Also the reason I said push it back an hour is b/c I'm assuming your ceremony precedes the reception by at least 30 minutes, yes? 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. Brownies, cookies, mini cheesecakeswe're getting hungry just thinking about the options. Honestly, it's really hard to eat standing up. Here's a guide to how much food to serve at your wedding. This will ensure that all guests are able to enjoy the food stations. 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. Download the WeddingWire app to plan anytime, anywhere. A sign or DJ announcement when guests enter the reception space can help make sure everyone knows what to do. Meat But, there was not a shortage. 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. You need fewer hors doeuvres. Dont forget to consider dietary restrictions, coordinate with your venue, and have a backup plan. And so will yours!! BBQ Food Station There are specific barbecue styles across the Midwest and South so a BBQ Food Station at a wedding cocktail hour can incorporate a range of rib recipes and sides, including Texas, Memphis or Kansas City ribs (there are other regional recipes in addition to these), baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, biscuits, collard greens, potato salad and pickles. This is Why a Cocktail-Style Wedding Reception Rocks, 30 Adventurous Food Gift Ideas for Couples Who Love Trying New Things. At this fiesta-themed wedding, the happy couple had an avocado bar and street taco station. Guests were enjoying . Fruit Photo by White-Klump Photography via Style Me Pretty, Photo by Leeann Marie Wedding Photographers via Pittsburgh Magazine. Stand up cruising tables are really a hit. Then guests are more relaxed, less hungry and visit the food stations when they are done with the salad course (instead of all at the same time). Have a backup plan in case a food station runs out of food. Then there are the foods that must be kept refrigerated or frozen, like oysters, sushi and ice cream. And if you like the idea of food stations but don't want to give up your seated dinner, consider them for dessert. You can also pair the menu with a selection of Spanish wines. Here are some of the top picks from around the country. 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). These epic wedding food station ideas (pizzas, popcorn, BBQ and more) are sure to wow your guests and their appetites. "Food stations are the new buffet-a little bit trendier and more modern way to do it." Think mini-sized fan favorites like beef sliders, shrimp cocktail shooters, spring rolls, fruit skewers, and so much more. Photo by Donna Murray Photography via One Fab Day. How Does Food Truck Catering Work At Weddings? Other items to add to a Southern Comfort Food Station includes fried green tomatoes, buttermilk biscuits and collard greens. 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). Food trucks are the fun way to feast. Too, our reception is later in the evening, at 7pm, if that helps. Donut station; where guests can choose their own toppings. Baked potatoes with buffet style toppings like bacon, sour cream, chives, chili, cheese, and guacamole. Include the meat and buns and simply add lettuce wedges, onions, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard and cheese as add-ons for guests. To help avoid any fashion disasters you can have a server behind the table to help people create their own tacos, or make sure that the toppings arent dripping with grease, sauce or overly messy. Go for an Italian-inspired food station with a Rustic Pizza Bar. They are mobile. So the seat for every caboose is crucial. Our venue seats 200 and we are expecting just over 100 so space will not be an issue. So I'd do that plus a few. However, planning and executing food stations can be a challenge. 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. More Guest Mingling What changes socially? Water, Planning Your Wedding With An Itinerary Wedding Template [FAQs], Ooty Itinerary For 7 Days: Explore The Queen Of Hill Stations [FAQs], What Food Goes With Gin: A Guide To Pairing Your Favorite Gin With Delicious Food [FAQs], How Long Should A Great Dane Be On Puppy Food [FAQs], What Is The Root Cause Of Food Insecurity Quizlet [FAQs]. Consider adding one of these childhood favorite wedding food station ideas to your cocktail hour. Photography: Photography Anthology. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. Cat It's hard to eat standing in heels. For decades, the wedding buffet was the more casual alternative to the traditional seated dinner: They're interactive, more varied, and offer more room for customization than a standard three-course meal. You have enough seating, plus extras, for everyone. 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. Wedding Reception Food Station Ideas. Nobody is restricted to their own space. They create a fun and interactive atmosphere. The rhythm with a food station reception is better. I also love to do a plated salad first then open up the food stations. 