by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski

Whether you are going the traditional route or all-out funky, you want your wedding to be memorable for all your guests.

A wedding bar is one idea where you can have fun and let your personality as couple shine through. The concept is simple – an area is set up with items for guests to pick and choose from to customize their plate, drink or favor the way they want it. Here are 10 great ideas to inspire you!

10. Popsicle/Otter Pop bar

Having your wedding in the heat of summer? Help guests cool off with a refreshing popsicle, otter pop or both. A rainbow of otter pops – you know, the tubes of frozen goodness – can stand in a large container, nestled in ice. For popsicles, place single-stick treats in a champagne flute with sticks pointing up for serving. Let guests top them with champagne, sparkling cider or other fizzy delights for a unique drink. Or your guests can simply enjoy the treat as they are.

9. Harry Potter themed cocktail bar

Are you and your partner nuts about all things Potter? How about a table of potions, such as Liquid Luck or Polyjuice Potion? Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice are also welcome additions. There are a number of recipes available online – sample a few and choose the ones you like best. Just be sure to let your guests know that the Polyjuice won’t turn them into Snape or Dumbledore.

8. Pick your own slice pie bar

Everyone loves pie. And what better way to thank your guests than sending them home with a pie of their own, like a mini pecan pie. Let guests mix and match their favorite flavors. Provide a variety of pies, all cut the same way and give each guest an empty pie tin or pretty box to fill as they please. Just think, pecan pie yumminess next to pumpkin and apple slices, so, so good.

7. Sundae bar

Ice cream, add-ins and toppings make a sweet desert bar people of all ages will appreciate. Include bases, such as sliced bananas, brownies or cake. Let them add chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice creams. Top it all off with whipped cream, cherries, sprinkles, hot fudge, nuts or caramel sauces. For a fun twist, have a base ice cream flavor and add in chopped fruits, candies or nuts for a custom treat.

6. Taco/burrito/nacho bar

If you and your partner are passionate about Mexican food, this is the bar for you. At one end, have taco shells, soft tortillas and crispy chips. From there, guests move down the line, adding toppings such as beans and meats. Then comes cheeses, salsas, guacamole and sour cream. Top it off with some cilantro and they have a fiesta on a plate.

5. S’mores and hot chocolate bar

For weddings in winter months, warm up guests with this fun idea. Urns of fresh hot chocolate are waiting to be topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. For adults, have some cinnamon schnapps or almond liquor available. At the s’mores bar, individual marshmallows on sticks are ready to be roasted over small cans of canned heat in fireproof centerpieces. Have the graham crackers and chocolate bars waiting nearby to complete this fun treat.

4. Grilled cheese bar

Rich, gooey and perfectly toasted are high praises for a great grilled cheese sandwich. Offer different kinds of bread and an assortment of cheeses, from mild to spicy or sweet. Have one person dedicated to cooking your guests’ creations to keep things tidy. Compound butters, such as garlic, herb or sriracha add another layer of flavor. Want something more than cheese? Provide crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes or deli meats for the sandwiches.

3. Cake bar

Let guests graze at a cake bar, choosing slices from all-time favorites like crumb cake, angel food cake, and German chocolate cake. You can have a gorgeous wedding cake, too, and cut it onto plates and offer at the center of your cake bar. So many choices!!

2. Potato bar

Baked potatoes, French fries and tater tots are piping hot and waiting to be topped. Let guests choose from more than butter and sour cream. Also have cheese, bacon bits, sliced green onions, roasted veggies and chili. For the fries, consider offering special dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy ketchup and mustards. For another twist, offer brown gravy and cheese curds with the fries to give folks a taste of poutine.

1. Candy bar

Sweet bags with your name and special date on them are begging to be filled with the selection of candies on the table. Large jars filled with all your favorites waiting for guests to mix and match. Have some fun here, with penny candy sticks and root beer barrels to chocolates that melt in your mouth and fun size candy bars. Don’t forget custom M&M’s with your names or new initials on them, in your wedding theme colors. Offer sugar free options as well, to accommodate diabetic or dieting guests.