Cheap appetizers for a wedding in summer
Planning a summer wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding on delicious yet refreshing appetizers that won’t break the bank. With many details to consider, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of organizing the perfect celebration. However, by focusing on what matters most – your guests’ comfort and enjoyment – you can create a memorable experience for all. As the summer heatwaves roll in, it’s crucial to prioritize refreshing and thirst-quenching options that complement the season’s vibrant atmosphere. This list is designed to provide inspiration for the best summer wedding appetizers, ensuring your guests feel revitalized and satisfied as they mingle during cocktail hour. With these ideas, you can focus on what truly matters – celebrating love and making unforgettable memories.
What is cocktail hour at a wedding?
As the reception commences after the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour serves as a transitional period between the formalities of the ceremony and the festivities to come. This is when your guests can unwind, mingle, and relax before the main event – the dinner reception. After exchanging vows and whisking off for photos, you’ll want to keep your guests entertained and satisfied while they await your return to the reception. To achieve this, it’s crucial to offer some sustenance and refreshments during this hour to stave off hunger pangs until the main course is served. Keep in mind that dinner can be served at the reception anytime between 5 pm and as late as 6 pm, depending on the timing you’ve chosen. When the mercury rises, it’s vital not to keep your guests waiting for a lengthy period without any refreshments, lest they seek sustenance elsewhere – an outcome you’ll want to avoid. Some may not return, while others might take too long to get back. To address this concern, we’ve curated a selection of easy and budget-friendly wedding cocktail hour food ideas that are perfect for summer weddings, catering to various themes and styles.
So which appetizers are the best for summer weddings?
Before diving into the best summer wedding appetizers on a budget, we’d love it if you could show some support by liking our Facebook Page. Additionally, please be aware that this blog post may contain affiliate links, which enable us to earn a commission when used. For those planning their special day in 2023, consider joining our exclusive Bride community on Facebook for valuable insights and resources. If you’re looking for more helpful tools to streamline your wedding planning process, don’t miss our comprehensive printable shop featuring customizable checklists, worksheets, and free goodies. To get started with your personalized wedding planning checklist, simply sign up for it here – absolutely free!
What kind of appetizers do you have for a wedding?
When it comes to summer weddings, one of the most important details is the perfect cocktail hour appetizers. These bite-sized treats not only satisfy your guests’ hunger but also set the tone for a memorable celebration. The key is to serve food that’s easy to grab and go, especially if you don’t have designated seating areas. One-bite wonders are ideal for this occasion, as they’re effortless to make and devour. Think mini sliders, small sandwiches, or finger foods that can be carried on tiny plates or napkins without making a mess. The focus should be on simplicity, yet the flavors should still impress. Our curated list of summer wedding appetizers is designed to help you create a personalized menu that’s both budget-friendly and visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard bash or a grand affair, these mouthwatering morsels are sure to delight your guests and leave them wanting more. So go ahead, get creative, and work with your catering team to craft the perfect fusion of flavors and presentation.
18 Mouthwatering Summer Wedding Appetizers
As the sun begins to set on your special day, why not extend the celebration by serving extraordinary summer wedding cocktail hour food that will keep your guests mingling and having fun? To make your reception area the epicenter of excitement, we’ve compiled a list of creative appetizer ideas that are sure to delight. And the best part? These simple yet elegant recipes won’t break the bank, making them perfect for couples on a budget. From flavorful bites to refreshing treats, our summer wedding cocktail hour food ideas will have your guests lingering longer and savoring every moment.
Lobster Salad Bar
Lobster salad remains a timeless favorite that effortlessly impresses at any gathering, including wedding cocktail hours. The harmonious blend of succulent lobster meat and savory mayonnaise creates an irresistible combination that’s both delectable and easy to prepare.
As a budget-friendly option for easy-to-eat appetizers, this finger food shines, especially when paired with other seafood dishes at the reception. Lobsters may be pricey, but cleverly using culls can make this recipe work without sacrificing flavor.
What sets this salad apart is its simplicity: it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require extensive cooking time. The only cooking involved is making the dressing to accompany the lobster meat.
