Rhiannon Hendricks
Food is an important aspect of a wedding, and hors d'oeuvres are a standard offering at wedding receptions. Passed hors d'oeuvres are served by waiters walking around with trays, while stationed hors d'oeuvres are set up on a table. Couples may choose to offer passed hors d'oeuvres to their guests if they want to add a touch of personalization to their wedding or if they want to ensure their guests have enough to eat during cocktail hour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passed hors d'oeuvres | Servers walk around with trays of food |
| Stationed hors d'oeuvres | Food is served at a table |
| Passed hors d'oeuvres advantages | Guests don't have to go to the table; can be more food served; can be more personalized |
| Stationed hors d'oeuvres advantages | Can save costs |
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What You'll Learn
Passed vs stationed hor d'oeuvres
Passed and stationed hor d'oeuvres are both common options for wedding food. Passed hor d'oeuvres are served by staff walking around with trays, while stationed hor d'oeuvres are set up on tables for guests to help themselves.
There are several factors to consider when choosing between passed and stationed hor d'oeuvres for your wedding. One benefit of passed hor d'oeuvres is that guests can mingle and eat with minimal effort, which can help to create a relaxed atmosphere and ensure guests are ready to hit the dance floor after dinner! However, passed hor d'oeuvres may not be the best option if you have a large number of guests, as it can be difficult to ensure that everyone is offered something they like.
One advantage of stationed hor d'oeuvres is that guests can choose exactly what they want and how much they want, which can be helpful if you have guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. However, stationed hor d'oeuvres can cause congestion and long lines, interrupting conversations and potentially causing frustration for guests.
Ultimately, many people choose to offer a combination of passed and stationed hor d'oeuvres to get the best of both worlds. This can be a good option if you have the budget and staff to support it, as it ensures that guests have plenty of food options and can move around and mingle as they please.
Whether you choose passed, stationed, or a combination of the two, it's important to consider the specific needs and preferences of your guest list. For example, if you know that your guests have limited food allergies or restrictions, you can offer a "snack plate" approach to passed appetizers. Or, if your guests would prefer a more relaxed and social atmosphere, you might opt for mostly passed hor d'oeuvres to minimise interruptions.
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Creative ways to serve traditional foods
When it comes to weddings, food is often the centrepiece of the celebration. While it's easy to feel underwhelmed by dishes you've seen a hundred times, you want to serve something special. Here are some creative ways to serve traditional foods at your wedding:
Tray-passed hors d'oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres are a standard at weddings, and you can choose to have them passed around by servers or stationed at a table. If you know your guests have limited food allergies or restrictions, you can opt for a "snack plate" approach to passed hors d'oeuvres. Some tasty options include Caprese skewers (mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle), bite-sized tacos, and mini bottled margaritas.
Buffet stations
Buffets are a great way to serve a variety of dishes and cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. From pizza to taco buffets, there are many options to choose from. You can even have a waffle buffet with options for both early and late celebrations, like fried chicken and waffles. Don't forget to include some unique dips like aioli, queso, or flavoured mustard!
Creative displays
Add a creative twist to traditional foods with unique displays. For example, a pineapple display for fresh fruit or a donut wall for a fun and Instagram-worthy treat. You can also set up picnic stations with picnic-inspired foods like pasta salad, baguettes, club sandwiches, and watermelon slices for a creative and fun dining experience.
Late-night snacks
Surprise your guests with a fun late-night snack, like their favourite fast food or a themed old-fashioned diner with chicken tenders, fries, and waffle stacks. You can also offer grab-and-go snacks like popcorn during the cocktail hour or on the dance floor to keep your guests energised.
Sit-down meals
If you're opting for a sit-down meal, you can still get creative with the dishes you serve. For a starter, consider a light paté or a terrine, followed by a main course of roasted chicken or lamb pie. For dessert, a sticky toffee pudding or a tropical shrimp salad with a citrus-honey dressing will surely be memorable.
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How much food to serve
When it comes to weddings, food is often central to the celebration, and your guests will be expecting to be well-fed. There are a few things to consider when deciding how much food to serve at your wedding. Firstly, think about the time of day and your guests' expectations. If your wedding is during a typical meal time, your guests will likely be expecting a full meal. In this case, you can plan for 3 to 5 bites of hors d'oeuvres per person as an appetizer before the main course.
However, if you are having an appetizer-only wedding, it is recommended to provide 12 to 15 bites per person. This could be a good option if you want to keep costs down, but be mindful of your guests' hunger levels, especially if your wedding is during dinner hours. In this case, consider serving heavy appetizers or making it a brunch wedding. If you're set on an appetizer-only wedding during dinner hours, ensure you provide enough food to satisfy your guests. For example, for 160 guests, you may want to provide at least 1600 pieces of hors d'oeuvres.
