests to eat during co*cktail hour? Serve it up on spoons where they can savor the flavors in just one bite.
14. Mini Tacos and Gazpacho
,Catering: Binny's Beverage Depot
Hosting a wedding in Mexico (or just love tacos)? Serve up petite tacos paired with glass bottles filled with gazpacho for a delicious pre-reception appetizer.
15. Tuna Tartare Cone
These petite tuna tartare cones are perfect for an elevated wedding co*cktail hour. The shape of the cones can even allow them to be creatively put on display.
16. Dip Bar
Photography: Michelle Lange Photography,Catering: The Ryland Inn
All your guests will love a spread of delicious dips. Consider serving them in unique vessels like bread bowls for a rustic touch.
17. Steak Frites Bites
Photography: Abby Jiu Photography,Catering: Heirloom D.C. Catering and Event Styling
Get creative with your pairings when creating appetizer bites. These steak frites are a unique take on a classic duo regularly served as an entree.
18. Crab Cakes
Photo: Loft Photography,Catering: Royal Fig Catering
Crab cakes are a classic choice wedding appetizers. Consider passing mini versions at co*cktail hour or slightly larger ones as the first course of a seated dinner.
19. Hummus Bites
Photography: Luna de Mare Photography,Catering: L.A. Roots Catering Co.
When building out your appetizer menus, consider if guests have any dietary restrictions. These hummus apps on cucumbers are an excellent vegan and gluten-free option for your wedding events.
20. Fast Food Favorites
Photography: Briars Atlas
Not every appetizer has to come straight from an elevated caterer. If you and your partner love a certain fast food snack, serve them up as snacks to hungry guests.
21. Biscuit Sandwiches
Photo: Sera Petras Photography,Catering: L'Etoile Fine Virginia Cuisine
If you're hosting a midday wedding, you might want your reception menu to mimic a brunch. Consider serving delicious mini biscuit sandwiches for a daytime treat.
22. Petite Tarts
Photo: Emily Wren Photography,Catering: Garces Events
Don't forget that baked goods don't have to be sweet. Savory tarts can be a great addition to co*cktail hour bites.
23. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Photo: Summer Leigha Photography
You don't need a huge portion to get a taste of this classic combo. Mini grilled cheeses can be dipped into small containers of tomato soup for a satisfying hors d'oeuvre at any wedding event.
24. Mini Lobster Rolls
Photography: Cly by Matthew
If you love seafood, you definitely should consider serving lobster rolls at your celebration. Petite rolls make it easy to serve them ahead of your reception without filling up your guests.
25. Caprese Skewers
Photography: Vanessa Joy Photography
Skewers are a perfect handheld appetizer for your guests at co*cktail hour. A simple combo of tomatoes and mozzarella is sure to be a winner.
