Food Station Options You Didn’t Even Know You Had
Are you and your groom total foodies? Want your guests to mix and mingle? Then maybe you’ll want to forego the traditional buffet or plated dinner and go with chic food stations instead!
Get guests excited about your food by having your caterer set up five or six stations around the room, each featuring a different cuisine. These stations are particularly fun for your wedding guests because they’ll allow them to sample foods that they might not have tried otherwise. Here are 16 of our favorite food station ideas:
1. BAKED POTATO BAR
Who doesn’t love a great baked potato?! Put out an assortment of butter, cheeses, sour cream, bacon, vegetables, salsa and more to meet – and dare we say exceed – all your guests’ expectations!
2. SUSHI STATION
California, Philadelphia, Spicy Tuna? Doesn’t matter! Your guests will love having a chef hand-roll their sushi right before their eyes, regardless of which type they choose!
Photo courtesy of Digital Photos by Dale.
3. PASTA STATION
Have a chef prepare the guests’ choice of pasta using a pre-selected assortment of pasta (we suggest 3-5 kinds), sauce (2-4 kinds) and meats or seafood (also 3-5 kinds). Set out condiments such as basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, mushrooms, red/green peppers and other veggies.
Photo, courtesy of Mystic Image, / taken at a Today’s Bride show.
4. SALAD BAR
Like most restaurants typically do, we suggest setting up a two-sided salad bar for your guests’ eating enjoyment.
Photo courtesy of Genevieve Nisly Photography.
5.SOUP STATION
There are many ways you could choose to do your soup station – whether it’s smaller soup servings served in shot glasses or having bread bowls out for guests to scoop their own. The critical factor is to make sure you have a few soup selections available.
6. STIR FRY STATION
Bring your favorite Wok restaurant to your wedding by having a chef prepare stir-fried vegetables, chicken, beef and shrimp in a wok and serve with steamed rice and teriyaki sauce. Delicious!
Photo was taken at a Today’s Bride show.
7. MEXICAN STATION
Allow guests to build their tacos using soft flour tortillas and hard shells. Make sure the station includes grilled chicken, steak, rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, salsa and, of course, guacamole!
8. PIZZA STATION
Everyone likes making their pizza! Just set out crust, sauce, cheese, veggies and other toppings. Of course, you’ll also need a grill or toaster oven. This station is a particularly great option if you’re going to have a lot of kids at your reception!
Photo courtesy of Genevieve Nisly Photography.
9.GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE
Comfort food is very in right now – especially grilled cheese sandwiches! Ask your caterer to put out homemade bread, gourmet cheeses, as well as an assortment of spiced ketchup, aiolis, and other condiments. Throw in some homemade sweet potato fries, and your guests aren’t going to want to leave!
10. MEDITERRANEAN STATION
Souvlaki, Greek salad, basmati rice, hummus and pita bread … what’s not to love?
11. KEBAB STATION
Assorted kebabs made with marinated meats and veggies that are cooked on-site by a chef will be a hit with your guests!
Photo courtesy of Digital Photos by Dale.
12. BBQ STATION
Bring the outdoors inside with this oh-so-popular station! Whether you’re serving ribs, pulled pork or chicken, your guests are sure to love this classic choice!
13. AMERICAN STATION
Go ‘a lá diner’ and serve hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries! Another popular item is sliders – or mini burgers — with sautéed onions and an assortment of other toppings. A great option for your summer celebration!
Photo was taken at a Today’s Bride show.
14. ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR
What else goes well with summer? Ice cream, of course! You can have a soft serve machine or a couple of types of ice cream in a freezer. Make sure you put out tons of candy, sprinkles, cookie pieces, crushed chocolate bars, sauces (hot and cold) and fruits!
Photo courtesy of WeddingStar.com.
15. DESSERT STATION
Dessert tables are trendy right now! How can you make sure yours is a success? Have your desserts stacked at different levels, consider your theme when decorating the table and get personal with your dessert choices. If you’re a choc-a-holic, maybe you’ll want a table full of chocolate goodies. If family is essential to you, you could stick to family dessert recipes only.
Photo courtesy of Cavanaugh Photography.
16.CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO BAR
Have a barista create delicious coffees and specialty drinks using chocolate and other flavored syrups as well as a real espresso machine. Starbucks has nothing on you!
