80 Summer Wedding Food Ideas on a Budget
A summer wedding feast via Pinterest
There’s nothing quite like summer. It’s the time for fun in the sun, vacations, and lots of time with loved ones. The summer season is also the prime time for weddings!
Summer weddings are popular because of the longer days, ideal weather, and beautiful color palettes. They also are the perfect opportunity for a fun summer menu.
Summer foods are fresh, colorful, and delicious. Many fruits, veggies, and wedding charcuterie boards are in season, making it more affordable to create the perfect summer wedding menu.
So whether you are looking to DIY your own summer wedding meal or you are working with a caterer to craft the perfect summer wedding, we’ve got you!
Here are 80 summer wedding food ideas you can use to create the ideal summer wedding menu for you and your guests.
Why Choose Seasonal Foods?
While weddings are all about your one-of-a-kind love story, they are also about cohesive themes that help tell that story. Couples choose a color, vibe, or unique theme for their wedding that reflects who they are and what they enjoy.
Food is the perfect way to uphold that theme and bring every component together! If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, choosing foods that are in season is the perfect way to cut costs and optimize the flavor profiles of your meal.
Unlike the maple, apple, and caramel flavors of fall wedding foods, popular summer foods include avocados, chicken, corn, lamb, limes, and peaches are all readily available in large quantities during the summertime.
So if you use these ingredients, you’re guaranteed to serve a crisp, fresh menu that every guest will love and will stay within your budget!
Absolutely Affordable Summer Wedding Appetizers
Delicious summer appetizers via Pinterest
Gazpacho “Shots”- This chilled soup is made with tomatoes, which are a summer staple.
Caprese Garlic Bread- Layer the flavor with savory garlic bread, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
Mini Soft Pretzel Bites with Dips- Soft pretzels are a surefire crowd-pleaser, especially when you offer fun dips like cheese, mustard, and sweet and sour sauce.
Fried Green Tomatoes- Made from unripe tomatoes, these delicious slices are dredged in flour and fried to perfection.
Charcuterie Cups- Give guests the feel of a charcuterie board with the convenience of a cup by elegantly arranging meats, cheeses, crackers, and olives for them to grab and go.
Mexican Street Corn on a Stick- Corn is the perfect summer app, especially when layers with crema fresca and delicious spices.
Caesar Salad Cups- Crisp lettuce pairs well with creamy Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons for a refreshing bite.
Sandwich Pinwheels- Start with a delicious spread on flatbread or a wrap, then layer meats, cheeses, and veggies. Roll it up and slice in to pinwheels for an easy, budget-friendly appetizer.
Crab Cakes- While seafood can be costly, crab cakes are relatively inexpensive but incredibly delicious and popular!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus- Peppers are abundant in the summer, so offer a vegan dip that features the flavor.
Mini Chicken Salad Sandwiches-Take this picnic staple to the next level by placing it on an elegant bite-sized roll to minimize the mess.
Mango Pico de Gallo with Chips- Fresh salsa screams summertime! Create a colorful spread with a sweet and savory mango pico accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips.
Budget-Friendly Main Courses for a Summer Wedding
Pork Bahn Mi Burgers with fresh veggies via Pinterest
Banh Mi Burgers- Burgers are a staple at any cookout. Make it “wedding” by adding thinly sliced fresh veggies, cilantro, and a creamy aioli.
Beer-Battered Fish and Chips- Fried fish dipped in a beer-infused batter pairs well with thick french fries or even classic potato chips.
Pulled Pork on a Cibatta Bun- Slow roasted pork smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce gets an upgrade when placed on a ciabatta bun.
Grilled Chicken and Asparagus- Chicken is the most cost-effective protein. So make it summer by grilling it and adding asparagus, which is in season!
Seafood Boil- Summertime is the perfect occasion for a seafood boil of crab, shrimp, prawns, potatoes, and corn! It could get messy, so have gloves and bibs ready for guests!
Stuffed Peppers- Bell peppers are abundant during the summer. They can easily become an affordable meal when stuffed with rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices.
