8 Creative Thanksgiving Wedding Menu Ideas You Can Serve at Your Reception

Bring on the pie!
Thanksgiving wedding menu ideas
Angela Renee Photography
sarah hanlon entertainment and celebrity editor the knot
by
Sarah Hanlon
sarah hanlon entertainment and celebrity editor the knot
Sarah Hanlon
Entertainment & Celebrity Editor
  • Sarah is the Entertainment & Celebrity Editor for The Knot, with special focuses on pop culture and celebrity wedding news.
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Sarah was a contributing writer for Bravo at NBC Universal.
  • Sarah has a degree in journalism and resides in New York City.
Updated Sep 25, 2019

Calling all foodies: If you're planning a Thanksgiving-themed wedding, your reception menu is the perfect place to honor your favorite holiday. Wouldn't you agree that turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and pie all deserve to be enjoyed more than once a year?

No matter the date of your nuptials, you can still bring the Thanksgiving table to your wedding reception. But instead of going the traditional route, we've rounded up the most creative seasonal food ideas that are inspired by the classics. (Read: hours spent watching a turkey bake in the oven not required.) From cocktail hour appetizers to late night dessert snacks, these holiday-inspired dishes will take your Thanksgiving wedding reception menu to the next level.

If You Love Green Bean Casserole…

Fried green beans wedding hors d'oeuvres

Serve crispy fried green beans during your cocktail hour. Or, take it a step further by also offering fried edamame or pickles for a totally unexpected (but delicious) serving of greens.

If You Love Sweet Potatoes…

Sweet potato fries wedding catering

This one's for those who load their plate with a generous serving of sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving Day. Give your favorite side dish an update by serving sweet potato fries in paper cones at your Thanksgiving wedding. (An added bonus is drizzling these treats with truffle oil.) They're an easy grab-and-go appetizer, so your guests can mingle while enjoying a delicious pre-dinner snack.

If You Love Cranberry Sauce…

Cranberry signature drink at wedding

Consider creating a signature cocktail with cranberry juice or fresh cranberries as a garnish. Those who give their Thanksgiving plate a drizzle of the tangy condiment will enjoy sipping on a fizzy drink with a hint of cranberry. (Bonus points if you give it a creative name.)

If You Love Mashed Potatoes…

Potato chip hors d'oeuvre at wedding reception

Offer your guests homemade potato chip bites topped with cheese and chives. Or if you've always wanted to have a mashed potato bar at your wedding, now's the perfect chance to indulge in your favorite carb with fun toppings like bacon, herbs, cheese and veggies.

If You Love Butternut Squash…

Bacon-wrapped scallop wedding catering

Enhance your Thanksgiving wedding menu by adding a savory butternut squash soup to your appetizer options. Or, get creative and serve your guests a healthy side dish with your favorite Thanksgiving veggies instead.

If You Love Turkey…

Slider hors d'oeuvres at wedding reception

Serve mini-turkey sliders during your cocktail hour. If you're going to have a Thanksgiving wedding, you can't forget the main dish, right?

If You Love Pie…

Boxed pie wedding favors

Satisfy your sweet tooth by having a dessert table at your reception. Fill it with a variety of miniature pies so you guests can load their plate with their favorite flavors.

If You REALLY Love Pie…

Pecan pie wedding dessert with vintage topper

Ditch the traditional wedding cake and substitute it with pie instead. Your wedding, your rules!

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