how to do food stations at a wedding reception

Overall, food stations are a fun and interactive way to offer guests a variety of food options at your wedding reception. That's pretty important! Pet Photo by Kreativ Photography via Junebug Weddings. These 16 Wedding Food Station Ideas Will WOW Your Guests, Whether or not youre inviting kids to your wedding, 20 Essential Questions to Ask a Wedding Caterer, How Wedding Food & Drink are Being Adapted for COVID, The 68 Best Food Trucks for Your Wedding from Around the Country, 16 Trendy Wedding Drink Ideas to Add to Your Pinterest Board. JUDITH RAE PHOTOGRAPHY by Maddy Sims Updated Jun 09, 2021 We'll always appreciate a great cocktail bar, but some of our favorite bars actually serve food. The Guide to Wedding Cocktail Hour - Brides We're all in favor of this trend-so we've put together a list of our 14 favorite wedding food stations so far. Potato Station. I was important to me that everyone had a place to sit because I have been to receptions where there wasn't enough chairs. Asian Food Station Asian foods can include a wide range of delicacies from China to Japan to South Korea to Thailand. This depends on the size of your reception and the number of guests. What Is Cocktail Hour? 21 Creative Drink Station Ideas Wedding Guests Will Love - The Knot Dim-sum style dishes that are bite sized include: dumplings (vegetarian, pork, chicken or shrimp), spring rolls, shrimp toast and chicken satay with peanut sauce on skewers. Cocktail style reception with food stations - how to word invites? We also went to a wedding that was more cocktail style and had a blast. Afternoon Tea/Scone Station - Scones, tea and jam. 13. Photo by Melissa Green Photography via Junebug Weddings, Photo by Theilin Photography via Marrygrams. If you're not particularly skilled with a bag of flour, look to established donut peddlers likeThe Rolling Donutor Offbeat Donut Co in Irelandor Krispy Kreme or Doughnut Time in the UK. I really liked the flow of the reception. It sounds like your will be similar - enjoy the ceremony, have a little nosh, then enjoy the art gallery (in my case, faire). Our venue seats 200 and we are expecting just over 100 so space will not be an issue. "This is what we suggest when people want a certain feel for their reception but a buffet is a little too traditional for them," says Julie Savage Parekh of Strawberry Milk Events. We initially wanted to keep it very small but then decided the more the merrier. But one of the best ways to leave an impact is with unique wedding reception activities. Eating standing up can be trying, but the reception intends to have the appearance of a cocktail party. These mini burgers can be packed with a large amount of flavor. If you're a cocktail-loving couple, one of your favorite parts of planning is sure to be nailing down your cocktail menu and, of course, those unique signature wedding drink names. And so will yours!! If youre opting for buffet-style meal service, guests will serve themselves from a food station and select their own food choices and portions. Birds of a Feather. Label each food station with the name of the dish and any allergen information. What is your plan? You can even pair your seafood spread with pints of Guinness for a real taste of Ireland! Make your bar menu more refreshing by adding a watermelon cocktail featuring everyones favourite summer fruit. Don't overthink it! Yes, you can certainly offer multiple types of food at each station. Fish Any combination of chilled lobster, crab legs, shrimp, clams and oysters is acceptable for a raw bar, or you can limit the selection to East Coast and West Coast oysters plus lemon, cocktail sauce and mignonette. A buffet, with all the food on a long table and a single line of guests waiting to be served, is more structured and can lead to long waits for friends and family who aren't at the head tables. Pro tip: If youre worried about running low on food with buffet-style service, consider hiring a staffer or two to serve from the buffet line and keep portions consistent among your guests. Lay out corn and flour tortillas, pico de gallo, queso fresco, shredded lettuce and all the other necessary fixings. Consider a mix of hot and cold dishes, vegetarian and meat options, and sweet and savory flavors. There will be more than enough food to feed everyone. This depends on the number of guests and the types of foods being offered. Personalize your wedding with your favorite foods from home. This makes guests feel free to move. For example, satisfy the chocolate lovers with a chocolate and peanut butter mousse shot glass dessert and other guests with a key lime pie shooter or a red velvet mousse shooter. Breads can be toasted or not, but have a few plain and flavorful options, such as garlic bread and focaccia. Serve in martini glasses. But then you can get creative with other ingredients: shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, pickled cabbage, corn, rice, sour cream and jalapeos. Get the answers to these questions before you sign on the dotted line. While your caterer will likely follow some of the same guidelines outlined above for salad, sides, and entres, theyll also have to account for larger portion sizes that can result from guests serving themselves. The one I worked had: local beer pairing, mac n cheese bar, mashed potato bar, crab cakes (we are in Maryland), seafood station with raw oysters, shrimp and crab claws, some sort of beef, different salads, hot and cold roasted veggies. Nor do you need to (and you know how I love my seating charts.) You're not trying to hammer tables of ten together; it sounds like some tables will be two couples, and the banquettes sound like fun. You want to make sure they are easily accessible and not in high traffic areas. Vegetable Find your wedding caterer on WeddingWire , Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate. Pea Here are a few of our favourite DIY savoury eats to serve. You don't even have to have traditional seating , you could do more casual longe type groupings. Popcorn stations are probably the easiest and cheapest stations to set up, so it's no surprise that they're popping up (sorry!) delete You know all your guests. So the main meal and the hors doeuvres are served together. It's strolling in that we have 3 tapas food stations, high top tables, and open seating for 80 people (aside from parents, grandparents, and elderly family). Looking for wedding reception food station ideas? It makes so much sense on so many levels. Your coordinator or caterer may also assist you in arranging food stations that blend in with the fabric of your wedding. I envision standing/dancing for more than an hour in heels, and I can already feel the discomfort! So tastes of the two families were similar. However, keep in mind that not all your guests will stay for the late hours of the evening, so you won't necessarily need food based on your total guest count. Is there a matre 'D, captain or wait staff at the venue to guide people and tell them it's freestyle seating? Food stations are a fun and interactive way to offer guests a variety of food options. Food Truck Wedding Catering: Everything You Need to Know - The Knot From breakfast-themed bars to appetizer stations to dessert buffets, here are some of our favorite ideas. You've got half the seating you need. Raw Bar A raw bar can be as elaborate as you want it to be based on your favorite shellfish and your budget. If you're leaning toward food stations but watching the bottom line, check with your caterer about any additional costs for replenishing the food or having the stations manned; some action stations, like an oyster bar that requires an attendant for shucking, may mean you pay more for labor (but, says Parekh, shortening the amount of time the food stations are open may help you trim costs). Fruit Wedding Reception Food Station Ideas Here are a few traditional dishes that have been transformed to fit your wedding cocktail hour. Why not give your day a Mexican twist with a mini taco or nacho bar!? Other items to add to a Southern Comfort Food Station includes fried green tomatoes, buttermilk biscuits and collard greens. Fill a banquet table with different variations of spuds and few toppings - like sour cream, chives, caviar and cheese - and your guests will be singing your praises. Check out this years best local pros, chosen by couples like you. Culinary Capers Catering and Special Events. Do you have any suggestions--all high tops or more seating, lounge areas?? You have enough seating, plus extras, for everyone. Here are all the pros and cons to think about. 1. It does like a fun idea. A sign at the entrance to the room would be a nice touch as well! Here are 15 wedding drink ideas that are clever and cute. Salami, prosciutto, ham and duck are some of the meats to add to the platters. Mingling. At this fiesta-themed wedding, the happy couple had an avocado bar and street taco station. Southern Comfort Food Station. Enterwedding food stations, a delicious trend that's infinitely customisable - you can go fancy with sushi or oysters, or hark back to a simpler time with some nostalgic treats from your childhood. Additionally, if budget constraints mean youre not able to serve all your guests from a beautiful display cake, Jeremy Michalski of Cutting Edge Catering in Rancho Cucamonga, California advises couples to consider another seamless option. Personally, I think this is a huge disaster and the majority of your guests will leave early because of it. This one is perfect for pairing with a margarita for cocktail hour, or as a late-night treat! People danced and drank all night. Set Up the Stations Strategically Have a backup plan in case a food station runs out of food or there is a technical issue. Side Dish You can't please everyone. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. Meat From classic rock ballads to modern-day pop hits, these wedding slow dance songs are perfect for swaying on the dance floor. That means a large portion of your guests will be getting ready around 5pm when they would normally be eating dinner to get out the door by 6 to get to the ceremony by 6:30, and they'll be hungry for a meal when they get to your reception at 7. There was food all night. Boring. Sound good? We will have more than enough seats for the guests and a coat check will be available if needed, though I doubt it as the wedding is on October 7th in NYC. With either buffets or food stations, you can cross seating assignments off your to-do list-unless it's critical that your aunts stay as far apart as possible or you're determined to fix up your cousin with your fianc's old roommate. 