This dish is a wedding planner’s dream come true – it can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy hosts.
For added convenience, you can use store-bought mayonnaise or sauce and mix in your favorite ingredients like celery or onions before serving. Alternatively, consider presenting this delightful dish on top of lettuce leaves or crackers, or even inside tiny sandwiches for a unique twist.
In the world of cold appetizers, this lobster salad is the perfect summer wedding treat – refreshing, flavorful, and sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Dried Fruit & Nuts Salad
When it comes to easy and affordable wedding appetizers, consider serving a mix of nuts and dried food. Dried fruit and nuts are a great way to add some crunch to your snack or dessert table. If you have the space, you can use them as an appetizer or incorporate them into your salad bar. The beauty of dried fruit is that it has a long shelf life and is easy to transport, making it a practical choice. Plus, it’s a healthy option that provides a good dose of fibre, helping to keep your guests full and satisfied. Nuts are also a fantastic option because they’re portable and can be served as an appetizer or dessert. As you plan your wedding menu, consider adding some easy and make-ahead wedding appetizers like this one. For a simple yet impressive offering, combine dried fruit with nuts like almonds and pecans in a large bowl. Place the bowl at one end of your cocktail table along with a small serving spoon. If you want to get creative, whip up some homemade granola bars that can be made ahead of time. These are easy to grab as guests enter the reception hall or take home as gift favours at the night’s end.
Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze
The allure of a Caprese salad is undeniable, and its miniaturized version is an ideal solution for simple yet impressive wedding appetizers. By serving bite-sized Caprese skewers, you’ll not only delight your guests but also save on costs. These charming skewers are perfect for summer weddings, boasting a fun and playful appearance that’s sure to please. Their ease of preparation is another major plus – they can be made in mere minutes and even assembled ahead of time if you’re DIYing your special day. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of sophistication to these healthy and delicious bites, making them an excellent choice for casual gatherings or summer weddings alike. As such, they’ll keep your guests satisfied and ready for the festivities ahead.
Greek Salad Cucumber Party Bites
For any summer wedding, these bite-sized Greek salad treats are an ideal cold appetizer to serve during the cocktail hour. Without requiring any cooking, this no-fuss recipe is quick to prepare and won’t break the bank. To make them, simply layer black olive pesto onto cucumber slices, followed by a square of creamy feta cheese, some fresh basil leaves, and a juicy tomato slice. This delectable combination is sure to please your guests, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. As an added bonus, these party bites are also extremely easy to customize and can be made in mere minutes, making them perfect for couples with limited time.
Vegetarian Sushi Donut Station
The allure of Japanese delicacies has captured the hearts of many, particularly among millennials in the U.S. One such gem is sushi, which has garnered widespread acclaim for its visually appealing presentation and delectable taste. With a plethora of recipes to choose from, including California rolls and spicy tuna rolls, there’s something for everyone. The Vegetable Sushi Donuts Recipe stands out for its simplicity, requiring only five ingredients to bring this innovative treat to life. These bite-sized donuts are not only easy to prepare but also make for an excellent choice as a refreshing summer wedding appetizer or cocktail hour snack. For those who may be hesitant to take on the task of making sushi themselves, there’s always the option to find a local restaurant that serves sushi or request catering services from one of these establishments.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Stuffed Dates
For your upcoming wedding, consider serving these easy-to-make yet impressive Prosciutti-wrapped stuffed dates as a delightful snack or finger food during the cocktail hour. The sweet and succulent dates are filled with a harmonious blend of creamy goat cheese, rich mascarpone, and fragrant basil. A delicate wrap of salty prosciutto adds a satisfying contrast in textures, while a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper elevate the flavors. What’s more, these bite-sized treats can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other wedding details. Simply prepare the dates one day prior to the wedding, store them in the refrigerator overnight, and then remove them from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cocktail hour commences.
