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40 Grab-and-Go Menu Picks

These days, sharing is not caring. Family-style meals and buffets may be on hold for now, but there are so many fun options out there for your menu. These grab-and-go menu options keep shared touch points at a minimum.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Pulled Pork Sliders

    Pulled Pork Sliders

    Top each pulled pork slider with a mini pickle.

  • Skewers

    Skewers

    Fill mini glasses with tomato and mozzarella skewers with a pesto glaze.

  • Salad

    Salad

    Salad has never been easier to eat on the go; serve up a variety of flavors to please any palate. 

  • Cheese Forks

    Cheese Forks

    It's like a charcuterie board in individual portions — mix and match various cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and vegetables on bite-size forks. 

    Photo: Ten22 Studio

  • Cookies

    Cookies

    Make your desserts even less prone to germs with individual packaging. 

    Photo: Mike Peyzner and Natasha Valik of Choco Studio

  • Cookies and Milk

    Cookies and Milk

    Upgrade your favorite comfort food with milk and cookie shots. 

    Photo: Ten22 Studio

  • Cupcakes

    Cupcakes

    Wrap your cupcakes in pretty decorative paper to make them even more wedding-worthy.

  • Doughnut Holes

    Doughnut Holes

    Paper cones filled with doughnut holes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

  • Doughnuts

    Doughnuts

    Individually-wrapped gourmet doughnuts are sure to be a hit. 

  • French Fries

    French Fries

    Why are fries so hard to resist? Build in some portion control with small cones, and make it wedding-appropriate with gourmet toppings.

  • Fried Chicken

    Fried Chicken

    Small dishes of fried chicken can be so versatile; opt for a few different flavors that'll appeal to all of your guests. 

  • Fruit Bowls

    Fruit Bowls

    A martini glass filled with fruit gives "fruit cocktail" a new meaning. Add a glaze of frosting to make it even more delectable. 

  • Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

    Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

    Comfort food done right! Crustless grilled cheese is best served with tomato soup.

  • Ice Cream

    Ice Cream

    Perfect for a backyard wedding, ice cream cones are an idyllic summertime dessert.

    Photo: Ten22 Studio

  • Key Lime Pie

    Key Lime Pie

    Everything taste better served out of a martini glass.

  • Lobster Roll

    Lobster Roll

    Especially if you're getting married in New England, mini lobster rolls will be a huge hit.

  • Macaroni & Cheese

    Macaroni & Cheese

    Mini portions of macaroni and cheese will please guests of all ages.

  • Meatball Sub

    Meatball Sub

    Mini meatballs on Italian bread create pint-sized meatball subs.

  • Doughnuts & Milk

    Doughnuts & Milk

    Encourage dunking with these pretty mini doughnuts atop bottles of milk. 

  • Mini Pies

    Mini Pies

    An assortment of individual pies will make your guests smile. 

  • Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad

    This Italian favorite features mozzarella, tomato, and a balsamic glaze.

  • Nutella & Cream

    Nutella & Cream

    Toasted hazelnuts, cream, and Nutella come together to create the perfect pudding cup. Top each with a hazelnut truffle for a finishing touch. 

  • Pasta Bowls

    Pasta Bowls

    Tortellini paired with a pesto sauce and fresh tomatoes makes a colorful presentation. 

  • Peanut Butter & Jelly

    Peanut Butter & Jelly

    Your childhood favorite goes upscale with these adorable mini sandwiches.

    Photo: Shaun Andrews via Colette's Events

  • Peach Cobbler

    Peach Cobbler

    Delight your taste buds with a summertime favorite in a miniature portion.

  • Pie Pops

    Pie Pops

    Pies are easier (and more fun!) to eat while mixing and mingling when you put them on a stick.

    Photo: Pillsbury

  • Fruits & Veggies

    Fruits & Veggies

    Taste the rainbow with a variety of fruits and vegetables.

  • Rice Bowls

    Rice Bowls

    Savory rice is perfectly portioned in mini mugs.

  • Shrimp Cocktail

    Shrimp Cocktail

    Guests will appreciate the extra mess-less measure of a skewer for each jumbo shrimp.

    Photo: Limelight Photography

  • Sliders

    Sliders

    Mini burgers are even easier to serve with a tiny fork.

  • Soup Spoon

    Soup Spoon

    Crispy spoon crackers make this soup even more of a crowd-pleaser.

  • Tacos

    Tacos

    Soft-shell tacos help minimize the mess.

  • Veggies & Dip

    Veggies & Dip

    No worries about double-dipping here; fill shooters with individual portions of cut vegetables and dip.

  • Fried Cheese

    Fried Cheese

    Give mozzarella sticks an elegant upgrade with easier-to-eat bites and gourmet toppings.

  • Yogurt Parfait

    Yogurt Parfait

    Elevate a fruit and yogurt parfait by serving it in a wine glass.

  • Rice Krispie Treats

    Rice Krispie Treats

    Customize rice krispie treats for a dressed-up childhood favorite.

