89 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Leaf Plate
Keep the offerings fresh and nourishing.
Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner with expertise in wedding orders, as well as a former event planner. She is now a freelance writer focused on lifestyle, travel, and food and beverage.
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
It goes without saying that your wedding day is the most important day of your life. With that comes a rigorous schedule that likely includes not just the ceremony and reception, but also a strict hair and makeup timeline, hours spent posing for photos, and time to mingle with family and friends. Despite the fact that you'll be extremely busy, you still need to make time for one important task: Eating!
The last thing you want is to feel weak on your big day and eating nourishing foods in the hours leading up to the ceremony and reception is the single best way to combat that. To keep you going all day long, it’s best to avoid heavy, messy foods and instead lean on fresh, simple options. "On wedding days, we recommend both breakfast and lunch options since getting ready can span several hours," says Aimee Griffin, owner of A. Griffin Events. Putting together a spread for you and your wedding party to enjoy while having your hair and makeup done can make all the difference.
Aimee Griffin is the owner of A. Griffin Events, a full-service event design and planning agency in Washington, D.C.
Ready to prep a list of go-to foods for your day-of? Read on for 27 fueling food and drink ideas to enjoy while getting ready—they're guaranteed to keep your energy up throughout the entire celebration and appeal to your entire group.
Who doesn't love a bagel? Keep things simple by picking up a dozen from your favorite local bagel store and setting them out alongside all the standard fixings—cream cheese, butter, jam, lox, tomatoes, and onions—so that everyone can build their own sandwich. Add in a fresh fruit salad for good measure, too!
Avocado toast is a total classic, and it's a dish that almost everyone loves. Best of all, it can be prepped and cut up into small bites for easy eating, which makes it an ideal wedding-morning option. Dress it up with your favorite vegetables or add chickpeas for even more protein.
If you prefer sweet bites to savory, consider serving a few miniature versions of breakfast classics. Single-bite pancakes topped with fresh berries are guaranteed crowd-pleasers and way less messy than bigger stacks.
PHOTO BY KATIE PARRA PHOTOGRAPHY
While you could certainly order a few pies for everyone to enjoy, traditional slices tend to be greasy and messy. For something reminiscent of your favorite fast food, look to simple flatbreads instead—they're a lighter option and tend to be easier to eat, especially when cut into small pieces. Keep it sauce-free and consider flavor combinations that won't make you feel too full.
Photo by Valorie Darling Photography
There's no denying that charcuterie spreads are trendy, but there's a good reason why: In addition to being downright beautiful, they're also extremely versatile and generally tend to be packed with an array of filling options. Set out a selection of meats, cheese, breads, nuts, and fruits to fuel your group.
If creating a traditional charcuterie spread sounds too time-consuming, consider creating (or purchasing!) individual cones for each member of your wedding party to snack on. Fill them with your favorite cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, and crackers for a filling and fun option that's also easy to eat.
PHOTO BY ANGEL SHEREE PHOTOGRAPHY
Sliced cucumbers can serve as the perfect vessel for a huge variety of bites, and they can be catered toward breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Top sliced cucumbers with raw salmon, add avocado to the mix, or even create a vegetarian option with hummus.
There's something so fun and nostalgic about French toast sticks. Serve yours in petite mason jars with syrup at the bottom for an easy-to-eat option your entire group will devour.
This is the perfect grab-and-go snack, and it packs so easily. Whether you're choosing granola bars or a simple protein bar, they can go a long way. "Before the wedding party heads out for the ceremony, we supply them with granola bars, straws to keep lipstick from wearing off, and several bottles of water," adds Griffin. It's all about finding easy solutions for on-the-go!
It's a long day, so hearty options are guaranteed to be appreciated by your bridesmaids. If you're getting ready closer to the brunch or lunch hour, small pieces of salmon topped with slaw and avocado is a delicious option that will keep everyone fueled until cocktail hour.
PHOTO BY PEYTON RAINEY PHOTOGRAPHY; DESSERTS BY AMY CAKES
For some, a sweet pick-me-up can go such a long way. However, nobody wants to be biting into a giant doughnut once they've had their makeup done. Mini doughnuts that can be enjoyed in a single bite serve as a great mid-morning treat without all the fuss.
If your wedding ceremony and reception start a little bit later, heartier, more fortifying options are essential. Who could pass up a delicious eggs Benedict? While they do require a fork and knife to enjoy, we promise your bridesmaids won't forget to eat when these tasty open-faced sandwiches are on offer.
Tea sandwiches are the perfect getting-ready food: They're easy to eat, light, and delicious. Choose a few different options—like tuna and egg salad, cucumber, and cream cheese and lox—to ensure that your entire crew can find something they enjoy.
