Clockwise from top left: Mackensey Alexander Photography, Christina Watkins Photography, Christopher Dumas Photography, Evin Photography, Christa Elyce Photography

Photo by Riverland Studios

After a full night of partying down on the dance floor, guests are likely pining for a little pick-me-up. Indulge your friends and loved ones with some light late night nibbles toward the end of the reception. Here are some scrumptious snack ideas that are sure to be a hit!

Dressed-up classics:

• Herbed shoestring frites in paper cones with aioli dipping sauce
• Mini margherita pizzas
• Cheeseburger sliders
• Warm brie and berry chutney “grilled cheese” wedges
• Baby potato skins with crispy prosciutto, gruyere and green onion
• Gnocchi mac and cheese cups
• Soft pretzel bites with honey mustard dipping sauce or melted cheese

Breakfast bites:

• Quiche cups with Canadian bacon, herbs, and cheddar
• French toast sticks in maple syrup shooters
• Mini pancake stacks skewered with berries and sprinkled with powdered sugar
• Petite parfaits with granola, yogurt and fruit
• Toasted ham and mozzarella strips

Sweet treats:

• Churros and warm chocolate sauce
• Caramel corn and spiced nut mix
• Warm frosted cinnamon roll pops
• Mini chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches

Eye-Openers:

• Espresso with whipped cream and vanilla wafers
• Cappuccino with rock candy stirrers
• Iced mocha milkshake shooters

Are you serving late-night snacks to your guests? Tell us about ‘em in the comments!

Photos (clockwise from top left): Red Ribbon Studio, Austin Gros Photography, Britt Rene Photo, Sweet and Saucy Shop and Crissie McDowell Photography

Instead of wearing white, some brides will wear a colored wedding gown. Instead of having the flower girl or ring bearer throw petals or hold a pillow, some brides choose creative items for them to carry. Instead of having a wedding, some couples decide to elope. What other tradition can a bride test the limits of? No cake! Here are our top surprising desserts that are in while three-tiered confections are on their way out:

Macarons: If you’re looking for endless possibilities of flavor at your dessert table, incorporate these French sweets. Just to name a few, you can choose between flavors such as s’mores, dark chocolate ganache, cotton candy, orange creamsicle or pistachio.

Cake Balls: First, came cupcakes. Second, came cake pops. Third, came cake balls. Of course, third time’s a charm, right? Well, cake balls are merely cake pops without a stick, and you most likely will not have the willpower to eat just one.

Mason Jar Cupcakes:  Imagine a cake that is prepared, and even baked, inside the mason jar they are eaten from. All your guests need is a utensil, which means easy cleanup! Add gift tags or labels with your names and wedding date, and you have favors to pass out to your guests at the end of the night.

Mini Pies: Perfect for any rustic or ranch wedding, mini pies will make your guests feel right at home.

Donuts: Forget the candy bar and have a donut bar. Provide take home boxes, and guests will have breakfast for the morning after!

For more dessert display inspiration, check out our photo gallery.

Photo: Nam Nguyen Photography

A traditional wedding reception includes hor d’oeuvres, an appetizer, a main entree and desserts. However, couples are free to opt out or replace any or all of these courses for something more reflective of their theme and budget. Whether your caterer is on-site or off-site, they should be familiar with your venue. A tasting generally takes place three months prior to your wedding date. While most caterers will assess the size of your guest list and venue to help guide you to a particular dish that is feasible, but, ultimately, the choice is yours. As you finalize your menu, it’s important to consider your guests’ taste buds. It should appeal to a wide range of people, including those who have allergies or dietary requests such as vegetarians or vegans.

How will you be serving food at your reception? Let us know in the poll below! For more inspiration, check out our menu displays photo gallery.

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Photos (clockwise from top): Abbie Rufener Photography; Palm Beach Photography, Inc. (2)

When you’re choosing your menu, you’ll need to consider whether your wedding will be casual or formal. It’s important that the food you serve matches the feel and style of the event. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Casual: Food trucks are all the rage in cities around U.S., so it was only a matter of time before this trend spread to weddings. Instead of serving a plated dinner or buffet, hire a few food trucks to create their specialties and allow guests to casually stroll from truck to truck. If you don’t live in an area with food trucks for hire, ask your caterer to create cocktail stations with fare inspired by the cuisine often served on trucks. We’re thinking Korean bulgogi tacos, lobster rolls, and empanadas.

Formal: Usually, a seated, plated dinner with three or four courses is the norm at a formal wedding reception. However, here’s a new twist – a multi-course tasting menu featuring small composed one or two bite plates. Yes, it’s a little out-of-the-box but it’s a fun idea for Top Chef fans and foodies. This meal style would likely work best for smaller, more intimate wedding receptions.

What type of cuisine are you serving at your reception? Let us know in the comments!