A wedding, for many, is the one time in life they can go all out on the party of their dreams, inviting friends and family from near and far and searching for unique ways to create lasting memories and leave lasting impressions. Everything from the location to the decorations to the music is carefully thought out and put into place, and brides are constantly on the hunt for something to set their wedding apart. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add a showstopping element to the reception, and what better way than to incorporate food?

Toast to Luxury with a Champagne Fountain

The champagne toast has long been a staple at wedding receptions, but just because it’s an age-old tradition doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. Add a bit of spectacle before the toast in the way the champagne is served. Stack coupe glasses for a champagne tower, and let your guests “ooh” and “ahh” as champagne poured into the topmost glass waterfalls down, filling every glass below it. Alternatively, let guests fill their glasses from a bubbling, seemingly bottomless, champagne fountain for a touch of luxury. If you would rather hop on a more recent trend, try displaying your pre-filled glasses on a champagne wall. 

Follow “I Do” with Fondue

Nothing quite draws the eye like the movement and interactivity of a fondue fountain. It is one of those things that is just common enough that everyone recognizes it but just unique enough that no one expects it. Set up a chocolate fondue station at your dessert table with berries, sliced fruit, pound cake, or marshmallows for dipping. If savory is more your style, fill the fountain instead with liquid cheese and set a smorgasbord of breads, meats, vegetables, and even fruits like apples and pears. If you have a charcuterie grazing table, a fondue fountain could add the perfect final touch.

Get the Party Poppin’ with Popcorn

Popcorn isn’t just for movie night. This buttery, salty treat comes in easily packageable, bite-sized pieces that make the perfect on-the-go snack for the busiest moments of your night. Pop and serve fresh popcorn during cocktail hour to signal the start of the party. When served in a classic striped paper bag, popcorn is easy for your guests to carry around and snack on while they are up and about mingling and socializing. Alternatively, package up some popcorn to give out as favors at the end of the night to thank guests for popping by. Not only is this a cute gesture, but it gives your guests something to snack on while they travel home. 

Spin Up Some Whimsy with Cotton Candy

Cotton candy excites people, and for good reason. It is not only pretty to look at and delicious to eat, but it is whimsical in a way that connects with the inner child. Cotton Candy can be served the traditional way, on a paper cone or in a plastic bag, but it can also be used to garnish desserts or even cocktails. Consider letting your guests participate in the candy making process by setting up a cotton candy spinning station, or create a signature flavor by mixing traditional candy sugar with your favorite finely crushed hard candies.

Keep It Cool with Slushies and Snow Cones

If you are getting married in the warmer months, your guest will appreciate every effort made to help them cool down. This gives you a great opportunity to add a sweet, frozen treat to your reception repertoire. For an outdoor event, a snow cone stand could add a fun and unique point of interest to your reception. For an indoor event, a slushy machine could help your guests keep their cool without taking up limited space. Both of these options can be fun and delicious for all ages as they are, but they can also be paired with your choice of alcohol and mixer to appeal to a more mature crowd.   

Serve a Waffle Lot of Love

Waffles aren’t just for Saturday morning breakfast or brunch with the ladies. Waffles, with their sweet batter and gridded surface, are the perfect bases for a “make your own” bar. Unlike with their flatter cousin, the pancake, a waffle station can be fully self-serve thanks to waffle machines. The contents of a waffle bar have the potential to go in so many directions. Offer berries, sliced fruits, whipped cream, and maple syrup for the traditional waffle experience, or serve them a la mode with ice cream, hot fudge, and sprinkles. You can even take it down a more savory route by offering chicken and waffles with hot honey or topping your waffles with an arugula salad with goat cheese, walnuts, and a sweet vinaigrette.