Maddy writes for The Knot, with a specialty in beauty, sustainability, mental health and bbq menu ideas. Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Maddy wrote for several different publications, including Insider, Bustle, Real Simple and Apartment Therapy. Word to the wise: Before you make any huge decisions, ask your venue what their catering policy is. The biggest dinner trend we’re seeing right now?

Couples are moving away from a sit-down three- or four-course dinner where the food is brought to guests by waitstaff, and instead, having passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hours or self-serve food stations. Guests still have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy their meal, but there’s less table-time and more mingling time. Due to the pandemic, many couples are offering individually wrapped meals at their nuptials too. Rather than passing plates or bites, couples are offering pre-packaged meals for each guest, creating a personalized and COVID-conscious experience. Serve up all of your courses in a decorative box or picnic basket.

No matter how you decide to serve your food on your big day, make sure you craft a menu that reflects who you are as a couple. Let our favorite 26 wedding menu ideas inspire your reception menu. Of course, the most important thing is to tailor your wedding menu to your own personal taste. It’s still a special way to personalize your nuptials and make the day even more special. However, you don’t have to follow this format at all. If you’d rather have a cocktail-style reception, you can absolutely do that.

Here are 26 of our favorite wedding menu ideas. Create an exciting interactive experience for your guests with a traveling seafood station. We love the idea of a bucket of oysters because it’s the perfect blend of elegant and fun. Psst: You can use this for any kind of seafood you’d like: lobster ravioli, sashimi or popcorn shrimp. Rustic wedding couples, this one is for you. Get creative with your wedding menu and offer pizza. Offer a few different options for toppings so your guests can pick their favorites.

Comfort food, but make it elegant. This goes for any kind of comfort food you like—try mini shooters of BBQ mac and cheese or mini chicken and waffles with maple syrup. Put your own twist on the traditional dessert table by bringing in a dessert truck instead. While we love the idea of freshly-scooped gelato, you can serve any sweet treat you desire.