Make-Your-Own Sandwich Platters- Let guests build their own sandwiches with a selection of cheese, meats, and sliced veggies. You can also offer a sauce station and a variety of breads to ensure everyone’s dietary needs are met.
Fried Chicken- Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with a perfectly seasoned batter!
Burrito Bowls with Guacamole- Rice and beans are a budget staple, so have guests build their own bowls! Toppings, like tomatoes, cilantro, corn, and sour cream, are incredibly affordable and filling as well. Guacamole adds luxury without breaking the bank.
Fish Tacos with Broccoli Slaw- Tacos are an easy way to feed a crowd. You can offer a variety of fillings, but fish paired with a citrus broccoli slaw screams summer!
Summer Side Dishes
Colorful Cowboy Caviar courtesy of Two Peas and Their Pod
Potato Salad- A perfect side dish of potatoes, eggs, and onions in a creamy sauce, it’s a perfect choice if you are DIYing your wedding feast.
Buffalo Mac and Cheese- This classic dish goes with any protein and doubles as a vegetarian entree. Elevate it by adding spicy buffalo sauce to complement the creamy cheese sauce.
Honey Baked Beans- This slow-cooked and savory side dish gets a facelift with a dash of honey to balance the flavors. You can easily make this dish vegetarian to offer another choice.
Grilled Summer Veggies- Summer squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are just some of the most bountiful veggies of the summer. Throw them on the grill and you have a delicious, healthy side for your summer wedding meal.
Coleslaw- Another picnic staple, fresh coleslaw is easy to prepare and has a crisp bite that can’t be beat.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze- Strawberries and spinach are heavenly together, especially when paired with a balsamic glaze or vinaigrette! Plus, both are in season during the summer, meaning they are budget-friendly.
Sourdough Rolls- Any bread will do as a side dish, but a sourdough roll with a crusty outside and springy inside pairs well with saucy dishes.
Tabbouleh- This Mediterranean salad pairs bulgar wheat with fresh veggies and a tart vinaigrette. While it looks exotic, it’s actually quite affordable!
Stuffed Grape Leaves- Grape leaves are stuffed with rice and spices then steamed and soaked in a vinaigrette.
Roasted Parmesan Carrots- Carrots are inexpensive, but taste elegant when slow-roasted and topped with a high-end parmesan cheese.
Baked Potato- The most versatile side, baked potatoes are easy to make, affordable, and allergy-friendly.
Salad Greens with Vinaigrette- Sometimes a simple salad is the perfect accompaniment to your main course. Choose a variety of mixed greens for optimal color and a citrus-infused vinaigrette that just screams summer.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers- Spicy jalapenos pair well with a creamy filling. Wrap them in bacon and you have the perfect side!
Delectable Summer Wedding Desserts
Fruit tarts on a wooden board via Pinterest
Tropical Fruit Tarts- This classic French dessert combines a shortbread base with fresh fruit and a creamy custard. It also looks great on any dessert table!
Melon Salad with Feta- Nothing says summer like fresh fruit. Combine honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, and top with a sprinkle of salty feta.
Ice Cream Sundae Cups- Help your guests cool off with ice cream sundaes! Not only is ice cream budget-friendly, but you can use toppings that match your wedding theme.
Caramel Popcorn- Popcorn is a budget-friendly snack. Make it a dessert by option for a sweet flavor like caramel or butterscotch. Bonus points for a chocolate drizzle!
Chocolate Chip Cannolis- Cannolis are Italian desserts consisting of a crisp pastry shell stuffed with a cream cheese-like filling. The chocolate chips add a lovely flavor that cuts the richness of the filling.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake- Pineapples are the quintessential summer fruit. Mini pineapple upside-down cakes are the perfect way to highlight their tart flavor.
Lemon Chiffon Cookies - Citrus flavors rule the summer. These cookies are easy to make and look beautiful.
Shaved Ice- This is an easy dessert if you are DIYing your wedding feast. Purchase crushed ice and bottles of flavoring. All you’ll need to do is scoop the ice into cones and let guests choose their favorite syrup/
Fruit Skewers- Place cubed fruits like melon, kiwis, and berries on skewers and drizzle with a yogurt topping.