Another option is to have a combination of passed and stationed hors d'oeuvres. Passed hors d'oeuvres are served by servers walking around with trays, while stationed hors d'oeuvres are set up at tables. This allows guests to help themselves and choose their favorite foods. When deciding between passed and stationed options, consider your guests' preferences and any food allergies or restrictions. For example, a "snack plate" approach with passed appetizers can work well if your guests have limited food allergies or restrictions.
Finally, keep in mind that the amount of food you need will depend on the specific items you're serving. For example, if you're serving meatballs, consider the serving size and whether you'll be serving mini or regular-sized meatballs. For cooked meat appetizers, most recipes call for slightly less than 2 ounces of meat per appetizer.
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Types of food to serve
Food is an important part of a wedding, and your guests will be expecting some tasty treats to keep them going throughout the day. There are a few options to consider when it comes to wedding food, and you can choose to have a passed or stationed option, or a mixture of both. Passed hors d'oeuvres are served by staff walking around with trays, whereas stationed hors d'oeuvres are set up on a wedding appetizer table.
If you're looking to save on costs, a stationed table is a good option. You could have a simple veggie tray with meat, cheese, fruit, nuts, and marinated veggies. If you want to add a touch of luxury, you could include seafood such as freshly shucked oysters or tuna tartare wontons with a soy glaze. For a more informal wedding, pizza is a crowd-pleaser, but it can be messy. If you want to include pizza, consider serving it on trays as bite-sized pieces on flaky sesame crackers, topped with watercress and edible flowers.
Passed hors d'oeuvres can be a fun way to get your guests involved and add a touch of personalization. If you and your partner are sports fans, for example, you could serve 'Franks in a Blanket'—a passed appetizer favorite. You could also serve individual 'short rib mini south of the border tacos', or other options such as tuna tartare, brisket, pulled chicken, or cilantro lime shrimp. If you know your guests have limited food allergies or restrictions, you can opt for a "snack plate" approach to passed appetizers.
For a summer wedding, Caprese Skewers—mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic drizzle—are a great option. If you're looking for something more creative, you could serve your guests' favorite small bites on chunky wooden boards.
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Allergies and dietary restrictions
When planning a wedding, it's essential to consider your guests' dietary restrictions and allergies. Here are some tips to ensure all your guests can enjoy the food and feel included in the celebrations:
Know Your Guests' Restrictions
Firstly, understand the dietary needs of your guests. Include a line on your RSVP cards asking guests to list any allergies or restrictions, or encourage them to contact you via phone or email. This way, you can make informed decisions when planning the menu and ensure there are suitable options for everyone.
Work with Your Caterer
Share the information you've gathered about your guests' dietary needs with your caterer. Work together to create a menu that accommodates these needs. Ask the caterer about the ingredients used in each dish and request a breakdown if any guests with severe allergies are attending. Send this information to those guests beforehand so they can feel confident in their food choices on the day.
Passed Hors D'oeuvres
Passed hors d'oeuvres, where servers circulate with trays of food, can be a great way to accommodate dietary restrictions. This approach allows guests with restrictions to receive food directly, avoiding potential cross-contamination from shared serving utensils. It also ensures they have access to suitable options without having to navigate a buffet or appetizer table.
Label Food Clearly
If you opt for a buffet or appetizer table, ensure that all food is clearly labelled. Indicate options that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergen-free. This simple step helps guests with dietary restrictions make informed choices and enjoy the meal safely.
Dessert Options
Guests with dietary restrictions may not expect a dessert that meets their needs, but it's still important to provide inclusive options. Consider adding gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free choices to the dessert table. These alternatives ensure that guests who can't indulge in traditional wedding cake still have a sweet treat to enjoy.
Remember, accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies is about ensuring your guests' safety and satisfaction. By taking these steps, you can create an inclusive dining experience that allows everyone to celebrate your special day fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Passed hors d'oeuvres are small bites or finger foods that are served by staff walking around with trays during a wedding's cocktail hour.
Passed hors d'oeuvres are not necessary at a wedding, but they are a fun way to personalise your wedding day and cater to your guests' tastes. Food is often at the centre of large gatherings like weddings, and your guests will be expecting some fuel to keep celebrating.
Passed hors d'oeuvres can be hot or cold and range from simple to complex. Examples include pizza, frankfurters in blankets, tuna tartare wontons, and caprese skewers.
The number of passed hors d'oeuvres you serve will depend on the number of guests. For 160 guests, you should have at least eight different passed hors d'oeuvres.
If you want to save on costs, you can opt for stationed hors d'oeuvres, which are served at a table. This option may also be preferable if you have many guests with limited food allergies or restrictions.