37 Wedding Songs to Slow Things Down at Your Reception, A Complete Guide to Planning a Backyard Wedding Reception. Make your first toast as newlyweds feel extra special with a set of elegant and unique wedding champagne glasses. Hot Food Stations Ideas for Your Wedding Reception Lay out corn and flour tortillas, pico de gallo, queso fresco, shredded lettuce and all the other necessary fixings. Most important; the bride and groom get to spend hours mingling too. Wedding Guest Seating Options Also, think about the theme of your wedding and incorporate foods that fit the theme. Stand up cruising tables are really a hit. Or perhaps a short cocktail hour prior to the reception where passed appetizers are served. Always be sure to consult with your catering company and theyll be able to get the numbers squared away just right. Wedding Food Buffet or Station | Planning Guide & Tips Good Luck with your big day! After the ceremony perhaps you have a champagne toast and hors doeuvres. There are so many important speeches surrounding your special day. Generally, its a good idea to have at least three food stations to offer a variety of options. Although if you're anticipating a more grazing-style party, this probably won't be too much of an . Here are some cultural wedding food station ideas for your wedding. Even the greatest of minglers and dancers want to sit down once in a while. Antipasto Bar Celebrate one or both families Italian heritage with an antipasto bar. Photography: Photography Anthology. Thank you soooo very much for the thoughtfulness of your responses. Make sure to include foods that fit dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan options. Sugary sweet and so so good, candy floss fits in perfectly with a vintage, festival or circus-inspired wedding. These sweet and tasty circles of happiness that are sure to put a smile on every guest's face! We're focusing on delicious and creative food, drinks, and music/dancing rather than a traditional seated formal reception.. I honestly think that if it's what you and your FH want then it's perfect! You could also have a mashed potato station with toppings such as sour cream and chives, bacon, cheddar cheese, mushroom or seafood sauce. Photo by Michelle Walker Photography via The Knot. Thanks PP for the advice! 24 Cheap Wedding Food Ideas to Cut the Cost Significantly An American treat which everyone can get on board with, s'mores are a combination of Graham Crackers (malted milk biscuits to us lot! Tip: if youre doing a brunch wedding or post-wedding brunch, turn your bread bar into a bagel bar and bolster it with add-ons like lox, cream cheese and jellies. The station should be stocked with lobsters, clams and corn on the cob. @Demetris R. I actually have been to a strolling reception. Consider having a separate beverage station or hiring a bartender to serve drinks. Consider including both vegetable and seafood sushi options. "If you just want to dance and you don't want the food portion to linger, it'll be a faster way," says Parekh. No set ending time, except when faire closes. Cant decide whether an open bar or cash bar belongs at your reception? Cocktail hour is the perfect time for guests to mix and mingle while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and entertainment. A hybrid of plated and buffet-style service, family-style wedding meals are served on large platters and bowls which are passed around for seated guests to serve themselves. Fresh Guacamole Station. 19 Grazing Tables Perfect for Your Cocktail Hour - Martha Stewart Make sure your wedding menu features food that's both delicious and plentiful. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the planning and execution of food stations, consider hiring a catering company. These epic wedding food station ideas (pizzas, popcorn, BBQ and more) are sure to wow your guests and their appetites. ^As long as there is seating for 80% of the guests!? For example, a taco station could have different types of meats and toppings for guests to choose from. People are more food aware and avoid some foods by choice or because of dietary restraints. Use the wording, "Cocktail Reception to Follow." We've been to many weddings and are both introverts and find the formal sit down dinner to be a bit painful if you're not sat at the right table. However, I would agree that enough seating for all guests would make it more enjoyable. ), melted marshmallows, and your favourite chocolate. "The cocktail hour is kind of like. Ladies, has anyone been to a strolling reception before who can share pros and cons? Strolling reception | Weddings, Etiquette and Advice | Wedding Forums Searching for a wedding caterer in your area? Find out which makes more sense for your event. Its the perfect application for food stations. