DIY Snacks, And Drinks Ideas You Can Pull Off Without A Caterer
August, 21 2023
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting aspects is undoubtedly the food and drinks. From delectable appetizers to mouthwatering entrees and signature wedding cocktails, the culinary experience at a wedding can truly be a feast for the senses. It's a time to indulge in delicious flavors, celebrate with loved ones, and create unforgettable memories. The wedding menu offers an opportunity to showcase your unique tastes and preferences as a couple. Whether you're dreaming of a lavish multi-course dinner or a laid-back buffet-style affair, there are endless options to cater to your vision. From traditional classics to inventive culinary creations, you can design a menu that reflects your personality and delights your guests. Start the celebration with a tantalizing array of hors d'oeuvres that will impress even the most discerning palates. Think bite-sized delights like savory tarts, bruschetta with fresh toppings, or miniature sliders bursting with flavor. These delectable starters will set the tone for the evening and keep your guests satisfied as they mingle and toast to your happiness. No wedding celebration is complete without a fabulous selection of drinks to toast to your love. Craft signature cocktails that reflect your personality, such as a refreshing citrus-infused sip or a sophisticated champagne-based concoction. Allow your guests to explore a range of libations with a well-stocked bar offering an assortment of spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic options. Cheers and clinks of glasses will fill the air as you toast to a lifetime of happiness together.
That said, it is only natural for you to think of your wedding budget and more. With that in mind, you can try to pull off a few ideas all by yourself. You can think of getting some ideas together, this will not only help you free up some cash for your special day but will also give you an amazing opportunity to add a touch of DIY to your wedding day. So, today, we will talk about a few amazing cocktails that you can DIY with some food ideas.
DIY Wedding Snacks and Food Ideas
Let’s start with some ideas that you can DIY for your wedding day. First things first, we recommend planning to have some bite-sized wedding day snacks. Planning to prepare some options for dinner could be difficult. Since we know that the day before your wedding is an important day, and it is crucial for you to rest up, we suggest using the time to make some bite-sized snacks instead of dinner options! So, let’s get into it!
Caprese Salad Skewers Appetizer
Let’s talk about a crowd favorite! This is an easy and delicious snack! If you're looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer to impress your wedding guests, Caprese Salad Skewers are the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delightful and visually appealing dish that will tantalize taste buds. Start by getting some fresh and juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and creamy mozzarella balls. Skewer them together, alternating between the three ingredients, and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Caprese Salad Skewers not only offer a burst of refreshing flavors but also add a touch of sophistication to your appetizer spread. The vibrant red, green, and white colors make for a visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests. The beauty of these skewers lies in their versatility. You can customize them to your liking by adding a twist of your own. Consider adding a drizzle of pesto or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can even experiment with different variations, such as substituting the mozzarella balls with bocconcini or using heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful display. What we love the most about these is that you can use this snack for your wedding cocktail hour as well as an appetizer for your wedding dinner. Additionally, this delicious appetizer is an easy-peasy option whether you’re thinking of throwing a big or an intimate wedding!
Sandwiches!
When it comes to wedding appetizers, bite-sized sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser. These little handheld delights are not only tasty but also a fun and interactive way for guests to enjoy a variety of flavors. If you're looking to add a personal touch to your wedding menu, creating DIY bite-sized sandwiches is the way to go! Let your creativity soar as you explore the endless possibilities of sandwich combinations. Start with a selection of freshly baked bread, such as mini brioche rolls, slider buns, or even cute tea sandwiches made with crustless white bread. From there, the sky's the limit! If not, you can simply choose bread slices you can find in a regular supermarket. For a classic and elegant option, try creating mini cucumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches. Spread a layer of creamy goodness on the bread and top it with thinly sliced cucumbers. Sprinkle with a pinch of dill or add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
If you're in the mood for something savory, consider making mini sliders with juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a dollop of tangy barbecue sauce. For a vegetarian option, go for flavorful roasted vegetable and hummus sandwiches, or perhaps a Caprese-inspired creation with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Don't forget to add some adventurous options to your sandwich spread. Think about crafting mini chicken and waffle sandwiches, pairing crispy chicken tenders with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Or go for a gourmet twist with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a touch of dill on a mini bagel.
To make your wedding appetizers appealing and pleasing, try using beautiful ideas for your wedding day. A great idea that we love is to use the classic style, which adds elegance to your wedding day. Another idea that we love is to use something fun. Instead of choosing your regular and classic style, you can cut long rectangular pieces of sandwiches, and place them in glasses. You can add about two or three pieces together, for your wedding guests or you can also add some amazing sauce at the bottom to let your guests enjoy the delicious sandwiches you made with love. Another impressive wedding idea that you can use for your wedding day is to choose to have a sandwich spread! Create a sandwich bar for your wedding day!
Easy Potato Bites
How can we forget the amazing potato bites for your wedding day? When it comes to satisfying your guests' appetites at your wedding, potato bites are a delicious and versatile option that is sure to please. These bite-sized wonders are crispy on the outside, and soft and flavorful on the inside, making them the perfect finger food for any celebration. Whether you opt for classic potato skins loaded with cheese and bacon or elegantly crafted mashed potato balls with a hint of truffle oil, these irresistible bites will leave your guests wanting more. So go ahead and treat your loved ones to the comforting goodness of potato bites on your special day. What we love about this idea is that you can have the potato bites ready in no time. To serve this to your wedding guests, all you need to do is keep the potato bites ready and have your wedding day helpers fry them for the day.
