If you're wondering how to keep your friends and loved ones well-fed and satisfied throughout your wedding reception, consider treating them to several different types of food stations. These buffet-style tables will allow guests to mix and mingle as they try out a variety of snacks, appetites, main courses and desserts.
Station-style food service is ideal for any type of wedding theme or location, whether it's an island-inspired reception on the beach, or a rustic celebration in a country barn. Other types of venues that will accommodate stations well include reception halls, ballrooms, country clubs, vineyards, and even private venues such as botanical gardens, theaters, and museums.
When it comes to setting up the stations, how you serve and present the cuisine is almost as important as what you serve. For instance, rather than just presenting the food on boring plastic trays or bowls, ask the caterer to use crystal service ware or whimsical items, such as candy jars.
Be sure to provide a wide variety of selections to accommodate any vegans and vegetarians or those with specific food allergies on your guest list. Work with your caterer in advance to include everyone's preferences.
Following are some creative food station ideas for your wedding reception.
1. Appetizers and Snacks
After the wedding ceremony but before the main course is served, guests will mostly likely need to refuel. Help curb their appetites with an appetizer and snack station filled with goodies such as a gourmet cheese, sausage, and cracker tray, Additional grazing items include chips and dips, fresh vegetables and hummus, a fruit platter, and cups of soup.
Offer guests small plates and napkins, and have them create their own appetizer sampler.
2. Main Courses
Your options for for station-style main courses are almost endless. You can offer friends and family members a build-your-own-burger bar, complete with traditional, veggie, and portobello mushroom burgers. Include a mix of traditional and fancy ingredients, as well as white, wheat, French, and gluten-free buns.
Another station idea is a Mexican-inspired taco and nacho bar. Present all of the classic ingredients and toppings, and don't forget hard and soft taco shells, tortillas, and taco salad shells. For a pretty presentation, place all of the food in glass bowls and label them with mini chalkboards.
3. Sweets and Desserts
A sweets station is where you can get the most creative. Serve pastel-frosted cupcakes on tiered cake stands, colorful candies, including gumballs, jelly beans, and chocolates in vintage apothecary jars and mini pies in aluminum tins.
You can also pour glasses of milk and top them with chocolate chip cookies so that guests can just grab one and go.
For more information, reach out to local wedding catering services.