Smoked Salmon Canapés with Cucumber
For those seeking a refined yet effortless summer wedding appetizer idea, you’re in luck! A refreshing and elegant option are these smoked salmon canapés paired with cucumber. The combination of seafood and lemon artichoke cream cheese spread creates a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for a warm-weather celebration. As they’re served chilled, these bite-sized treats are an excellent choice for a summer wedding cocktail hour, requiring minimal preparation to accommodate the heat. Consider serving them alongside your favorite hors d’oeuvres for a well-rounded and impressive offering.
Easy Antipasto Skewers For Summer Weddings
Wedding celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a selection of delectable antipasti to tantalize the taste buds. Antipasto Skewers, in particular, are an effortless and stress-free option for a memorable cocktail hour experience. The beauty of these bite-sized treats lies in their ability to be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated overnight, and then simply served as needed. This makes them an ideal choice for busy wedding planners who want to minimize last-minute fuss. With an array of flavors and textures packed into each skewer, it’s little wonder that Antipasto Skewers have become a beloved staple at weddings, bridal showers, parties, and other social gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a small intimate affair or a larger celebration, these versatile appetizers can be easily doubled or tripled to cater to your guests’ cravings.
Easy Shrimp Wedding Appetizers
Indulge your wedding guests with a delectable shrimp appetizer, combining succulent seafood with creamy guacamole and crunchy cucumber on a bed of smoked salmon. This effortless summer wedding bite is sure to leave your guests craving more. With its numerous benefits, including healthiness, ease of preparation, and instant appeal, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a crowd favorite among couples seeking simple yet impressive DIY wedding appetizers.
Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
As the warm weather approaches, many of us are scrambling to find the perfect summer wedding appetizer that will delight our guests. One crowd-pleasing option is a Caprese Bruschetta, which relies on a thoughtful combination of fresh ingredients to deliver a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite. This refreshing dish is sure to be a hit at your summer celebration, thanks to its subtle blend of sweet and salty notes that will leave your guests craving more. And let’s not forget the crowning glory – a generous helping of creamy cheese that adds an extra layer of indulgence to this already irresistible treat.
Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers
There’s something undeniably charming about serving a DIY Cuban sandwich-inspired wedding appetizer that combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures on a stick. These cold, bite-sized delights feature Swiss cheese, ham, Dijon mustard, salami, and baby dill pickles – a harmonious union that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. The beauty of these skewers lies in their make-ahead convenience, making them an ideal choice for busy wedding planners. As your guests mingle and relax during the cocktail hour, they’ll appreciate the opportunity to refuel with a delicious and refreshing snack. While the photographer captures special moments, your attendees can savor each morsel, enjoying the company of fellow wedding-goers. It’s the perfect fusion of taste and socializing – a winning combination that sets the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
Summer Wedding Chips and Salsa
For summer wedding cocktails, consider serving chips and salsa in creative ways. One option is to offer homemade guacamole or salsa for dipping tortilla chips, or pair chips with buffalo wings for a savory combination. To add some flair, incorporate colorful ingredients like purple carrots into your salsa or substitute sweet potatoes for traditional tomatoes. For inspiration, try making a seven-layer dip and serving it with chips. This show-stopping snack is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. The base of the seven-layer dip typically includes beans, sour cream, avocado, salsa, cheese, and various toppings, allowing you to customize to your heart’s content.
Cheese Tray
When it comes to wedding cocktail hour appetizers, consider the simplicity and versatility of a cheese tray. This classic choice offers a trifecta of flavors – sweet, salty, and crunchy – that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. With a wide range of cheeses to choose from, including brie, cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and feta, you can curate a selection that caters to various tastes. Add some crackers or breadsticks for dipping and sliced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness. For an even more straightforward approach, simply offer different types of crackers alongside a variety of cheeses, allowing guests to create their own perfect pairings.
Quick Salami Bread Appetizer
When it comes to crafting the perfect wedding reception menu, consider starting with some delicious and easy-to-make salami appetizers. A variety of options is key to pleasing your guests, so aim to offer a range of bite-sized treats that cater to different tastes. For cocktail hour, you’ll want to keep things simple yet flavorful, making these quick salami bites the ideal choice. Each savory morsel is expertly balanced, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that pairs beautifully with an aperitif. This straightforward party appetizer idea is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort but maximum impact. The best part? Most people are familiar with and enjoy salami, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to your menu. Plus, having salami on hand means you can whip up these tasty treats at the last minute if needed. Your guests will thank you for including this tasty summer wedding appetizer idea in the mix.
