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Over the 11 years, I have coordinated weddings, late-night snacks have been a favorite amongst wedding guests. This has been especially essential if there is a hosted open bar and guests are driving themselves home.
Late-night snacks can be offered to guests toward the last 30-45 minutes before the conclusion of a wedding. The snacks can be provided after the bar has closed and served with water and coffee. The late-night snacks can be set up on a buffet table or provided in to-go boxes as guests depart.
Here are various snacks to offer your guests that they will love. These delicious bites can be provided by a vendor or impress your crowd with these fabulous DIY options.
Do You Need Late Night Snacks at a Wedding?
The short answer is no, late-night snacks are not mandatory, but it is a nice touch to include after a long and festive day for all.
What Can I Serve Late at my Wedding?
Here are 29 ideas you can serve your guests at the end of your wedding that will surely be a hit after dancing the night away.
1. Cheese & Fruit
Cheese and fruit is an excellent late-night snack for a summer evening.
2. Cheese & Crackers
Cheese and crackers is an oldie but goodie and very filling.
3. Cheese Bar
I coordinated a wedding for a couple from Wisconsin where the bride gave up cheese for an entire year before her wedding and lost 40 pounds. Then on the wedding day, she opted for cheese instead of a cake and had a “cutting of the cheese.” The elaborate cheese bar cost $1,500.00.
4. PB & J Sandwiches
A sweet couple I worked with several years ago met in the second grade during lunch on their first day of school. So in honor of their mutual love for PB & J, they spread their passion with guests as a late-night snack.
5. Pizza Bites
Opt for mini pizza bites or have pizza delivered to your wedding. This is an affordable and simple late-night snack option.
6. Mini Burgers
A wedding I once coordinated hired Uber Eats to pick up McDonald’s hamburgers and deliver them to the venue as a late-night snack.
7. Burger Truck
Food trucks are a simple option, and no setup is required.
8. Flavored Popcorn Stand
Popcorn is a great option and is loved by kids and adults. A popcorn cart is also fun and can be served during cocktail hour or as a late-night snack.
9. Sandwich Bar
Sandwiches do not need to be fancy, and you can opt for one long sub sandwich for guests to dig in and self-serve.
10. French Fry Bar & Sweet Potato Fries
Simple and affordable, and who doesn’t love fries.
11. Dessert Bar – Mini Pastries
Many couples I have worked with would provide mini pastries or have the bakery deliver and drop them off. Some would have the bakery bring stands and tiers and setup, but that can be costly. Another option is to provide your own display stands and level tiers and have your planner or coordinator set up later in the evening. I usually had to set up signage. Dessert Bar Will Open After Cake Cutting. Dessert bars are so inviting and mouthwatering.
12. Cookies & Milk
Cookies and milk are a nice touch and a great comfort snack to help sober up your guests.
13. Ice CreamTruck
An ice cream truck is an excellent option for outdoor venues and a big hit—no setup involved and very nostalgic. One of my couples danced to their favorite song on the driveway to the music the ice cream truck played as they arrived.
*** Read my article on Cheap Wedding Cake Ideas: Savvy Dessert Tips ***
14. Donut Wall
There is nothing better than donuts at midnight.
15. Cheese Fondue
Cheese is a wonderful appetizer or late-night snack for all, including vegetarians.
16. Chocolate Fountain Or Fondue
Anything that starts with chocolate is simply divine.
Keep in mind, that some venues do not allow a chocolate fountain due to the mess on the furniture and carpets. Also, if you will have a lot of children at your wedding, this may not be a good choice.
17. Chips & Dip
Chips and dip is another easy and affordable option and very filling.
18. Candy Bar
A candy bar can be set up instead of a cake and be replenished throughout the night. Place some to-go boxes or bags for departing gifts. Apothocary display jars are also a beautiful presentation.
19. Bread & Olives Bar
If you opt for a bread and olive bar, be sure to get pitted olives, so no one breaks a tooths.
20. Taco Bar
Tacos are the ultimate favorite late-night snack and are affordable.
21. Corn on the Cob
This is also a great vegan and vegetarian cocktail hour appetizer. Another fun option is to hire a corn on the cob vendor truck. There are so many seasons and toppings to add that make this a big hit with your guests. Just make sure to have plenty of toothpicks available.
22. To-Go Snack Boxes
Don’t leave out any guests that depart early from the late-night fun, and offer to-go snack boxes. Supply empty boxes for guests to take snacks to-go. Or, have snack boxes prefilled as a departing gift if your venue doesn’t allow you to party till the wee hours of the night.
23. Mini Bavarian Pretzels
My favorite Bavarian pretzels are from Old World in Huntington Beach, California, and the Obatzda (cream cheese dipping sauce) is the bomb!
24. Fried Brie
Fried brie is a good option for weddings around the holiday season.
25. Buffalo Wings
A meat lover’s favorite.
26. Fish & Chips
Serve this British classic with malt vinegar.
27. Loaded Baked Potato Tots
Load up your guests with potato heaven.
28. Crispy Fried Cheese
End the evening with fried cheese and recap on your favorite moments of the wedding.
29. Fried Macaroni & Cheese
You have to taste this to believe it; it’s heavenly.
Story Time Wedding
This is one of my all-time favorite stories. One couple I worked with from the east coast wanted a corn-on-the-cob vendor for their summer cocktail hour (FYI – we also served watermelon). I remembered a few months prior, I was at the local Sunday swap meet, and there was a yummy corn on the cob vendor truck present.
So one weekend I ventured back to that swap-meet and approached the young man working. The friendly youngster, in his early 20s, was named Juan, and he helped his parents and siblings run the corn on the cob truck every morning till the afternoon on the weekends. This was the main source of income for the family of five. Juan and I exchanged contact information, and the next day Juan emailed a quote for the upcoming Saturday night wedding for 200 guests.
Four months later, on the wedding day, Juan and his family arrived, set up, and served guests the most delicious corn on the cob with a buffet table of toppings and condiments that were delicious. This family did an amazing job and their customer service skills and talent was flawless.
Juan and his family worked other weddings with me after that initial one, and we now had a trusted working relationship. Then, three years later, I ran into Juan at another event he was catering for, and he shared a story with me.
“It was always a dream for my family that we could grow and expand our business. My parents almost said no to catering that first wedding out of fear. But because we said yes and worked that wedding, our wish came true. We booked many more weddings and events after that and now have three trucks and a bigger crew. On behalf of my family, thank you for trusting us from the very begining.”
Juan – Business Owner
*** Check out my article What is a Food and Beverage Minimum ***
Conclusion
When deciding on a late-night snack, consider the appetizers and main entrees that will be served. You might want to opt for a lighter late-night snack if the main course was a heavy entree. On the other hand, if the main course was on the lighter side, then a heavier late-night snack may be a good option. Guests tend to eat more during the winter/colder months and lighter during the summer/hotter months.
Late-night snacks do not need to be complicated, and there are many quick, easy, and affordable options.
~ Happy planning and enjoy your wedding day steps ~