There is a new wedding trend that is bringing a unique and memorable dining experience into the mix, food bars!
I love the customization and choices available not only for the cocktail hour but also during the reception. One of my favorites is the vegetable bar, a delicious complement to a farm to table style wedding.
It's always important to have a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options but couples are starting to use vegetables as a vibrant focal point. Stocked with everything from classic carrots to peppers and beets they bring so much flavor, color and texture to your menu.
The trick to nailing a delicious vegetable food bar is having different flavors and varieties of vegetables available and on display, something for everyone.
The Vege Bar Set-Up
Create visual interest by setting up the vege bar on tables of different heights. I used two tables of staggered height to draw attention to different vegetable displays. Allow guests to easily access all areas of the bar, consider a walkway through the middle of the display or allow space for guests to walk around every side of the vege bar.
I used a soft, flowing blush runner across the table to draw in the blush and white palette of the DIY Vegetable Display Boxes and Vege Bar signage.
The Upper Level
On the upper level of the vegetable bar display I used vegetables as a unique alternative to florals. Leeks, bok choy, aniseed, spring onions and carrots are all vegetables with leafy stalks that look beautiful in vases.
In the center of the table I also provided "help yourself" servings of vegetables that can be added to larger servings of salads or as a tasty snack to nibble on. Large Cylinder Vases hold spring onions and broccoli. A smaller Glass Cylinder Vases works perfectly for cherry tomatoes and a splash of color. Leafy beets are beautiful in their natural form laid across the table.
At the front of the table a Long White Platter holds individual servings of salad dressings in Mini Pedestal Clear Cups.
I recommend using candy containers as a display for the vegetables. Sugar snap peas look so vibrant in a Clear Candy Buffet Cylinder. I added a further pop of color by painting Chipwood Baskets pink and filling them with strawberries and tasty crackers.
On each side of the upper level of the veggie bar (in front of the decorative vegetables), I added more self serve vegetables. Fresh beans in a Clear Square Pedestal Plastic Jar and fresh peppers in a Small Trifle Container. Bunched vegetables such as radish, straight from the market, make beautiful accents to the self serve dishes.
Download the free printable labels in a blush watercolor for the vegetable bar here.
On the right side of the upper bar, I used the same decorative elements, this time replacing beans with onions and adding this years "IT" vegetable, cauliflower.
Small Premium Clear Plastic Tumblers are the perfect size for celery sticks and nuts such as cashews which can be added to larger salads and vegetable dishes.
Tip: At the farmer's market or supermarket look out for delicious spreads in sweet jars. Another great addition to your vegetable bar that can be placed directly on the bar.
Above the vegetable food bar I painted a DIY Unfinished Wood Hexagon Wood Plan Sign with a color block pattern of blush pink and white. Use painters tape to create the line down the middle. I then used my Cricut to cut out the "Vege Bar" lettering, alternatively use larger alphabet stickers or have your wedding calligrapher pen the sign for you.
Above the bar, to add more dimension and further interest for the eye I hung herbs and watercress in small pottery vases.
The Lower Level
This level of the vegetable bar holds appetizer style individual servings. I displayed these in a fresh, modern DIY Vegetable Display Stand. Find out how to make this blush & white color blocked vegetable display stand here.
The fun diagonal design points the way to leafy, green goodness from above and at the front of the display!
On the display stand I filled Mini Square Appetizer Bowls with ranch dressing and single serve carrots, asparagus and radishes.
Behind the stand, I displayed more vegetables and fruit, onion, squash and grapes.
The Rustic Centerpiece Riser Set elevates pots of fresh herbs for guests to add to salads or even their main course, a truly personalized experience.
Clear Drink Pitchers were filled with delicious fruit juices for guests to sample with their meals or add to that glass of champagne!
I also filled Clear Plastic Pitchers with vegetable juice as a healthy alternative drink.
In addition to single serve dressings, I used Mini Wine Appetizer Carafes and Clear Condiment Bottles for salad dressings and sauces. To complement the color blocked blush and white palette, I painted the bottom of the condiment bottles in the same shade of blush pink.
In addition to single serve salad dressing Mini Pedestal Clear Cups are the perfect size for single serve onions, sunflower seeds and pomegranate seeds. These are all tasty, unique toppings your guests will love having available.
I used more of the small Premium Clear Plastic Tumblers to serve pickled beets, peppers and other delicacies.
There are so many affordable and fun options to consider when creating your wedding vegetable bar, each adding another layer of delicious flavor and vibrant color.