Grilled peach & lemon ricotta crostini
Elegance and simplicity unite in this delightful grilled peach & lemon ricotta crostini, an ideal wedding appetizer for impressing your guests. The smoky hint from the grill adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish to new heights. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick and effortless to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining a crowd. If you’re on the hunt for simple yet sophisticated wedding appetizers, look no further. This bite-sized hors d’oeuvre is sure to delight, especially when topped with the sweetness of grilled peaches.
Cucumber Rollups with Fresh Herb Cream Cheese
When planning wedding finger foods that impress, consider these refreshing cucumber rollups with fresh herb cream cheese. The combination of creamy cheese and crunchy cucumbers is a match made in heaven. As someone who appreciates all forms of cheese, I’m thrilled to share this unique alternative to traditional veggie trays often found at BBQs and parties. These bite-sized starters are perfect for hot summer weddings, providing a cooling respite from the sun. If you’re looking for a standout appetizer for your special day, look no further than these delightful cucumber rollups.
Mini BLT wedding slider appetizers
Cocktail hour just got a whole lot tastier with the rise of sliders as popular wedding appetizers. Miniaturized to perfection, these bite-sized BLT sliders pack all the vibrant flavors of your favorite sandwich into a toothpick-friendly package. Easy to grab and devour, they’re sure to delight your wedding guests – especially when that crispy bacon hits their taste buds.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: it’s a breeze to prepare, and the fresh colors on a platter are almost too pretty to eat (almost). The pop of reds and greens makes these BLT bites the perfect summer wedding appetizer – a refreshing treat that’ll leave your guests feeling satisfied and ready for more.
Grilled Watermelon Pineapple Skewers
Planning a summer wedding? Look no further than these Grilled Watermelon Pineapple Skewers, the perfect quick and easy dessert to impress your guests. With only four ingredients required, this sweet treat is sure to become a hit at any outdoor celebration.
The combination of grilled watermelon and pineapple, paired with a tangy yogurt sauce, creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. And let’s not forget the added bonus of being able to pair it with your favorite refreshing cocktail for a truly relaxing summer BBQ wedding experience.
How many appetizers should you serve at a wedding?
Celebrating with loved ones is undoubtedly the highlight of getting married. And what better way to mark this special occasion than with an unforgettable after-party, complete with indulgent eats and refreshing drinks? Summer weddings offer a perfect setting for delightful finger foods and a revitalizing cocktail hour. When it comes to curating the perfect spread, the key lies in selecting dishes that will leave your guests satisfied yet still craving more. Having already shared some summer wedding appetizer inspiration, let’s dive into the nitty-gritties.
What is the standard rule for serving appetizers?
When planning your wedding cocktail hour, we suggest offering 6-8 appetizers per person for the initial hour-long timeframe. As your event unfolds, consider increasing the selection to cater to your guests’ growing appetites. Aim for four to five unique options, providing a total of eight to ten pieces per guest. This ensures that your loved ones remain satisfied and energized throughout the pre-dinner period. If you’re opting for an all-appetizer wedding menu, opt for heavier hors d’oeuvres and serve 15-18 pieces per person over a 4+ hour event. Don’t forget to include some late-night snack platters featuring bite-sized treats like mini pizzas, burgers and fries or tacos to keep the party going.
And there you have it, cheap wedding appetizers for a summer day!
As the cocktail hour approaches at your special day, the appetizers served play a significant role in setting the tone for the celebration. For summer weddings, it’s crucial to serve dishes that are not only delicious but also light, refreshing, and suitable for the season. The good news is that creativity and planning can help you create stunning wedding appetizers without breaking the bank. By drawing inspiration from these budget-friendly yet mouthwatering options, you’ll be better equipped to plan a memorable and affordable celebration.