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This wedding menu roundup was inspired by and based on Juliette and David's rock ‘n' roll wedding with finger foods. Juliette explained their menu: I didn't want a sit-down meal, so I worked with the head chef to create a menu of dozens of finger foods including tofu lollipops, mini chicken lettuce cups, and a station where a chef steamed dumplings to order.
You've got to see what she served for dessert — classiest s'mores ever!? Keep reading and get inspired (and hungry).
Forget the rigid formality of three-course plated dinners. When Juliette and David planned their wedding, they wanted the food to match their rock ’n’ roll energy—dynamic, social, and entirely unexpected. By ditching the traditional sit-down meal, they created an atmosphere where the party never had to pause for a salad course.
If you are looking to break the wedding mold, a finger food-focused reception might be your best move. Here is a look at the inspired menu that kept their guests fueled and moving.
The Savory Lineup
The secret to a successful all-appetizer wedding is variety. You need a mix of light, fresh bites and hearty, indulgent options to ensure everyone leaves satisfied. Juliette worked closely with her head chef to curate dozens of options, including:
- Tofu Lollipops: Perfectly cubed, golden-brown tofu topped with a zesty herb gremolata. These are proof that vegan options can be the star of the show.
- Mini Chicken Lettuce Cups: Crisp, refreshing, and easy to eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other.
- Steamed Dumpling Station: For a touch of interactive theater, a chef-manned station steamed fresh dumplings to order, filling the room with incredible aromas.
- Elevated Comforts: From crispy shrimp spring rolls to slow-cooked short ribs, the menu balanced high-end culinary skill with approachable flavors.
Presentation is Everything
When the food is small, the presentation needs to be big. Juliette and David used a variety of vessel styles to keep the visual interest high:
- Clear Acrylic Boats: Used for ceviche or layered salads to show off the fresh ingredients.
- Individual Skewers: Perfect for the tofu lollipops and grilled meats.
- Tiered Bamboo Steamers: These added an organic, rustic texture to the food stations.
The Sweet Encore
As the night progressed, the dessert arrived—but not in the form of a massive, fondant-covered cake. Instead, they opted for the classiest s’mores you have ever seen: perfectly toasted marshmallows atop artisanal chocolate and crisp graham cracker squares, served on sleek white platters.
For a final whimsical touch, guests could grab lavender-infused rock candy sticks from glass jars, a nod to the sweet, vibrant spirit of the day.
Why Finger Foods Work
By choosing a menu of small bites, Juliette and David ensured their wedding felt less like a banquet and more like an epic house party. It encouraged guests to mingle, sample a bit of everything, and spend more time on the dance floor than in a chair.
If you are a couple that values conversation and movement over tradition, take a page out of this rock ’n’ roll playbook. Your guests’ taste buds—and their dancing shoes—will thank you.
My only problem with these is that it looks difficult to eat 20 of each, but I’m pretty sure my taste buds would demand it.
Huzzah for finger foods! That’s totally what we’re doing, too. I don’t like sit down meals either, I want everybody to be up and mingling as much as possible, so finger foods are the perfect choice for us!
Probably not the best post to check out before lunch. My stomach is screaming in pain now. These all look so good – AND pretty!
How do you eat braised short ribs as a finger food ? How did people eat the crostini without spilling sauce ? I am curious, too.
We’re doing finger foods, too, at our wedding reception in September. There will be a buffet with mini fontina tuna melts, mac and cheese cups, chicken salad with grapes in pastry cups, spinach artichoke dip with pita chips, and homemade billy goat potato chips with aioli. Plus there will be bowls of spiced popcorn on the tables and waiter-passed homemade soft pretzel bites. And instead of cake, we’re renting an ice cream truck to serve hand-dipped drumsticks and sorbet. I’m so excited!
We would love to do a finger foods, heavy hors d’oeuvres and stations menu in lieu of a sit-down meal! We will have a lot of people though (300+). Thoughts on how to make this kind of finger food set up work for a large crowd?
I would have food in several places (like with stations or multiple buffets) to avoid a long line of people filing through a single buffet. In addition, I would also do some passed hors d’oeuvres. Basically like a big cocktail party.
I agree with the suggestion of multiple stations, but perhaps another option (or one that could be used along with stations) would be passed hors d’oeuvres. With a large group (and a large space) people might get pretty far away from the food and miss out unless some of the food came to them. Plus, having someone offer you a tasty item from a tray just always seems fun.
This menu looks amazing – the guests must’ve been thrilled at the originality. Looks delish!
Thank you for such nice comments, everyone! We had so much fun coming up with the menu. And the venue was soooo good to work with. I have a peanut allergy, and they were able to create an Asian-themed menu that I could actually eat. We had around 100 guests, and we had the lighter treats passed during a cocktail hour, then had the other items arranged over several stations for the dinner hour. It worked out really well, and kept everyone moving and socializing – just what we had hoped for!
Please explain those adorable little s’mores to me! I’m helping my friend plan her wedding and she wanted to do a s’mores bar but we can’t have an open flame at the place where she’s having the reception 🙁 those look perfect (and delicious)!
The smores were made in advance by the hotel chef – it’s a chocolate dipped graham cracker with toasted merengue. They were served on large platters, so there was never actually an open flame at the reception.
Thank you!
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We are grandparents and yes we are getting are getting in December. Our wedding is going to be simple, small and better close family and friends. We want to heavy hors d’oeuvres. However we cannot afford a caterer but I have family and friends that are willing make them. Can you give me a list of simple hors d’oeuvres? I want to my family and friend simple things. Maybe I’m asking for too much. I will appreciate if you can give me a list. I’m doing for 100 people to be in save side. Please any idea is appreciated.
Thank you so much
Marta