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. Shot glass desserts are an extremely convenient and delicious option for guests. Consider offering customization options for each food station. An assorted sushi bar with a few classic bite-sized indulgences of sushi are convenient and can be beautifully displayed. Amy Cakes created these espresso chocolate confections, proving there are several ways to reinterpret the drink on your wedding day. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. But, the idea is to enjoy the ceremony (where there will hopefully be some seating), munch a little on some food, then leave and enjoy the rest of the day at faire. Generally, its a good idea to have at least three food stations to offer a variety of options. What you are doing is making it like a high school cafeteria feeling of guests walking around lost trying to find a seat, On the invite include reception to follow. Thanks PP for the advice! 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! This will add variety and allow guests to customize their dishes. Or if youre having a destination wedding youll want to serve up local foods that highlight the culture. Food stations, however, are usually scattered around the room, which encourages guests to go back and forth between eating and dancing and to explore the entire reception space. Too, the reception is at a contemporary art gallery so we're hoping our friends and family will enjoy. Have a backup plan in case a food station runs out of food or there is a technical issue. You don't even have to have traditional seating , you could do more casual longe type groupings. [FAQs], How To Keep Ants Away From Cat Food [Step By Step], How To Reheat Crab Legs In Air Fryer [Step By Step], When Can I Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Reddit? Turn your wedding into a fiesta by erecting a DIY taco bar in your reception hall. The station should be stocked with lobsters, clams and corn on the cob. Information Bonnie Jenkins. There will be more than enough food to feed everyone. Make sure to have enough for all guests. What is the cheapest option for food at a wedding? Choose foods that fit dietary restrictions. These sweet and tasty circles of happiness that are sure to put a smile on every guest's face! What is your plan? Instead, the momentum continues to build. LOL. Imagine the taste of delicious, warm, mashed potatoes on your wedding day. We also went to a wedding that was more cocktail style and had a blast. Stack yours with oysters, mussels, shrimp rings and filets of fish. But then you can get creative with other ingredients: shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, pickled cabbage, corn, rice, sour cream and jalapeos. In this post, we wanted to get you started with a few of our all-time favourite weddingfood station ideas! I feel that the food stations elevate it beyond just a cocktail style reception and I don't want the guests thinking they're going to leave hungry! How many guests are you having? Outside will have round tables and inside will have small and large tables along a banquette with high top cocktail tables down the center of the room. This can be an economical option only. People are more food aware and avoid some foods by choice or because of dietary restraints. Wedding Food Buffet or Station | Planning Guide & Tips I appreciate the opinions though. Cocktail hour is the perfect time for guests to mix and mingle while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and entertainment. 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. By: Kristen Klein. We've decided to have heavy appetizers coupled with food stations. Can you set up a lounge area with some grouped seating like couches or ottomans? - but, of course, the most hassle-free option is to leave your baking in the hands of professionals! Guests can then pick and choose what they want to taste and try. They allow guests to customize their dishes. Consider including veggies, shrimp and chicken that is slightly fried in a light tempura batter on separate plates or cups. Ann Bloomquist Jarema of A'BriTin Catering & Hospitality and parent company of This Little Piggy Catering in Saint Paul, Minnesota, shares that most caterers will account for food in ounces based on the total number of guests for your event. When we serve hors doeuvres by themselves, some people fill up on them because they are hungry, and some because they really dont know what comes next. After the ceremony perhaps you have a champagne toast and hors doeuvres. Breads can be toasted or not, but have a few plain and flavorful options, such as garlic bread and focaccia. During the cocktail hour, many couples choose to serve a variety of bites for guests to enjoy as a pre-dinner starter. This makes guests