10 Wedding Reception Menu Ideas to Wow Your Guests

When we cater a wedding, we know the guests look forward to the wedding reception! So we work closely with you to create a menu that will wow your guests.

Variety is the Spice of Great Wedding Reception Menus

Here are some fun ideas for your wedding that guests have found enticing at recent Handheld catered events.

Charcuterie in a Cup

Private events caterers have had to pivot from sit-down table service to buffet style or hand-passed servings. Charcuterie has always been popular at wedding receptions, but we usually offer it in a buffet. Serving it in a cup instead is a modern twist that keeps everyone safely distanced but is still fun to eat! And we always use local meats and cheeses to make it even more remarkable for your guests.

Charcuterie Cones Wedding Reception

Comfort Food Shooters or Sips

Comfort food is less common on Bay Area wedding reception menus because of its high calorie count, but when you serve small portions, everyone feels that they can indulge! Little cups of tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons or small bites of mac and cheese make wonderful menu items at a wedding. Or jazz it up with our Avocado Cilantro Gazpacho Shooters! Look at the featured image at the top of the blog to see how it looks.

Cheese Station

Let your San Jose area caterer set up a delightful assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruit, and nuts for guests to enjoy. We may even be able to include a couple of vegan cheeses for guests with special diets. Offering a good variety makes it special by letting guests build their own assortment, and lets them come back for seconds to try a new combination.

Colorful Salads

California has a wealth of fresh vegetables that can turn any plate of lettuce into a piece of art. We look for edible flowers, a rainbow of vegetables in different colors and even fancy croutons to make your salad stand out. No matter the season, Bay Area farmers have a wealth of locally grown produce from which we find our ingredients (and our inspirations!)

Seasonal Vegetable Dish

Those same vegetables that stand out in your salad can also be transformed into a beautiful side dish or entrée. Use local vegetables that have been grown and picked at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor. Your party catering team can help you decide what vegetables fit the bill.

Mexican Vegetable Dish

Californian cuisines are influenced by Mexican-style food, so we may turn local produce into tacos, tostadas, and nachos with lots of yummy vegetables that add flavor and color.

Caprese Kebobs

Caprese is made up of mozzarella balls, basil, and cherry tomatoes. Served on a plate with a drizzle of balsamic dressing, it’s delicious, and popular. But let’s put it on a skewer to give your guests a modern twist on an old favorite.

Local Fare

We source local produce every day for our catering clients, as farm-to-fork freshness always makes a great impression. Whether it’s sourdough bread or fresh, local fruits and vegetables, this Palo Alto catering service tailors your menu to the local flavors.

Dessert Truck

Who doesn’t love sweets? Bring in a dessert truck (see an example on our Instagram profile here) to serve up ice cream or different types of pies or s’mores. It’s a nice change of pace and gives your guests time to move around and socialize with others who aren’t at their table.

Dessert Truck at Wedding Reception

For Wedding Catering and Other Private Event Catering, Work with Handheld Catering

Handheld Catering and Events is the local wedding caterer with great ideas to wow your guests. Contact us today to start planning your perfect wedding reception!