Here are our tips for making the most of your food station experience: • Aim for five or six stations, each featuring a different cuisine or dishes from different cultures. • Consider theming the food – for example, it could reference your first date, honeymoon location, or hometown. • Be conscious of family traditions as well as dietary restrictions when making your final choices. Also, keep in mind your catering company’s specialty dishes. • Interact with chef-attended stations, like hibachi or customized crepes. • You can create a non-traditional environment by including space to mingle and setting up a variety of lounge areas, or adjust a more traditional seating arrangement by including larger spaces between tables so guests can easily stroll from station to station. ❤ brands? Typically it’s considered a faux pas to have a cash bar, so if you’re look- ing for a cheaper option, consider hav- ing a dry wedding or opting for a soft bar with just beer and wine options. When discussing the bar with your ven- ue or caterer, find out what their stand- ard bar package includes. Will mixers like juice and pop be included or are you expected to provide these? Is gratuity included in your package price? Ques- tions like these will ensure you know what you are paying for. It’s important to know how you are be- ing charged, as bar services price pack- ages differently. If you have a full bar, you’ll be charged either by the drink (consumption) or by the bottle. If you are charged by the bottle, be sure to ask if you will receive a credit for par- tial bottles or if you will be allowed to take home the bottles that have been opened. Also, find out how many bartenders will be on duty, whether there are any cork- age fees, and whether the facility has liquor liability insurance. How long should bar service be available? Be sure to arrange for bar service that lasts as long as the reception itself (the average wedding reception lasts be- tween four to six hours). You can save some money by requesting that the bar stop serving alcohol at a particular time, but you should make provisions for non-alcoholic beverages to be served until the reception is over. ❤ 6 7 5 1-7. Genevieve Nisly Photography READ MORE AT TODAYSBRIDE.COM TODAY’S BRIDE | 61