Pigs in a Blanket (with Cheese!)
Indulge your guests with an all-time favorite: Pigs in a Blanket with a cheesy twist! These bite-sized delights are easy to make and will bring a touch of fun to your wedding day menu. To create this crowd-pleasing treat, start by wrapping mini sausages or cocktail franks with thin strips of puff pastry. Before rolling them up, generously sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, onto the pastry. This adds a gooey, melty surprise inside each bite. Once assembled, place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet and brush them with an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve these delightful pigs in a blanket with a variety of dipping sauces, such as mustard, ketchup, or a tangy barbecue sauce. The combination of flaky pastry, savory sausage, and oozing cheese is sure to delight your guests and leave them craving more. These mini delights are not only delicious but also easy to eat, making them a convenient option for a wedding reception. Whether served as a passed appetizer or part of a buffet, Pigs in a Blanket will add a touch of whimsy and comfort to your special day.
Apart from this, you can try a few more recipes. We only added a few options, the ones we think are fun and easy to make before your wedding day. However, if you’re a skilled cook and you love cooking, you can try tricky recipes as well. You can try adding delicious Cranberry Brie Bites, easy-to-eat Spinach Artichoke Zucchini Bites, super cheesy mozzarella sticks, or add stuffed mushrooms to the wedding day snack spread!
Easy DIY Cocktail Ideas for Your Wedding Day
Is any wedding day party complete without amazing drinks? For this section, we are going to mention some amazing ideas that you can DIY. Additionally, we will make it a point to add the ideas that help you create mocktails or virgin drinks for your wedding!
Classic Mojito
Create a refreshing and timeless beverage for your wedding day with a DIY Classic Mojito. Begin by gathering fresh mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, rum, and soda water. In a glass, muddle a handful of mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup to release their aromatic flavors. Add ice, then pour in a shot of rum and top it off with soda water. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients and garnish with a sprig of mint. Sip on this delightful concoction as you celebrate, savoring the vibrant taste and cool minty notes that make the Classic Mojito a beloved choice for any wedding occasion. Cheers, to love and happiness! A great way to make this work for your wedding is to create a few pitchers of this drink and place them on your amazing wedding tables. You can also create a mocktail by avoiding the use of rum and alcohol in your drinks. We love this idea because it works for outdoor wedding ideas as well as for indoor options. Also, this really goes well for summer weddings and spring weddings.
Lavender Lemonade Spritzer
Elevate your wedding day with a touch of elegance by serving a delightful Lavender Lemonade Spritzer. This refreshing DIY cocktail combines the delicate floral notes of lavender with the tangy zest of lemon for a perfectly balanced and invigorating drink. Start by creating a lavender-infused simple syrup by simmering water, sugar, and dried lavender buds together until the sugar dissolves and the syrup takes on a subtle floral aroma. Let it cool before straining out the lavender. In a pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, the lavender simple syrup, and sparkling water. Stir gently to mix the flavors. To serve, pour the lavender lemonade over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender or a lemon wheel. Sip on this enchanting spritzer and let the delightful combination of flavors transport you and your guests to a serene and blissful state. It's the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication and whimsy to your wedding celebration. To us, this cocktail looks like the perfect addition to a dreamy wedding idea. If you’re thinking of a wonderful garden wedding, this drink will be the perfect addition to your day’s celebration.
Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
For a delightful burst of flavor at your wedding, serve up a sparkling Raspberry Lemonade cocktail that will dazzle your guests' taste buds. This DIY cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, with the vibrant colors of raspberries and the refreshing zest of lemons. To make this sparkling concoction, start by muddling fresh raspberries in a cocktail shaker. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously to blend the flavors. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top it off with sparkling water or soda. Garnish with a few raspberries and a lemon wheel for an extra touch of elegance. The result is a fizzy, fruity, and perfectly balanced cocktail that will be a hit among your guests.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options for your wedding, consider creating a virgin version of the Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade. Simply follow the same recipe but omit the alcohol. Instead of using sparkling wine or spirits, substitute it with additional sparkling water or soda. The result is a refreshing and vibrant mocktail that captures the essence of the original cocktail without the alcohol content. It's the perfect choice for guests who don't drink or for those who prefer lighter and alcohol-free options. Whether you're toasting with the sparkling Raspberry Lemonade cocktail or its virgin counterpart, both versions are sure to impress your guests and add a pop of vibrant flavor to your wedding celebration. Sip on this fruity and effervescent concoction and let the delightful blend of raspberries and lemons transport you to a world of joy and celebration. Although this cocktail gives us a summery vibe, we feel that you can make it work for all seasons. For us, the aesthetic beauty of this idea is pretty amazing, which is why we feel it can work with a beautiful black-and-white affair. Additionally, you can make it work with subtle and classy wedding theme ideas.
With that said, we hope that these ideas help you come up with the perfect wedding ideas! For cocktails, we recommend using pitchers and dispensers, this way you will be able to get these drinks to your wedding guests easily. For signature cocktails for your wedding, we recommend working with a professional. That said, the ideas here are simply suggestions for you to try out and use. You can use all of these ideas or you can use the ideas here for inspiration and work with it to create an amazing wedding day!