Budget-Friendly Recipes That'll Elevate Your Wedding Buffet

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Jessica Witt

Get inspired by these creative budget-friendly wedding buffet options that will make your reception extra special. Whether you choose sweet, savoury or somewhere in between, we've got plenty of recipes for DIY ideas that'll delight you and your guests.

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Pick-Your-Own Mini Pies and Tarts

 There are always those guests that don't enjoy certain fruits or are allergic to peanut butter. Let them pick their own dessert with a tasty selection of mini pies and tarts — that way, they can enjoy more than one type! To get you started, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/strawberry-rhubarb-cheesecake-pastry-pockets/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flaky Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Pastry Pockets</a>.
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Upside-Down Cherry Cheesecake Jars

How sweet are these little Mason jars layered with cheesecake filling and sour cherry sauce, then topped with a homemade graham crumb streusel? Serve at your next <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/summer-bbq-recipes-6-ingredients/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">backyard BBQ</a> or make someone's week by delivering a few jars to their doorstep. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/upside-down-cherry-cheesecake-jars/18599/" target="_blank">Upside-Down Cherry Cheesecake Jars</a>
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Pizza Buffet

 Elevate your food presentation by serving an assortment of gourmet pies (like pesto and grilled veggies) along with classics like margherita, and pepperoni. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-pizza-with-hot-sausage-grilled-peppers-and-onions-and-oregano-ricotta/15800/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Grilled Pizza With Hot Sausage, Grilled Peppers And Onions And Oregano Ricotta</a>
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Doughnut Display

 Doesn't just the idea of a doughnut bar make your mouth water and your eyes glaze over in delight? Make sure to set out paper bags for guests to fill up and take home their favourite doughnuts as a late-night treat. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brown-butter-and-bourbon-maple-glazed-doughnuts/19158/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Brown Butter and Bourbon Maple-Glazed Doughnuts</a>
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Crostini Towers

Little crostini topped with various garnishes look really elegant when arranged on platters, and they're super easy to make. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-toasts/17279/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Goat Cheese Toasts</a>
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Baked Potato Bar

Simply hollow out baked potatoes and arrange all the appropriate toppings (cheese, sour cream, bacon etc.) in bowls for this comfort food spread that guests can customize themselves. Who can say no to bacon? Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/potato-skins-bar/18462/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Potato Skins Bar</a>
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Ice Cream Sundae Station

 All you need for this fun and creative dessert bar is cute sundae bowls, a couple ice cream flavours and an endless display of tasty toppings. The kids will be delighted to create their very own sundaes, but make sure to include more adult-friendly options, too. Alternatively, you can also try this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/banana-split-sundae-cake/18748/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Banana Split Sundae Cake</a>.
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Caesar Bar

 Let your guests choose how they want to sip on this classic Canadian cocktail by letting them customize their own drink with fun regional garnishes. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-perfect-caesar/14721/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Perfect Caesar</a>
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Chicken and Waffles Buffet

 Chicken and waffles are typically enjoyed as a sit-down meal, but making them bite-size allows guests to grab and go, and munch as they mingle. One bite of these spicy chicken chunks and your guests are sure to come back for seconds, maybe even thirds. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bite-size-chicken-and-waffles/17660/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bite-Size Chicken and Waffles</a>
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Salad Bar

 Perfect for an outdoor reception in the warm summer months, a buffet-style salad bar is just the ticket for feeding a crowd. Whether you choose to include tossed green salads, potato or pasta varieties, you can't really go wrong. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/greek-salad/21894/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Greek Salad</a>
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Bellini Bar

A variety of fruit purees, fresh fruit and bubbly is all you need for the perfect bellini bar to go with your cake or wedding dessert of choice. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bellini-bar/17273/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Bellini Bar</a>
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Charcuterie Spread

The most important appetizer at any party, make sure to buy high-quality meats and cheeses, as well as a tasty assortment of pickles for a mouth-watering display. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-charcuterie-and-condiment-board/17486/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cheese, Charcuterie and Condiment Board</a>.
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