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Updated Sep 09, 202420 Late-Night Wedding Snacks to Keep The Energy High
And your guests' stomachs filled.
If you're in the process of planning your wedding food, particularly what late-night wedding snacks you'll have at your reception or after-party, you've landed on the right page. "A late-night snack can be a thoughtful and practical offering at a wedding if you know you will have guests who want to stay until the very end of dancing or are prone to alcohol consumption," says Holly Gray, California-based wedding planner and CEO of Anything But Gray Events. That said, you want to consider options that most of your guests will enjoy and those that will leave them feeling replenished enough to return home safely.
Whether you're looking to fill your guests' stomachs with saltier snacks, sweet snacks or a perfect blend of both, you can utilize The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find catering companies and food trucks to help you bring your wedding snack ideas to life–just make sure to thoroughly review your catering contract (or contracts if you're working with multiple caterers) so you're aware of how much your wedding food and beverages will cost and won't encounter any unexpected bills.
In this article:
- What Time Should Late-Night Snacks Be Served at a Wedding?
- How to Find Late-Night Snack Wedding Catering Near Me
- Wedding Late-Night Snack Ideas
What Time Should Late-Night Snacks Be Served at a Wedding?
Although the time you choose to serve your late-night wedding snacks will vary based on personal preferences and event timing, Gray notes shortly after the wedding cake is cut is a good rule of thumb to adhere to during your reception. "Cutting a cake or serving some sort of dessert is a good indicator that a wedding will be wrapping up within the next one to two hours in a guest's mind," says Gray. "Therefore, I advise not serving the late-night snack much later than right after you have served the cake to avoid a steep drop-off of guests and any wasted food."
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How to Find Late-Night Snack Wedding Catering Near Me
Although finding late-night snack wedding catering near you may seem overwhelming with the plethora of caterers out there, The Knot Vendor Marketplace makes finding catering simpler. When you use our platform, you can filter the search engine to find specific kinds of caterers including food trucks, buffets, chef stations and family style caterers in addition to food pros in specific cities and states. Furthermore, you can filter according to your catering budget and see caterers that support diversity or are LGBTQIA+ owned.
Wedding Late-Night Snack Ideas
Whether you're looking for easy wedding late-night snack ideas or those that are more intricate, we've compiled a list that will have your guests leaving your celebration with a smile.
1. Mini Cookie Milkshakes
Photo: Julia Franzosa Photography
,Catering: Entertaining Company
End your (and your guests) night on a sweet note with some mini cookie milkshakes in glass bottles. Place a straw through each cookie and lay it on top of the bottle for some added crunch and decor.
2. Mini Sliders
Credits: Photography: Kate Headley, Catering: Occasions Caterers
Mini sliders are a great way to pack some protein into your guests' bellies before they hit the road. Whether you place each slider in a box decorated with you and your partner's initials is up to you—either way, how the slider tastes is what matters most.
3. Wafels & Dinges Food Truck
Photo: Zorz Studios, Catering: Wafels and Dinges
Reserve a Wafels & Dinges food truck to make a late-night appearance at your wedding. Your guests will enjoy building their own freshly baked liege waffles with the truck's plethora of toppings from strawberries to chocolate sauce. And, we think you will, too.
4. French Fry Cups
What's better than french fries? French fries served in cups. Opt to keep the fries in paper or cardboard cups so all of your guests can enjoy them including any of those who are looking to take their snack to go.
5. Mini Dumplings
If you and your partner are big dumpling fans, having them placed in mini takeout boxes for your guests to enjoy can be both practical and commemorative. Don't forget to indicate whether or not they are filled with meat or vegetables for any vegetarians who may be celebrating with you.
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6. Taco Food Truck
Photo: Jason Thomas Crocker Photography
,Catering: Barrio Food Truck
If dinner was served earlier in the night and you think guests may require a more substantial snack before leaving, consider a taco food truck. From beef tacos to those filled with cauliflower rice, these tacos are sure to suit every palette.
7. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Tomato Soup
If you're looking for wedding snack ideas that everyone likes, it's hard to go wrong with grilled cheese. Dunk some grilled cheese sandwiches in miniature cups filled with tomato soup for an eat that is both savory and sweet.
8. Doughnut Holes
Photo: The Brauns
,Catering: Eat Well
Serve up some doughnut holes that'll provide your guests with the extra boost of sugar they'll need to get back home safely. Stick to one type of doughnut or provide a variety for your guests to pick and choose.
9. Pretzel Bar
Photo: Roman Photography and Cinematography
,Catering: Lobo Castle Catering
The wedding late-night snack ideas that Gray recommends are those that can be held in cups or napkins which include pretzels. Elevate the pretzel experience for your guests with a pretzel bar that contains different kinds of dipping sauces from beer cheese to caramel.
10. Gold-Dusted Peanut Butter Cups
Photo: Eyes 2 See
,Catering: Four Seasons Resort
Complete your wedding reception with some gold-dusted peanut butter cups. Just make sure no one on your guest list is allergic before bringing them onto the floor.
11. Pizza Table
Turn the end of your wedding celebration into one giant pizza party with a pizza table filled with different kinds of pizza. If you're not sure how many pizzas you want on your table, assume each of your guests will eat three slices and go from there.
12. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs can be a good wedding snack idea, especially if you're looking for an inexpensive and easy late-night wedding snack. Whether or not you opt to have condiments on top when served or on the side for your guests to put on themselves is up to you and the aesthetic you're aiming for.
13. New England Clam Chowder Cups
Although New England Clam Chowder cups may not be what first comes to mind when thinking about snacks for a wedding, don't rule out this New England favorite, especially if you're planning a New England wedding. Add a mini clam cake on top of each cup for an extra touch or to give your guests something to dip into their chowder.
14. Batch Ice Cream Truck
Photo: Kate McElwee Photography
,Catering: Batch Ice Cream
Your guests will all scream for ice cream when an ice cream truck pulls up, especially if it's an ice cream truck from Batch. Plus, if you work with Batch, you'll be supporting a family-owned small business, and that always is a good feeling.
15. Sushi Bar
Photo: Person + Killian Photography,
Catering: Catering by Andrew
For a more substantial wedding snack bar, a sushi bar can be a great idea, especially if you're serving a wedding reception filled with seafood lovers. Add some edamame and soy sauce to your assortment of rolls and you'll have your guests crazy in love with your late-night wedding food.
16. Fruit, Cheese and Vegetable Platters
Photo: Catrina Earls Photography
,Catering: David Grant Catering and Polar Pete's
If you're looking for some late-night wedding table snacks, consider adding fruit, cheese and vegetable platters. Complete your charcuterie boards with some chocolate, ranch and crackers–your guests will appreciate it, trust us.
17. Chilled Soup Shooters
Sometimes the best late-night wedding snack ideas are the easiest. Chill up some of your favorite soup and pour it into shot glasses. You can add a straw for an easy drinking experience, but it's not a requirement.
18. Chicken and Waffles
For a late-night wedding snack with a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, chicken and waffle plates will do just the trick. Since not everyone likes syrup, make sure some is placed on each table for your guests to dress their dish as they please.
19. Mango Panna Cotta Shots
When it comes to snacks for wedding receptions, mango panna cotta shots are the way to go. Made with the perfect blend of sweet and citrus flavors, your guests will be sure to leave your wedding on a sweet note.
20. McDonald's Happy Meals
Channel your inner kid by providing each of your guests with a McDonald's Happy Meal. It's hard to beat chicken nuggets and french fries after an after-party of dancing and socializing.