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. "Food stations are the new buffet-a little bit trendier and more modern way to do it." Espresso Crpes. If you're having one of these food stations, professional chefs and servers are a must, and timing is crucial - you don't want raw seafood sitting out in the sun for 45 minutes because you miscalculated your wedding timeline! Now, there's another option that's threatening to overtake the buffet in terms of popularity, and that's the food station. Simply place in pretty vessels and provide handy bags for your guests to fill to their heart's content. Health Find wedding inspiration that fits your style with photos from real couples, Sit back and relax with travel info + exclusive deals for the hottest honeymoon destinations. If you push it back to 8, everybody gets more time and will show up more relaxed. There will be seating for everyone between the inside and outside. Food Station wedding receptions are very misunderstood. Ordering wedding cake is often a more straightforward approach, with one slice of cake needed per guest. Who doesnt love Thanksgiving food? Tapas Bar Tapas bars have become very popular in the past few years, so if you and your fianc enjoy going to them create a tapas bar during your cocktail hour. During the cocktail hour, many couples choose to serve a variety of bites for guests to enjoy as a pre-dinner starter. The venue is partly outside and partly inside. What is the cheapest option for food at a wedding? So, why not let them craft their perfect plate by offering an assortment of noodles, sauces and toppings? Why? From late-night snacks to a traditional wedding meal, food truck wedding catering makes a fun addition to any celebration. You don't need a traditional reception, but you do need seating. Couples with Middle East or Greek backgrounds can serve a Mediterranean Bar with a selection of spreads hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh, cacik, htipiti and ezme olives, crostini with cheese and salads. Thank you so much for sharing what you've experienced. This popular food station is sure to knock off any chill. Walking around and looking at the great art on the walls and in the halls. 35 Food Bar Ideas for Your Wedding Perhaps some signage that says, "feel free to mingle" or "freestyle seating.". Dont forget to offer a variety of beverages to go along with the food stations. A sign or DJ announcement when guests enter the reception space can help make sure everyone knows what to do. Restaurant Butter 29 Wedding Reception Activities That'll Wow Your Guests - The Knot While your caterer will likely follow some of the same guidelines outlined above for salad, sides, and entres, they'll also have to account for larger portion sizes that can result from guests . Food station ideas for weddings can include a wide range of options that guests can shuffle through as they please. "Then people can go at their leisure and really pick want they want and what they like.". Whether or not youre inviting kids to your wedding, there are plenty of adults who enjoy kid-friendly food. I'm sure it's fine for some of your guests but please think of the ones who don't know a bunch of people and don't know where to go. Pizza Bar I would still assign tables. If your wedding is more formal in style you may want to forgo the mallets and have shells cracked for easy access. Make sure to have enough for all guests. Can I have multiple types of food at each station? We suggest that you add a few to your wedding menu. This will ensure that your guests are still able to enjoy a variety of food options. 13 Ideas for Wedding Food Stations. Check our our list of recommendedcaterersandbakers! Start with a selection cheese in a variety of textures soft, firm, aged and blue and milks cow, goat, sheep. 31 Wedding Dessert Table Ideas That Are Mouthwatering - The Knot 52 Tips for Planning Your Wedding Reception, Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline and Checklist, Nautical Wedding Ideas for Your Coastal-Inspired Celebration, How to Pull Off an Elevated Wedding Buffet, 29 Food Trucks and Mobile Bars That Can Roll Right Up to Your Wedding, How to Make a Wedding Seating Chart (Without Stressing Out), 26 Delicious Wedding Ideas for Couples Crazy About Pizza, 23 Delicious Ways to Serve Donuts at Your Wedding, Surprising Things You Can Rent for Your Wedding, 25 Delicious Ways to Serve Ice Cream at Your Wedding, Fun Wedding Games That'll Keep Guests Laughing, 21 Ways to Make Your Wedding Feel More Modern, Straight from the Experts. They are a beloved catering serving style, and for good reason. Accommodating both you and your guests may seem like a daunting task when it comes to food selections, however we have a few wedding snack ideas that will ensure all attendees are accounted for when it comes to the wedding menu. Can you set up a lounge area with some grouped seating like couches or ottomans? Besides seating we'll have numerous high tops, just like at a cocktail party. When it comes to family-style service and figuring out how much food to serve at your wedding, having some extras of everything on hand is always a good idea. Baked potatoes with buffet style toppings like bacon, sour cream, chives, chili, cheese, and guacamole. By choosing the right foods, setting up the stations strategically, and offering customization options, you can create the perfect food stations that your guests will love. This way, guests are able to easily add exactly what they want to their own salad bowl. Whatever region of the country you're from or getting married in you can include popular foods and flavors from the area with unique wedding food station ideas. Discover expert tips for planning a wedding without a seated dinner. Different stations means some people will get the drinks first and some will get to the food first. With some planning and creativity, you can create the perfect food stations that your guests will love. We've decided to have heavy appetizers coupled with food stations. 