HOW-TO: Set Up a Pretzel Bar at Your Wedding

Food stations of all kinds have really caught on as cool and convenient menu options at weddings. But one trend we spotted that couples should consider is a Pretzel Bar! Not only does it make a scrumptious-looking focal point for your reception buffet, it’s also super versatile and budget friendly compared to other food stations. Plus it promises loads of fun for guests as they make their choices of pretzels and dips—and keep going back for more!

So to help you set up one of these yummy pretzel bars at your own wedding reception, we gathered these helpful finds—from recipes, to serving and display ideas, to favor packaging for the inevitable guest request, “Can we take some to go?”

Step 1: Decide on what pretzels and dips to serve.

Whether you’ll go for homemade or store-bought pretzels, the soft type or the crisp and crunchy ones, this is a delish decision to make! And of course, since a food station allows you to offer up a selection, you can always choose two, three or more pretzel varieties.

Pretzel Choices

For those with family members and friends kind enough to pitch in with pretzel-making, we found this Auntie Anne’s Pretzels copycat recipe (1) that provides the basic golden brown goodness perfect to serve with the dips that follow.

If you fancy something sweet, consider these Heart-shaped Chocolate Dipped Soft Pretzels (2) or Chocolate Covered Pretzels (3) from regular packaged pretzel twists or rods.

Delicious Dips

For soft pretzels, there are dozens of flavorful dips and sauces to serve alongside on your pretzel bar. So offer a variety to suit different tastes. Among the most popular we noted are a BBQ Dipping Sauce (4), a Honey Mustard Sauce (5), and a Beer and Cheese Dip (6)—each with its own unique flavor!

Visit these links for the recipes: 1 – Cooking Classy / 2 – Baked by Nature / 3 – Leite’s Culinaria / 4 – Smokin’ Coals / 5 – Cooking and Beer / 6 – Better Recipes

Step 2: Determine how to display the pretzels and what serve ware to use.

If you want an eye-catching display at the reception, the traditional pretzel rack used in bakeries is great! You get to see the tempting array of treats hanging on rods of different heights. Then simply embellish with draped fabric and flower arrangements (1), or add labels to identify the pretzel varieties (6) for guests to choose from.

For a scaled down display, you could opt for cutlery or mug caddies to hang smaller pretzels (4), along with dipping bowls to hold the dips. Or if keeping the pretzels nice and toasty in a chilly location is a concern, ask your caterer or the venue management if a lighted food warmer (3) is available.

If your reception is more of a casual gathering, simple platters piled high with fresh-baked pretzels (2) would be fine. While if you’re going for a themed look, perhaps whimsical plastic pots (5) to hold the pretzels and dips at a garden event, or a “game day” display (7) for a sports-inspired reception.

Image credits:  1 – Pinterest / 2 – Brett & Jessica, via The Knot / 3 – Erica Velasco Photography, via Wedding Bells / 4 – Fete a Fete /  5 – Tablespoon /  6 – Biz Bash / 7 – Your Homebased Mom

Step 3: Plan Your Pretzel Packaging “To Go”

Guests will surely appreciate more of these munchies as take-home favors! For soft pretzels to-go, consider something with a hometown spin like these printed pretzel bags (1). Or have guests fill good old brown paper bags (5) like they’d find at street-corner pretzel carts. While for members of the wedding party, perhaps a special gift box (2) of soft pretzels with a bottle of dipping sauce. Be ready with simple cello bags (3), or playful printable cones (4) to hold some of those chocolate-dipped ones from the bar.

Image credits: 1 – Bird and Banner / 2 – Southern Living / 3 – Martha Stewart Weddings / 4 – Oh Happy Day / 5 – Picky Cook, via A Low Country Wedding

If you think a Pretzel Bar is great, you might want to see what other food stations you can set up for weddings, rehearsal and engagement dinners, and other occasions, too!

10 Wedding Bar Ideas: Scrumptious and Stylish

Hungry? Midnight Snacks for Your Wedding Guests

Deliciously Stylish: Food Stations for Outdoor Rustic Weddings

How-To: Make Your Own S’mores Bar at a Wedding

Nostalgic Snacks for a His and Hers Snack Station