PHOTO BY LAUREL MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Receptions aren’t just about the food: it’s about a memorable experience with those you hold dearest to you. But, wowing your guests with a never-before-seen spread connects everyone even more.

Below are some innovative ideas to keep your guests happy, full and on their feet.

PHOTO BY CUSTOM PORTRAITS BY CHARLENE

Modernize the cookie table.
Nothing beats a cookie table. But Lisa and Andrew Rielly caught on to the trend of edible cookie dough and knew it would be a memorable experience for their guests. For their reception at Hotel Monaco, they asked Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique to roll out customizable cookie dough sundaes for dessert. 

PHOTO BY LAUREL MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Connect food with memories.
German culture and cuisine hold a special place in the hearts of Emily and Jon Rizzi. Not only did the couple make incredible memories experiencing Oktoberfest a few years ago, but Emily’s grandfather served in the U.S. Air Force while stationed in Germany. Unfortunately, her grandfather passed away before he could see her walk down the aisle, but the soft pretzel bar created by Oak Lodge and gingerbread cookies by the couples’ families kept his spirit alive for the event. 

PHOTOS BY KRISTY LUMSDEN PHOTOGRAPY

Find inspiration from your theme.
Christina Gilpin-Hayes and Donna Hayes reflected the lighthearted nature of their relationship with a fun-and-games themed wedding at the Energy Innovation Center. Cornhole and giant Jenga provided the fun, while a popcorn bar by Pittsburgh Popcorn Company and a cotton candy machine by Eventioneers kept their guests energized for dancing. 

PHOTO BY STEVEN DRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Pick a food you can’t live without.
For newlyweds Olivia Heidenfielder and Brandon Sacco, it was a no-brainer to have doughnuts for their reception — they are Brandon’s favorite sweet treat. They booked Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique, which caters homemade mini doughnuts onsite, to make the groom’s sweet dreams come true. “The entire ballroom and dance floor then smelled of sweet, freshly made doughnuts for the remainder of the evening,” Heidenfielder explains, as they made the station front-and-center in Hotel Monaco’s lounge. 

PHOTO BY JENNA HIDLINGER PHOTOGRAPY

Introduce your guests to a cultural staple.
As a nod to the bride’s Asian heritage, Hong-Diem Nguyen and Jeff Whitaker laid white chocolate-dipped fortune cookies at each guests’ seat for their Grand Concourse reception. “We received lovely compliments about them, and were told they were cute, unique and very tasty,” the bride says of the differently decorated treats. The bride purchased the cookies from Etsy retailer FortunatelyYours, who allowed them to customize color, designs and fortunes.