Cotton Candy Cups- This sweet treat is perfect for a grab-and-go dessert!
Affordable Buffet Ideas for a Summer Wedding Reception
A wedding buffet display via Pinterest
Summer Squash Casserole- Layers of thinly-sliced squash topped with a cream sauce are a perfect vegetarian option!
BBQ Pork Roast- Slow-roasted pork is easy to cook in bulk and serve on a buffet line.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta- If you want to serve seafood, pair it with pasta to cut costs and feed large crowds.
Garden Salad Bar- A build-your-own salad bar allows guests to craft their perfect salad and easily acommodates a variety of dietary needs.
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls- Soft, springy rolls are easy to grab on a buffet line and are a versatile side.
Sauteed Green Beans- Green beans are abundant in the summertime. When sauteed in olive oil and spices, they taste delicious and pair well with most proteins.
Smoked Brisket- Beef brisket is affordable and delicious.
Wild Rice Pilaf- Wild rice is colorful and looks great on a plate.
Corn on the Cob- Corn is super affordable. Cut cobs in half to stretch the side and offer pats of butter.
Lobster Bisque- Soups are a great way to offer high-end ingredients on a budget.
Alcohol-Free Summer Wedding Beverages
An infused water beverage station via Pinterest
Infused Water- Water is the ultimate cost-effective beverage. Make it fancy by setting up a wedding drink station with fresh fruits and herbs to give it an amazing flavor.
Lemonade Spritzer- Lemonade mixed with carbonated water makes for a bubbly summer beverage.
Arnold Palmer- This drink is a mixture of lemonade and iced tea, so you get the best of both worlds!
Virgin Pina Colada- Pineapple and coconut pair well in this cold, icy drink.
Iced Oat Milk Latte- Lattes are a great treat, especially when guests need a pick-me-up. Offer a variety of flavored syrups so guests can customize their brew.
Watermelon Limeade- Offer a twist on an old favorite by combining watermelon with limeade.
Root Beer Float- This classic drink will bring a smile to your guest’s faces.
Cherry Lime Spritzer- Sweet cherry and tart lime make for the perfect summer drink, especially when mixed with seltzer.
Creamsicle Smoothie- An orange and vanilla smoothie will cool your guests and remind them of eating their favorite sweet treat from the ice cream truck.
Iced Caramel Macchiatos- Espresso and caramel will give everyone the energy they need to dance the night away!
Boozy Summer Wedding Drinks on a Budget
A blackberry and lime vodka tonic via Pinterest
Blackberry Vodka Tonic- Blackberries add a fresh sweetness to this traditional beverage.
Triple Berry Sangria- Combine red wine with brandy and orange juice. Add whatever fruits you enjoy! Then add strawberries, cherries, and blueberries to infuse a berry flavor.
Orange Mimosa- Mix orange juice and champagne for the perfect wedding drink.
Frozen Margarita- Everyone loves a good margarita! Make it frozen to cool your guests.
Mint Julep- Combine whiskey, bourbon, and mint for a refreshing cocktail.
Strawberry Lime Daiquiri- Elevate a classic strawberry daiquiri with a splash of lime juice.
Lemon Drop Martini- Combine vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice. Don’t forget a classic lemon drop candy on the side!
Hard Watermelon Lemonade- Mix your favorite liquor or light wine with lemonade and some watermelon juice.
Frozen Island Runner- This tiki-style drink is made with wine and a variety of tropical flavors.
Bomb-Pop Cocktail- Remember those red, white, and blue ice pops? Mimic them by combining grenadine, citron vodka, and blue curacao.
Vodka Sunrise- Layer grenadine, vodka, and orange juice for a cocktail that is reminiscent of a summer sunrise.
Bellinis- Prosecco and peach juice come together for an adult beverage that takes like summer.
Belmont Breeze- Combine orange juice, sherry, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cranberry juice in a mixer for a beautiful beverage.
Malibu Seabreeze- Is there anything more summer than rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice? This drink could easily serve as your signature wedding cocktail.
Summer Vodka Fizz- This refreshing drink combines lemon juice, vodka, mint simple syrup, and fizzy club soda.