All couples want to pick the right food options for their wedding reception. And when you’re planning your wedding in New Orleans, a city known for its one-of-a-kind cuisine, it’s easy to feel some pressure in choosing the perfect menu.

But there’s a bright side to your big decision. New Orleans has so many world-renowned dishes that every choice is an excellent option for your wedding menu - you really can’t go wrong!

Here’s some classic hors d’oeuvres that will start your reception off with some true New Orleans flavor!Classic New Orleans Hors D'Oeuvres to Serve at Your Wedding| New Orleans

Oysters

New Orleans loves its seafood, but few fresh gulf dishes comes close to a city-wide favorite like oysters. Whether you prefer raw or fried, they’re a must-try in New Orleans – and the perfect appetizer for your wedding party!

Paul Broussard
Chargrilled Oysters - Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House

Mini Po’ Boys and Muffalettas

New Orleans’ two beloved sandwiches comes in a range of shapes and sizes. A French bread Po’ Boy can stretch as long as your appetite, and a Muffaletta’s layers of olive salad, meat and cheese stack up with the best. But you can scale these local favorites down to size for a charmingly delightful serving.

Boudin Balls

Boudin is a dish rarely seen outside Louisiana, but these breaded and deep-fried bites are essential for a New Orleans celebration. Crispy on the outside, these pork and rice balls have a moist, savory taste that your guests are sure to love.

Photographer Rebecca Todd
Boudin Balls

Gulf Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp & Grits are one of the finest pairs in Southern cuisine, and New Orleans’ prime locale on the Gulf Coast makes this dish a fresh, soulful favorite. There’s no better choice for an appetizer that’s equal parts delicious and iconic.

Mini Beignets

What’s not to love about a fluffy, fried fritter covered in powdered sugar? Made to scale for an appetizer dish, this signature New Orleans pastry makes the perfect mini treat. A sweet serving of beignets is sure to be a hit with your wedding guests!

Creole Deviled Eggs

Delicious, bite-sized, and stuffed with that down-on-the-bayou flavor, this Creole dish is a welcome treat for any New Orleans reception spread. It’s a smoky, spicy take on a well-known classic, giving your guests a taste of New Orleans’ unique culture.

For the perfect wedding menu, these are just a few of the amazing options for your New Orleans celebration - be sure to check out all the incredible New Orleans Caterers that will make your big day special!  

Free Hotel Quotes & Planning Assistance

Allow us to assist in contacting hotels, venues and vendors for your group accommodations of 10 or more. We can help make planning simpler and your dream wedding in New Orleans a reality.

Talk To An Expert