Cris Cantón / Getty Images
Of course, getting ready with your best friends and closest family members calls for celebration! Don't be afraid to pop the bubbly—just be sure you're not going overboard. Bring in your favorite Champagne and pair it with fresh-squeezed orange juice for a great morning pick-me-up.
In addition to those mimosas, be sure to include some non-alcoholic beverages on offer, too. To ensure there's something for everyone, plan to serve a mix of caffeinated options, including coffee and tea.
The importance of hydrating throughout the day can't be stressed enough. Being hydrated will keep you going, and displaying mini bottles of water will make it that much simpler. Griffin also suggests keeping electrolyte tablets on hand to help anyone who may have partied a bit too hard the night before.
PHOTO BY AMY AND STUART PHOTOGRAPHY; CATERING BY BELMOND EL ENCANTO
Crostini tend to be popular as a party appetizer because they're so simple to eat. That fact is what also makes them an ideal getting-ready bite. We love the idea of serving small bites that are simple to grab and eat, no plating required.
Photo by Valorie Darling Photography
If you're looking for an mess-free meal option, petite baguette sandwiches are the way to go. Place an order with a local deli and ask for a variety of different options (don't forget about the vegetarians in your life!). To make things even easier, see if they can be pre-cut and -wrapped.
For many, a yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and a bit of granola is a go-to in the morning. It's easy to eat and you and your wedding party will feel full for hours thanks to the protein in the yogurt and nutrients from the fresh fruit.
A handful of nuts may be all you need to keep going throughout the day. Pack a few bags of trail mix for a quick punch of protein.
Fruit is the ultimate pick-me-up. Plus, it's fresh, delicious, and easy to eat. Dice up watermelon and cantaloupe, put together mini cups of berries, or just grab a few bananas and apples to fill a bowl. A few bites of fruit will help to keep you feeling full throughout the day.
PHOTO BY AMBER GRESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate—it's the name of the game! If you're not a fan of plain water on its own, be sure to set up something you'll love. A dispenser filled with water, lemon, and cucumber can serve as a great refreshment all morning long.
Joshua Rainey Photography / Getty Images
If your ceremony is later in the day, you may need to consider both breakfast and lunch. "As it gets close to ceremony time, we see wedding parties less likely to stand still and eat a full meal," says Griffin. "We like to lay out a spread of healthy options that are easy to eat on the go: bowls of grapes and nuts; cheese cubes or slices; sandwiches cut into small slices." An egg salad, chicken salad, or cucumber sandwich is a great choice for this time of day.
A healthy, light option to start the day can go such a long way. Consider acai bowls or smoothie bowls jampacked with protein, nutrients, and antioxidants. They can be customized in so many ways to offer the perfect kickstart for everyone's day.
PHOTO BY BELATHÉE PHOTOGRAPHY
Meatballs can get a bit messy, but if done right, they can be a great choice. Look to meatballs on skewers for easy eating in one or two bites. Plus, they're packed full of protein to last you throughout the day.
Photo by Mikkel Paige Photography
For those looking for a larger lunch alternative, a caprese salad is a beautiful choice. Keep things light and look to fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. You may consider adding spinach or arugula to the mix for added nutrients.
There may be people in the group who love a good crunchy snack and vegetables are sure to do the trick. Keep things light and easy with peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and more cut into small strips. Serve your veggies with a delicious dip or two for easy snacking and great nourishment.
55 Wedding Appetizer Ideas for the Best Cocktail Hour
16 Pre-Ceremony Cocktail Hour Ideas for a Warm Welcome to Your Wedding
How to Plan a Healdsburg Honeymoon
75 Unique Wedding Ideas to Wow Your Guests
33 Mouth-Watering Menu Ideas for a Summer Wedding
35 Food Bar Ideas for Your Wedding
An Expert Guide to Creating a Flavorful Fall Wedding Menu
The Top 5 Summer Wedding Food Mistakes All Couples Should Avoid
21 Genius Fall Wedding Desserts That Aren't Cake
25 Sweet and Celebratory Bridal Shower Dessert Ideas
20 Hors D’Oeuvres That Only Look Expensive, According to Top Chefs
How to Keep Guests Hydrated at Your Wedding—Plus, 20 of Our Favorite Ideas
The 29 Best Bridesman Gifts for the Special Guys in Your Wedding and Life
7 Creative Ways to Serve Pizza at Your Wedding
How to Choose a Delicious, Memorable Menu for a Summer Wedding
Tablemat The 21 Best Hangover Kit Essentials Your Wedding Guests Will Appreciate