28 Late-Night Wedding Snacks to Serve on the Dance Floor

Couple Enjoys Shake Shack at Their Wedding, a Late-Night Wedding Snack — Photo by Stephanie Brauer

Once you've said "I do," listened to your wedding toasts, and cut your cake, there isn't much to do except to celebrate your official status as newlyweds—and dance the night away. However, even as you continue to enjoy the party alongside your family and friends in your reception space, you (and your guests) may work up an appetite. And as a result, you may want to have a few late-night wedding snacks on hand to ensure that everyone stays well-fed.

When it comes to late-night wedding snacks, there aren't any rules—or traditions—to follow. You and your partner could opt to serve up mini hamburgers from your favorite local diner or turn to your beloved pickle stand for the salty treat on a stick. Regardless of the option you choose, prioritize selecting something fun, portable, and of course, delicious.

Ready to find the perfect bite? Read on for 28 ideas for late-night wedding snacks that you can easily serve (and consume) on the dance floor.

01 of 28

Sliders

A full burger may not be on the menu for everyone, especially after dinner, but sliders certainly can be. Dish up mini versions of this American classic—or mix things up by filling them with pulled pork or brisket. We love how this couple did just that at their nuptials—with the help of San Ysidro Ranch.

02 of 28

Milkshake Shots

Milkshakes on a Platter, a Late-Night Wedding Snack — Photo by Sacia Matthews

Instead of offering tequila and vodka into the late hours of their celebration, this couple asked The Catered Affair to serve "milkshake shots" to their guests. To match the moody aesthetic of their nuptials, they also added black-and-white striped straws to the creamy beverages.

03 of 28

French Fries

This couple proves that you can't go wrong with a container of French fries as a late-night wedding snack. For an added touch of personalization, customize the paper cones you dish them out in. (And make sure to offer a robust sauce selection.)

04 of 28

Personal Pizzas

A Guest Holds a Personal Pizza Box at a Wedding — Photo by Logan Cole

While there's nothing wrong with offering up large boxes of pizza, why not hand guests their own personal container? At this couple's wedding, they served up cheese slices from F10 Catering and Events in boxes personalized with a sketch of them from their engagement photos.

05 of 28

Chicken and Waffles

Looking for something savory to add to your late-night menu? Dish up waffles with bites of fried chicken. At this couple's wedding at Wildflower Farms, they served up mini versions of the go-to brunch pick during their after-party in the venue's Green Room.

06 of 28

Burgers From Your Favorite Spot

A Platter of Burgers from In-N-Out, a Late-Night Wedding Snack — Photo by Laura Murray

Depending on where you live, you likely have an allegiance to a particular fast food joint. If you and your partner share a love for the same one, consider serving up burgers from it as a late-night wedding snack. At their Los Angeles nuptials, this couple had waiters pass around platters of In-N-Out on the dance floor.

07 of 28

Pints of Ice Cream

Sometimes, you just need a sweet treat, especially after celebrating for hours on end. Serve up a variety of pints from your favorite ice cream parlor or try your hand at making a homemade version. In a nod to their love for Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, these newlyweds offered their guests a bite (or two) of the frozen delicacy.

08 of 28

Steak Sandwiches

If you want to switch things up from the classic burger, consider offering steak sandwiches as a late-night wedding snack. This couple had servers pass them around their reception space at their Brooklyn nuptials—ensuring that no guest had to leave the dance floor in order to be fed.

09 of 28

Chicken Wings

Your favorite item at the tailgate is also a fantastic late-night wedding snack. At their Tennessee celebration, this couple served up chicken wings from Blackberry Farm as a protein-packed option for their guests to munch on.

10 of 28

A Candy Bar

Keep the sweets going with a gorgeous display of treats. This couple arranged an artful pink candy bar with all of their favorite picks at their California nuptials. At your own celebration, consider adding small bags, along with spoons and tongs for serving, so guests can grab the perfect snack—and pretend that they're in a real-life candy store.

