I have a confession to make: I am a foodie. I have always liked the idea of candy bars as wedding favors, but I am absolutely in LOVE with late-night treats being served to guests as a way to revamp and refuel their appetites for just a few more sets on the dance floor! If you think back to your single days, before you met the love of your life, you probably spent evenings out with the girls (or boys) dancing the night away and always worked up an appetite. (Well, at least I did!).  Evenings ended at the nearest diner or fast-food restaurant, and if we were at the beach then it was a late-night stop at the pizza shop! Should your big party be any different? Well, maybe a little. You can serve your favorite late-night snacks or treats in style before sending guests on their way (or to the after party of the after party!) So it’s been decided: You’re going to find the way to your guests’ hearts through their tummies, but where do you start? Check out these fun late-night snacks and food trends I’ve lined up for you!

How about servers donning white gloves, holding endless trays of shooters filled with sea-salt-and-peppered French fries with ketchup, mini grilled-cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, or milk and cookies? I also can’t shake the idea of mini pizzas, empanadas, pulled-pork sandwiches, tacos, sliders or mac-n-cheese cups. Or how about bite-sized pancakes drizzled with syrup to delight those taste buds?

Interested in bringing in some local flavor and saving some dough in the meantime? Talk to your caterer about having your favorite pies delivered from the local pizzeria or have Chinese takeout containers filled with your favorite noodles. Want to find the way to my heart? Consider ordering off the dollar menu from McDonald’s and serve trays of McDoubles and their World Famous Fries. Want to take it to the next level? Consider having the wrappers or takeout boxes secured with a sticker that includes your wedding monogram, wedding date, or theme from your big day. That way you know that when your guest throws away your favor it’s just going to be the wrapper. This is a sure way to put a few bucks back in your pocket!

If you want to show some love to your favorite city consider dishing out its famous fare! Philadelphia – Herrs potato chips, Tastycakes, soft pretzels, or cheesesteaks. Cincinnati – chili. Maine – lobster rolls. Chicago – deep-dish pizzas. I think you know where I’m going with this!

You want more? There are always food trucks, and let’s not forget about ice-cream trucks. Being centrally located to four major cities – Baltimore, Philadelphia, D.C., and New York – I am lucky to be able to enjoy tons of food trucks and the so-called new “truckie” conventions! There is something for everyone and every taste – Thai, Chinese, Pizza, Mexican, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and even gourmet desserts. If you are in the Philly area, then check out Guapos Tacos, Sugar Philly, Cucina Zapata, Sweet Box, and Gigi and Big R. Want to do a little homework? Check out the Best-of-the-Best from the First Annual Vendy Awards from Philadelphia this past July.

I love this fun food trend, but I’ll warn you to expect to dig a little deeper in your pocket as it can typically run you about $10 to $15 a guest to do food this way, not including permits, etc. Want a sample before you dish out the big bucks? Look for the next “truckie” convention coming to a city near you!