Wedding Food & Mocktail Ideas: 2026 Trends, Costs, and Menu Planning Guide

Planning your wedding menu is one of the best parts of the process, but it can also be a bit stressful. You want to pick food that your guests will love while staying within your budget. Today, 60% of couples say that matching their real-life budget to the inspiration they find online is their biggest stressor.

To help you find the right balance, we looked at the data to see what couples are actually spending and which food trends are taking off for 2026. Whether you want a formal dinner or a relaxed food truck vibe, here is everything you need to know to create a great guest experience.

How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost in 2026?

The average cost of a wedding is holding steady at $36,000 for the second year in a row. Since food and drinks often take up a large part of that total, it is helpful to set your wedding budget before you start tasting menus. Most couples find that their catering and bar costs account for about 25% of their total spend.

National averages for food and bar services

To give you an idea of what to expect, we broke down the national averages for wedding food and drink. These numbers can help you track your spending as you book your vendors.

Data from Zola’s Wedding Cost Index

How guest count impacts your total bill

The single biggest factor in your catering bill is your guest count. According to our 2026 First Look Report, the average guest list has 145 people. Because caterers usually charge per person, every guest you add will increase your food, drink, and rental costs. If you want to keep costs down, consider pairing down your guest list. Reducing your list by 20 people could save you thousands of dollars that you can allocate to other priorities.

Regional cost variations: NYC vs. LA catering

Where you get married also changes the price tag. In high-cost cities, you will likely spend more for the same menu. For a 150-guest wedding, here is how the costs compare in major cities, like New York City and Los Angeles:

• New York City (NYC): Couples spend an average of $17,539 on catering and $14,031 on bar services.
• Los Angeles (LA): Couples spend an average of $9,496 on catering and $7,597 on bar services.

The 2026 Guest Experience: What’s "In" for Wedding Menus?

Guest experience is a top priority for 2026 couples. This year, we are seeing a shift toward menus and experiences that feel personal and inclusive.

The rise of dedicated mocktail menus

Gen Z now makes up 51% of engaged couples. This group is prioritizing inclusivity in every piece of the wedding day. Mocktail menus are a rising trend for 2026 as couples look to offer high-quality, spirit-free sips. These zero-proof programs are now central to the bar, often featuring botanical flavors and fresh herbs. Most couples are choosing to offer non-alcoholic options alongside traditional beer, wine, or spirits.

Hyper-personal catering and global fusion

Couples are moving away from solely “chicken-or-fish” options. Instead, they are picking menus that tell their personal story. This might include a dish from a favorite travel spot or a global fusion menu that celebrates their heritage. The goal is to make the meal feel like a real part of the couple's life.

“Couples are really prioritizing the guest experience,” says Samantha Kobrin, Director of Brand at Zola. “Tying fun surprises like late-night snacks and mocktails to show their appreciation for being a part of their big day.”

Elevated late-night bites: from sliders to taco stations

Late-night snacks are firmly in"Firmly In" for 2026. These bites are a fun way to keep the energy high as the party goes into the night. Think mini tacos, sliders, or French fry bars. These snacks are especially popular because 37% of couples are now hosting at least one extra event during their wedding weekend—and these “extra” moments prove to be a good time to keep things casual.

Late Night Snack Ideas

With the rising popularity of the late-night bite, we’re breaking down couples’ favorite foods to fuel the dance floor all night long. It’s simple, really: keep it salty, savory, and nostalgic.

1. Fast Food: Couples are ditching formality and bringing in their favorite guilty pleasures instead. We are seeing a massive surge in:

• French Fry Bars: Shoestring, waffle, and sweet potato fries served in paper cones with a variety of dipping sauces (truffle aioli, spicy ketchup, ranch).
• The "Drive-Thru" Delivery: It is now trendy to have boxes of fast-food burgers or tacos delivered right to the dance floor—wrappers and all.

2. Nostalgic Comforts: The nostalgic wedding trend extends to food, too. Couples are serving bite-sized versions of childhood favorites:

• Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Shooters: A classic comfort duo, served in mini portions for easy eating while standing.
• Mini Breakfasts: Think waffle pops, mini pancakes, or even single-serve cereal boxes with milk for a "midnight breakfast" vibe.

3. "Sip & Snack" Pairings: Why serve just food when you can serve a combo? The 2026 trend is pairing the snack with a complementary mini-drink:

• Cookies & Milk Shots: Warm chocolate chip cookies perched on top of a shot glass of cold milk.
• Churros & Espresso: A sugary churro stick served alongside a shot of espresso (or an espresso martini) to give guests a caffeine kick for the final hour.