4 Tips for Planning a Wedding Without a Seated Dinner ALL . If that sounds like too much faff, we also love the idea of a cookie and milk bar, which works really well as a late-night, sleepytime treat! Your guests will appreciate the effort and enjoy the experience. Interested in knowing what your food stations are going to be? Setting up one or more classic food stations will ensure that those guests who dont have adventurous taste buds will still find delicious options to eat during your cocktail hour. Gone are the days of two entrees and a salad. I would love to stroll around an art gallery drink in hand, but I want the option to sit if I don't feel like strolling with drink/plate/clutch bag wearing platform heels. Just keep in mind that guests won't get fed quite as quickly or simultaneously. Cocktail hour is the period of time between the ceremony and dinner. And it is less expensive. Who doesnt love indulging in a few carbs before moving onto the mains? On the fence about having a cocktail-style wedding reception? Add some toppings friend onions, brown sugar, sour cream, chives, cheddar cheese and bacon to mix in for bursts of flavor. I appreciate the opinions though. Most wedding reception meals also include two to three side dishes, and couples can expect to order four to six ounces per side, per guest. However, if you're serving one cohesive meal-Parekh uses a rehearsal dinner barbecue as an example-or hosting an especially large crowd, then a buffet is often the easier and more manageable option. You can call your food what ever you want. Canadians have created some pretty mouthwatering dishes. Interactive food experiences are a delightful surprise for your guests, and will encourage them to get up and mingle. They can even go after having a few dances. Consider adding one of these childhood favorite wedding food station ideas to your cocktail hour. 29 Wedding Food Stations You Haven't Seen Before The best bars are food bars. In fact, food is an amazing opportunity to personalize your big day with favorite dishes and cuisines that are most meaningful to you. Olive Oil These wedding reception food ideas andseveral other food station options, including a crustini or sundae station, are a simple way to include a large assortment of options for guests that are convenient as well as delicious. This will add a fun and interactive element to the food stations. They work well as a DIY project - maybe your Granny makes the best apple tart on the face of the planet or your pal's lemon bars can't be beat! Chilli/Taco Bar - Construct your own chilli/taco bowls. The idea is that you set up separate tables or displays of food, each of which has a different theme or flavour. Find wedding inspiration that fits your style with photos from real couples, Sit back and relax with travel info + exclusive deals for the hottest honeymoon destinations, To unblock this content, please click here. If you and your guests plan on partying into the early hours, don't forget to include some post-dinner bites to feed a hungry crowd. A pastabar is one of the most popular wedding reception food station ideas. - but, of course, the most hassle-free option is to leave your baking in the hands of professionals! Despite the increased guest list we do want the vibe to be less formal and just encourage our guests to hang out and eat, drink and dance to our awesome wedding band! Guests will love this trendy wedding reception food station idea. I also love to do a plated salad first then open up the food stations. There are some wedding food station ideas that you can be sure everyone will enjoy. 79 likes, 7 comments - Paean Wang | So Happi Together (@sohappitogether_pae) on Instagram: "Rich jewel tones against the Maui ocean backdrop. For sweet bars and candy buffets, you can choose anything from nostalgic childhood favourites to artisan treats like marshmallows, fudge, rock candy or mini meringues. It all depends on whether you want your guests to sit and dine or take a bite and move on to the next station. Now we often have two families with cultural tastes on opposite ends of the spectrum. With a mix of vegetables, meats and cheeses to choose from youll be able to create a wide variety that will suit every appetite. You can also pair the menu with a selection of Spanish wines. New England Clam Bake Station A wedding in a coastal New England state (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Connecticut) calls for a traditional New England Clam Bake Station. I've been to a few weddings where I know a few people from work, or only really the bride and not her family..I would be quite intimidated not knowing anyone and not having a seat. It's your wedding and your style, whatever makes you and your FH happy! Find wedding inspiration that fits your style with photos from real couples, Sit back and relax with travel info + exclusive deals for the hottest honeymoon destinations, To unblock this content, please click here. Wedding Food Stations A Better Way to Present Reception Food. Also, think about the theme of your wedding and incorporate foods that fit the theme. I just don't know how to word the invites so my guests aren't confused when they walk into the reception and are not given a specified seat at a table.

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