feel free to move. You dont have to stick strictly to Italian style fare, either - soba noodles and rice noodles are the bases of some killer dishes - and a mac n cheese station with different toppings (pictured at top) is a fun alternative, too. 1 / 31. Sushi Station One of the most popular wedding food station ideas, youll find a sushi station at almost any wedding, but have yours stands out by making it more interactive than just picking out the pieces you want to eat. Earn entries and participate in our monthly contest, 9 Iconic Canadian Dishes to Serve at Your Wedding, 5 Watermelon Cocktails Worth Serving at Your Wedding, 7 Thanksgiving-Inspired Appetizers for Your Wedding Menu. Warning: this post may cause mouths to water! Get the answers to these questions before you sign on the dotted line. Enter wedding 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. From late-night snacks to a traditional wedding meal, food truck wedding catering makes a fun addition to any celebration. A firm favourite with guests young and old, ice cream always goes down well, and if you're blessed with a sunny day in summer, it will probably be the highlight of the whole day! We were at a wedding this fall that had food stations. These mini burgers can be packed with a large amount of flavor. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals. The venue is partly outside and partly inside. Cotton candy station by DIY Network via DIYs.com. Doesnt a Bump and Run party sound more inviting? Photo by Kreativ Photography via Junebug Weddings. This is a simple station that is easy and can satisfy many. 25+ Interactive Food Station Ideas | BridalGuide Include some meat options such as salmon and chicken breast. Consider having a separate beverage station or hiring a bartender to serve drinks. Despite my intense hatred of signs, I'd get one that says something like, "Eat, drink and sit where ever you'd like! 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. Salami, prosciutto, ham and duck are some of the meats to add to the platters. Itinerary Trip Just don't herd everyone in there and then make them all sit for endless speeches and intros. Time Turn your wedding into a fiesta by erecting a DIY taco bar in your reception hall. They are not stuck at a table with a few close friends or family. Vegetables, such as artichokes, asparagus, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes can be grilled and/or marinated. Nutrition "The cocktail hour is kind of like. Different stations means some people will get the drinks first and some will get to the food first. Food station ideas for weddings can include a wide range of options that guests can shuffle through as they please. By choosing to include desserts in a shot glass style, there is more room for equally delicious dessert station ideas to satisfy guests as opposed to one large cake for everyone. Just as the party is getting started you do what? Wedding Food Stations vs. Buffets: An Expert Breaks Down the Differences 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. In the past, people tended to marry people more similar to themselves. Accompany the food station with soy and another dipping sauce. FH was being pulled in a bunch of different directions for pictures and such so for a while I was on my own. Guests have the ability to bump into new people and get to know them. While both food stations and buffets are more relaxed alternatives to a formal seated dinner, the difference in format can have a big impact on the flow of your reception. Afternoon Tea/Scone Station - Scones, tea and jam. Antipasto Bar Celebrate one or both families Italian heritage with an antipasto bar. This is one of the best wedding reception food menu ideas because it includes favorites like meats and cheeses, crackers, and fruits. People danced and drank all night. Searching for a wedding caterer in your area? Whether or not youre inviting kids to your wedding, there are plenty of adults who enjoy kid-friendly food. If youre opting for buffet-style meal service, guests will serve themselves from a food station and select their own food choices and portions. Is there a matre 'D, captain or wait staff at the venue to guide people and tell them it's freestyle seating? It's important to recognize that there is not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much food to serve at your wedding. Wedding Food Stations A Better Way to Present Reception Food. Some Irish companies, like Delish Melish in Ireland andSugarSin in the UK,specialise in just this type of treat, while many of our recommended bakers can create meringues and cookies as well as cakes. Deciding on a wedding food stations menu, though, might be a little trickier. Birds of a Feather. Find out why they are rapidly gaining popularity. Wedding Guest Seating Options The venue is partly outside and partly inside. Restaurant If you push it back to 8, everybody gets more time and will show up more relaxed. 