How to Choose Hors D'oeuvres for Your Wedding

Truth be told, everyone comes to a wedding expecting to be well fed.  So often I hear people say
"oh, if only we could just eat hors d'oeuvres all night!" And even if a fancy dinner is planned, most
couples want to lead with their best foot, offering great hors d'oeuvres choices!  

My advice is to offer 6 choices with 3 "bites" of each.  This will offer a nice variety, and guests will get more than one taste of each.  It's important to keep vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free appetites in mind, and have a nice mix of hearty and lighter alternatives. In terms of size, the hors d'oeuvre should be no more than one bite.  Nothing is worse that trying to wrestle with a baby lamb chop, bone, sauce and drink.  It usually doesn't end well!! 

Break out the options by category based on light/heavy and meat/no meat and choose 1 or 2 from each category. This will help you narrow in on your final, nicely balanced menu.

Here is a sample of some of our favorites!

Light without the meat

• Parmesan Puffs

• Crisp Corn Cup

• Tartlets with Brie and Asparagus or Brie/Chutney/Bacon

• Mushroom Croustades

• Open Faced Cucumber Sandwiches

• Endive Spears with Roquefort Mousse or Crème Fraiche and Caviar

• Tortilla Spirals – Flour Tortillas with Chilis, Scallions, Olives, Cheese and Mexican Spices

• Gorgonzola Tartlets with Fresh Pear Salsa

Light with meat

• Shrimp Toast with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

• Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna on Rice Chips with Wasabi Mayo

• Cherry Tomatoes filled with:  Bacon and Lettuce (Mini BLT’s), 

• Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto di Parma, or Smoked Salmon

• "Tuscan Ovens" (Phyllo Cups with Pepperoni, Marinara Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Oregano)

• Petite Lobster Rolls

• Smoked Salmon on Toast Points with Caper/Onion Butter

• Crab Pillows

• Candied Bacon Squares

• Assorted Wontons (Pork, Chicken, Shrimp or Vegetarian) with Dipping Sauce

• “Tijuana Wontons” – Beef and/or Chicken with Cheese and Mexican Seasonings

• Mini Croquettes (Chicken, Salmon or Shrimp) with Dipping Sauce

• Cocktail Puffs filled with:  Curried Chicken, Crab Salad

• Poached Shrimp with Traditional Cocktail Sauce or “Lamaze” Sauce

Hearty without the meat 

• Celery Stuffed with Pub Cheese or Blue Cheese

• Polenta Crostinis with Roasted Pepper/Basil Topping

• Herbed Goat Cheese, Tapenade, Guacamole

• Devilled Eggs

• Marinated Olives

• Phyllo Flowers with:  Brie and Raspberry Jelly (or Fig Jam), Goat Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes/Pesto

Hearty with meat

• Roasted Pork on Baguette with Dried Cherry Chutney

• Rumakis (Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts or Pineapple or Chicken Livers)

• Filet of Beef on Baguette with Arugula and Horseradish Sauce

• Mini Quesadillas (Crab, Chicken, Cheese) with Salsa

• Beef or Chicken Satay with Dipping Sauce

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Almonds, or Chive/Cream Cheese

• Mini Crab Cakes with Remoulade or Chipotle Sauce

• Scallops wrapped in Bacon with Maple Mustard Cream

• Grilled Chicken Sausages with Honey Mustard

• Savory Palmiers (Puff Pastry “Elephant Ears” with Assorted Fillings – Pepperoni, Pesto, Parmesan)