11 of 28

Hot Dogs

If you're not a hamburger person, consider setting up a hot dog stand as a late-night wedding snack. This couple tapped Lucky Dog—a famous Bourbon Street staple—to serve up the quintessential American meal at their New Orleans wedding.

12 of 28

Bagels

You don't have to wait for brunch the next day to offer your guests a platter of bagels. At their New York wedding in White Plains, this bride and groom set up an assortment of the breakfast staple—along with a variety of cream cheeses.

13 of 28

Warm Doughnuts

If you're hosting your reception outdoors, as the night continues, you (and your guests!) may feel a bit chilly. To combat that temperature drop, consider serving them some warm doughnuts—just like this couple did at their California celebration. For an additional touch of sweetness, set up bowls of frosting and sprinkles next to the station.

14 of 28

Macarons

Consider putting together a beautiful display of the ultimate wedding dessert: macarons. We love how you can choose from so many different colors and flavors to match your aesthetic—or opt for a mixed assortment, as this couple did.

15 of 28

Popcorn

Make your guests feel as though they're at the movies by serving up containers of freshly-popped popcorn. Offer an array of options—or just stick to the classic version. At their food-focused New York wedding, this couple placed the snack in chic red-and-white striped containers.

16 of 28

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This couple and Blackberry Farm prove that a grilled cheese sandwich is sure to satisfy any late-night snack craving. While the original version will certainly do the trick, consider dressing it up with sauces, multiple cheeses, or enviable bread for a wedding-worthy bite.

17 of 28

Ramen

If you gravitate toward a cup of instant ramen as your go-to late-night snack, consider serving it to your guests at your wedding reception. Rather than order in bulk online, this couple turned to their local Korean grocery store to provide the cups of noddles.

18 of 28

Food Truck

Can't decide on a late-night wedding snack? Hire a food truck to offer an array of different options. This New York couple tapped Shake Shack to make an appearance at their nuptials—and had the vendor serve up burgers, chicken, fries, and shakes to their guests.

19 of 28

Milk Tea Boba

Boba Tea, a Late-Night Wedding Snack — Photo by Nirav Patel Photography

Your guests may be craving something refreshing (and delicious!) as the early evening quickly becomes a late night. If so, consider serving them milk tea boba, as this couple did at their California wedding.

20 of 28

Pickles on a Stick

There aren't any rules when it comes to your late-night wedding snack. And as a result, you're free to indulge in your favorite foods. In a nod to their favorite Bryant Park stand, Pickle Me Pete, this couple tapped the vendor to pass around sticks of the salty delicacy at their reception.

21 of 28

S'mores Bar

Treat your guests to a classic sweet with a s'mores bar. Put together a spread of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate options. Your guests will love taking a dance break to roast a marshmallow or two.

22 of 28

Mini Churros

Mix things up by serving up some churro bites. Arrange some chocolate and caramel dipping sauces on the side to satisfy any guest's late-night craving.

23 of 28

Mini Ice Cream Cones

Who doesn't want an ice cream cone after dinner? Serve mini versions of the treat that feature you and your partner's favorite flavors of ice cream.

24 of 28

Fudgy Brownies

Don't forget to add a bit of chocolate to the mix. A platter of gooey, fudgy brownies—like these from Alexandra's Cakes—is sure to bring a smile to any guest's face, especially if they're a lover of sweets.

25 of 28

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Offer a refreshingly sweet bite to your guests with sprinkled ice cream sandwiches. Pro tip: A mini version of this treat is much easier for them to consume on the dance floor.

26 of 28

Slices of Wedding Cake

Have extra wedding cake from earlier in the evening? Dish it out at your after-party. Your guests will love the opportunity for another delicious bite.

27 of 28

Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels are the ultimate late-night food. Feature a stand near the dance floor to keep them warm, or pass them out in personalized paper sleeves. And either way, don't forget the cheese sauce.

28 of 28

Cookies

Want to keep things simple? Wrap up individual cookies for the ultimate sweet treat. They'll be the ideal, self-contained option for guests to grab when they need a quick snack—or want to take something back to the hotel.

Your Guide to Curating the Ultimate Reception Playlist