Expert Tip: Location Matters. Don't hide the snacks in the hallway. In 2026, the food comes to the party. If there’s an option: have servers pass these items directly on the dance floor so guests don't have to choose between their favorite song and a slider.

Wedding Mocktail Ideas

If 2025 was the year of the espresso martini, 2026 is the year of the "mindful menu." As couples prioritize inclusivity, the open bar is getting a major makeover.

According to our First Look Report, dedicated mocktail menus are officially "On the Rise." Today’s couples are treating their zero-proof menu with the same sophistication as their signature cocktails, using botanical spirits, shrubs, and complex flavor profiles.

Here are some of the top mocktail trends filling 2026 glasses:

1. The "Zero-Proof" Classic Couples are using high-quality non-alcoholic spirits to recreate the heavy hitters without the buzz. The most popular requests include:

• The "No-Groni": A bitter, complex blend of non-alcoholic gin and aperitif alternatives, garnished with a burnt orange peel for that sophisticated "speakeasy" vibe.
• The Lavender French 75: A sparkling favorite using lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and a non-alcoholic champagne topper. It looks and tastes just as celebratory as the original.

2. The Savory & Spicy 2026 palates are craving drinks with a "kick" that mimics the burn of alcohol:

• Jalapeño Cucumber Fizz: Fresh muddled cucumber and jalapeño slices shaken with lime and topped with club soda. It offers a refreshing heat that feels like a real cocktail.
• Smoked Rosemary Mule: Ginger beer and lime juice, but elevated with a smoking rosemary sprig garnish that adds a campfire aroma and savory depth.

3. Functional Sips For the ultra-modern couple, the bar is doubling as a wellness station. We are seeing a rise in "functional mocktails" that use ingredients to boost mood or energy:

• The "Golden Hour": Turmeric, ginger, and lemon blends that offer an anti-inflammatory boost for dancing all night.
• Magnesium "Nightcaps": Tart cherry juice and magnesium powder mocktails served near the end of the night to help guests wind down and sleep better after the party.

Expert Tip: Glassware is Everything. The key to a great mocktail is the presentation. Serve these drinks in your best crystal coups or rocks glasses with legitimate garnishes (dehydrated fruit wheels, edible flowers). If it looks like a "kiddie drink," it kills the vibe.

Choosing the Right Wedding Service Style for Your Budget

The way you serve your food can change the vibe of your party—and your final bill. You can explore local vendors to see which styles they offer in your area.

Plated dinners vs. buffet and family-style

Plated dinners are the most formal, but they often cost more because they require more servers. Buffets and family-style meals can be more cost-effective because they require less service staff. Family-style is a great middle ground that encourages guests to talk and share dishes.

Interactive food stations and food trucks

About 50% of couples are now considering interactive food stations, such as grazing tables or charcuterie boards. These are perfect for creating "social-media worthy" moments that guests love to film and share. Food trucks are another fun option that can help you save on traditional venue catering fees while giving your wedding a festival feel.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Wedding Menu

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great menu. Here are two ways 2026 couples are being smart with their money.

The "high-low" pairing strategy

One of our favorite trends is pairing high-end items with comfort food. You can still opt for the luxe champagne toast and serve a casual, fun snack like chicken tenders or sliders. It’s fun, nostalgic—and often much cheaper than a full seafood bar.

Adding a wedding food Cash Fund to your registry

Because costs are high, 25% of couples are now adding Cash Funds to their registry. You can start your Zola registry and add gifts and cash funds for things like your catering, cake, or late-night taco truck.

Data from Zola’s 2026 First Look Report, based on a survey of 11,500+ couples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $100 per person a reasonable catering budget?

In many parts of the country, $100 per person is a solid budget for a buffet or family-style meal. The average for buffet service runs $40-65 per person. However, in costly cities like New York City or Los Angeles, you will need to budget more per person for a full-service experience.

How many late-night snacks should I order?

You usually don't need to order a snack for every single guest. Most experts suggest ordering for about 60% to 75% of your guest count, as some people will head home before the late-night food comes out.

Do I need to provide a meal for my wedding vendors?

Yes, it is standard etiquette to provide a hot meal for vendors who are there all day, such as your photographer, videographer, and DJ. Most caterers offer a "vendor meal" at a lower price point than your guest meals.

Are "dry weddings" becoming more popular? 

Not exactly. While the inclusive bar is booming, fully "dry" weddings aren't necessarily taking over. Most couples aren't removing alcohol entirely; they are simply offering a high-end experience for everyone, meaning they’re offering zero-proof mocktails that are just as complex, thoughtful, and prominently displayed as their alcoholic bar options.