  • Gazpacho

    Gazpacho

    Cold tomato soup is a refreshing choice for a warm-weather wedding.

  • Egg Rolls & Lo Mein

    Egg Rolls & Lo Mein

    Embrace the comfort food trend with your favorite Chinese take-out dish.

  • Dessert Shots

    Dessert Shots

    These layered desserts are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the mouth.

  • Cake Pops

    Cake Pops

    An ombré effect makes these cake pops almost too pretty to eat.

40 Grab-and-Go Menu Picks

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25 Ideas for a Wedding at Home

 “A backyard setting makes for the perfect pivot plan! Not only is it personal, but it generally feels intimate and inclusive," say the experts at HoneyFitz Events. "There are many wonderful reasons to gather your family and friends in the backyard, and it can be done with safety measures in mind.” 

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    When it comes to your décor, survey your yard and take advantage of what you already have. A simple white fence can be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Add a homemade arch to mark the spot where you'll exchange vows.

    "I have always loved at home weddings. Not only are they intimate but very meaningful to celebrate at the house you are making a home by becoming a family. What a great way to make memories in your home," says Danielle Aspromatis, owner, D’Luxe Events.

    Photo: Lisa Hibbert Photography / Event Planning: D’Luxe Events / Flowers: J&M Florals

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Don't stress about the seating — simple tailgating chairs provide your guests with comfort while watching your ceremony. You can even ask guests to bring their own chairs if you don't have enough. 

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Sometimes, you don't even need to add any decorations. A gorgeous tree provided a stunning natural backdrop for this couple's vows.

    Photo: Vitae Weddings / Event Planning: HoneyFitz Events

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Seeing the doors swing open to reveal the bride is one of those moments some brides-to-be dream about for years. The father of the bride custom-built this ceremony archway the morning of the wedding. 

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Create a picture-perfect makeshift arch by suspending tulle from two trees, accented by pretty lanterns.

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Thanks to COVID-19, this couple only felt comfortable including their parents in person. But luckily, it's never been easier to live-stream your wedding. They set up a phone in the middle aisle to capture video for their loved ones to watch from afar.

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Grab a simple throw rug (or even a nice blanket) to mark the spot where you'll share your first kiss as a married couple. 

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings with floral arrangements that'll pop. 

    "An intimate backyard wedding does not have to be boring! It can be just as special as the big celebration most couples plan," says Jess of Cheers Babe Photo. "Even though it looked different than planned — namely, it took place in the groom's childhood backyard with just the couple's immediate family present — the day was incredibly beautiful and memorable." 

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Get a little extra privacy by installing just enough fencing to cover you reception space. Bonus: it serves as a great space to add some fun décor elements.

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Take advantage of all your home has to offer, and bring the indoors out! Instead of renting furniture, simply bring your living room furniture outdoors to create a cozy cocktail lounge.

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    A clear tent protects you from the elements while also providing a wonderful backdrop for your décor. Splurge on romantic lighting, like chandeliers and string lights. 

    "A more intimate gathering can be equally as special as the intended large gathering," says Jordan Kentris of A Good Day. "Taking the original budget and spreading it towards a smaller quantity of pieces can allow for some more luxurious touches to be created."

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Add some color — bright ribbons suspended from tree branches increase the fun factor at your reception.

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Embrace the intimacy of a wedding at home with a relaxed picnic-inspired seating plan. 

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Create a tent out of nothing but string lights! Not only does it give off such a romantic vibe, but it'll also light up the night. 

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    If social distancing is your top concern, take advantage of all the space your home has to offer — set up some tables and chairs on your grass, while others are on the deck or patio. 

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Dress up your pool with floral arrangements for an unexpected touch. 

    Photo: Daytime Photography

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    Take a romantic stroll down your street post-nuptials and capture some photos you'll truly always treasure. 

  • Photo Inspiration

    Photo Inspiration

    There's something undeniably romantic about being able to take a picture in front of your own home right after you become a married couple. 

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    "Add a fun, interactive element to the backyard reception, like this camper turned photobooth for guests to enjoy! Bonus: the pictures can serve as a guestbook and tangible memories from the day," says Stephanie Sadowski of SRS Events.

    Photo: Alicia Lacey Photography / Event Planning: SRS Events / Photobooth: Marigold Bus and Booth

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Including your four-legged friend is even easier when your wedding is right at your own home. 

    “While many couples have had to tweak their original plans to make a 2020 wedding happen, there is something so special about these intimate celebrations," says Nora Sheils, founder of Bridal Bliss. "These smaller events are a great opportunity to really personalize the event and include elements that you may not have otherwise."

    Photo: La Vie Photography / Event Planning: Bridal Bliss

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Balloons and bubbles add to the cozy, homespun vibe of this backyard reception.

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Surprise your guests by having an ice cream truck swing by at the end of the night for goodies.

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Have some fun and shower your guests with treats from a pair of piñatas.

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    A camper can also be transformed into a cute bar!

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    End the night with a dip in the pool! Oversized floats create the perfect photo props. 

25 Ideas for a Wedding at Home

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