The sky is truly the limit when it comes to your wedding desserts. Whether you opt for the classic cake, gravitate toward making an elaborate sweet-treat spread, or even offer up a savory wheel of cheese, we’re sure that your guests will take in joy in it. However, if you’re looking for a way to bring a bit of childhood nostalgia into your nuptials—or lean more into a more rustic-inspired aesthetic—consider adding a s’mores bar to your food and drink service. Your loved ones will delight in having the opportunity to craft their own perfect combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows—and enjoy the delicious result.

You may assume that a s’mores bar is only feasible if you’re hosting your post-ceremony celebration on a campground or at a large outdoor space. However, with the right preparation, you can also create such a spread in an indoor environment. If you’re hiring a catering company to provide the dinner at your reception, considering asking as to whether they may be able to also construct a s’mores bar as an add-on. Yet with the correct materials and knowledge, you can also build one yourself.

Below, Mike Nelson, the co-founder of North Mallow, which frequently creates s’mores bars at weddings, breaks down everything you need to know about constructing your own version of the classic campfire dessert.

How to Build a S’mores Bar at Your Wedding

Want to build your own s’mores bar? Here’s what to keep in mind to ensure it’s safe—and successful—at your wedding reception.

Figure Out the Set-Up

“For the actual bar, make sure it is safe and someone is always there,” Nelson says. He adds that you’ll also want to ensure you’re purchasing the right flames. Since your venue will likely have restrictions around fire safety, check with your on-site coordinator to ensure you’re purchasing the right flame. If you’re planning on setting up your s’mores bar in an outdoor area, see if there’s a campfire or pre-established fire pit you can use. You may also consider creating mini versions of the s’mores bar around your reception space—rather than just having one large spread. “If you would rather do small charcuterie boards at tables, that works great and also creates a conversational atmosphere,” Nelson adds.

Buy the Correct Ingredients

“One common mistake is to bring just normal marshmallows, normal graham crackers, and normal chocolate,” Nelson says. “Don’t just bring the normal s’mores ingredients, have fun with it.” Whether that’s through unexpected flavors of marshmallows or a variety of chocolate bars, you don’t have to stay tethered to the traditional recipe. Consider integrating some of your and your partner’s favorite sweet flavors, such as mocha, caramel, and even pistachio, into the ingredients or the bar selection to personalize the dessert.

Consider Allergen-Friendly Options

Make sure you clearly mark which ingredients may not be allergy-friendly—and consider purchasing additional options for guest who may not be able to consume dairy, gluten, or other common allergies, Nelson adds.

Decorate Around the Bar

Your work doesn’t stop with the set-up. Make sure to include other decorations around the s’mores bar to help bring it to life. Consider adding in greenery, flannel cloths, or pinecones for a camp-inspired look. “Decorate around the s’mores experience with traditional outdoor-themed items,” Nelson recommends. “It’s s’mores, make it look like you are camping and truly having the s’mores experience.”

4 Ways to Upgrade Your S’mores Bar

Curious about ways to potentially create something even more spectacular out of your s’mores bar? We’ve got you covered. Below, we break down easy ways to upgrade this dessert offering at your upcoming nuptials—all inspired by real weddings.

Stand Around a Campfire

If you’re hosting your nuptials in an outdoor area that permits a campfire, allow your guests to roast their own marshmallows around the open flame. This couple did just that at the welcome party for their Yosemite nuptials, giving all of their loved ones the chance to lean into the feeling of camping out in the words with the crackling fire.

Opt for a “S’mores Cart”

Whether you decide to create your own or hire a vendor with this offering, we love the concept of turning your s’mores bar into a mobile cart, complete with a striped awning and string lights. At this couple’s campground-inspired wedding, they offered four gourmet options from their cart, including a moose tracks s’more with cocoa grahams, bourbon salted-caramel marshmallows, and peanut butter sauce. 

Add in Other Candy

Just because you’re leaning into a s’mores bar, it doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate other sweet treats into your celebration. Consider surrounding your graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate squares with other unexpected treats, such as peanut butter cups, Nutella, or salted caramels, as this couple did at their rustic nuptials. More adventurous guests can even mix and match the desserts for a twist on the classic campfire treat.

Embrace Unexpected Shapes

To put a modern spin on the familiar traditional campfire treat, consider offering unexpected shapes when it comes to your chocolates, marshmallows, and graham crackers. We love how this couple chose circular graham crackers and structured marshmallows, lending a sophisticated quality to the familiar sweet treat.