10 Creative Food Station Ideas
One of the biggest decisions you will make while planning your wedding will be choosing the food and menu you will serve to you guests. While having a traditional sit-down formal dinner never goes out of style, many couples are now opting for more relaxed receptions that fit them and their style as a couple. If this sounds up your alley then food stations may be the perfect style of service for your wedding!
Food stations combine the best of all catering styles. Imagine a chef at each station, customizing, and plating small dishes to order. Or DIY bars where guests can customize everything themselves. Small plates at stations can be completely customized to each guest and pack a big punch of flavor and creativity. Unlike a buffet-style meal which typically features long tables where guests proceed down the line in order and choose from a variety of dishes during the reception. Stations are typically mixed around the room and open for a longer amount of time, and guests can visit each station throughout the reception, cocktail hour or dessert depending on the type of station. This creates less wait time (raise your hand if you hate waiting for your table to be called up to the buffet!) and allows each guest to select their favorites.
Stationed meals are also a great way to offer a wide array of different foods to impress your guests. Food stations can tie in with an overall wedding theme, can be casual or elegant and can be offered just during the cocktail hour or as a substitution for a seated and served meal. You could even feature a station representing your cultural heritage, where you plan to honeymoon or a favorite meal you enjoy as a couple. We love that nowadays a wedding should be a reflection of your personal style as a couple and stations are a great way to tell your love story through your food. Check out some amazing ideas for food stations at your wedding below:
Brunch Station
For a brunch celebration, try a build-your-own waffle bar, omelet station or even cereal bar. Or go more continental breakfast style, think croissants, bagels, muffins, fruit, yogurt, and all the fixings. It can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like.
2. Asian Station
Let your guests travel around the world with stir fry stations, sushi or other favorites like pot stickers and egg rolls. Often interactive stations this option is sure to excite your guests.
3. Pasta Bar
I mean who doesn’t love pasta!? Providing a variety of gourmet pastas with sauces and mixins will always be a crowd favorite.
4. American Snack Station
Get nostalgic and serve hot dogs, mini sliders, hamburgers, and fries! A great option for your summer celebration or late night snack!
5. Mac and Cheese Station
Probably the yummiest of all comfort foods, a Mac & Cheese Bar is a no brainer for your wedding. Have a chef cook up some gourmet mac and cheese and offer a variety of toppings to make it even more decadent. Let guests customize their dish with an assortment of bacon, ham, lobster, veggies and any other family favorites you’re sure they’ll enjoy.
6. Ice Cream Bar
Everyone loves a sweet treat, and this station takes full advantage of that. This is a fully customizable option for a station at your wedding, as you can have lots of different toppings and ice cream flavors for your guests to choose from.
7. Grazing Tables
For the couple who love a cheese and charcuterie board, there's the grazing table - a delectable selection of cold meats, cheeses, antipasti, dips, breads, crackers, and fruits. It’s easy finger food that everyone will enjoy.
8. Taco Bar
Why not give your day a Mexican twist with a mini taco or nacho bar!? This one is perfect for pairing with a margarita for cocktail hour!
9. Southern Station
A southern-inspired menu can be a mix of bite-sized comfort foods or heartier dishes. Sandwiches like pulled pork sliders or fried chicken biscuits can be eaten with hands, while fried chicken and waffles and Bbq options can be more filling options. Your guests will definitely feel the southern comfort with this menu option.
10. Pizza/ Flatbread Station
Pizza may not immediately spring to mind when you think of wedding food, but it's fast becoming a popular and affordable choice. You can stick with classics like Margherita and pepperoni, design a pizza that reflects each of your personalities, or let your guests build their own!