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. Thank you so much for sharing what you've experienced. There are many things that go into wedding planning, remove the stress of selecting only one or two food plate options for guests by offering a variety of feasible selections. Wedding Reception Food Station Ideas Make sure to serve a range of cheeses Drunken Goat, Manchego, Gouda and olives too. This makes guests feel free to move. Typically we do also pass hors doeuvres. Education Australia Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. Check out this years best local pros, chosen by couples like you. Are you asking yourself, Is this more like an all hors doeuvres meal? Not at all. A tempura food station at your reception buffet is an easy way to provide mixed, assorted options for guests. Cake is, of course, a great option, but we're also partial to decadent dessert bars. Work with your caterer and stationer to create themed paper cup holders that complement the weddings theme. 14 Unexpected Food Stations For Your Wedding Start with a selection cheese in a variety of textures soft, firm, aged and blue and milks cow, goat, sheep. For meats, you also want a range of textures and flavors from smoky to dry-cured. Gone are the days of two entrees and a salad. We haven't chosen the menu yet but I'd be interested to know what others have chosen for their food stations and how it worked out. 29 Wedding Reception Activities That'll Wow Your Guests - The Knot That's pretty important! Food stations, however, are usually scattered around the room, which encourages guests to go back and forth between eating and dancing and to explore the entire reception space. These could include a classic California roll, salmon and spicy tuna roll that is prepared-to-order. Also, consider having multiple stations to prevent long lines. They can even go after having a few dances. 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. I'm pretty sure everyone has been to a cocktail party or cocktail hour before, so your guests should be able to figure out what you are going for and enjoy it. "A lot of people are opting for a smaller wedding cake that does the trick for the photo op, and bite-sized dessert stations where people can help themselves," says Parekh. You'll find a handy tutorial onhow to DIY a taco bar herebut it does require quite a bit of work, so consider taking this idea to your caterer or hiring a food truck likeK Chido in Ireland or The Little Taquero in the UK. 88 years of expert advice and . Good luck finding a seat. You could also set up a sundae bar by laying out a selection of toppings and asking your venue or caterer to lay out tubs of your favourite ice cream on the day. Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. Dont forget to offer a variety of beverages to go along with the food stations. Utilizing food stations at your wedding reception is less about food and more about social mixing. Food stations are a fun and interactive way to offer guests a variety of food options. A pastabar is one of the most popular wedding reception food station ideas. Strolling reception | Weddings, Etiquette and Advice | Wedding Forums A salad option is a perfect wedding food station idea for the vegetarians on the guest list or those looking for a healthier option. The traditions like first dance and cake cutting are still there, but the time is more flexible. Strangers standing in front of a unique food station are given something to talk about, to break the ice. Find your wedding caterer on WeddingWire , Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate. You can even pair your seafood spread with pints of Guinness for a real taste of Ireland! And if you're doing a mix of big tables, little tables, casual seating, it really is impossible to do a seating chart. It is friendly and jovial. Fish Food Station wedding receptions are very misunderstood. 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, salads and fruits. It made dinner very choppy and you didn't really get to sit down and enjoy the meal. Check our our list of recommendedcaterersandbakers! And there is less waste because they take a portion they believe they can eat, plus they do not choose the food they know they wont eat. Mashed Potato Bar A bowl of mashed potatoes white or sweet can be the perfect warm indulgence. Pea Kris, you talked me into lounge areas. Include cheeses, fried olives, garlic shrimp, chorizo, empanadas and shots of gazpacho in your Tapas Bar menu. This way, guests are able to easily add exactly what they want to their own salad bowl. "To devote a whole spread to one thing is a little more interesting." Before you hand the reins over to your caterer, look into what types of food bars suit your big day. So grandma might just have to stand and eat?? ?. Cheap Food for Wedding Reception - 18 Ideas On A Budget - Charmy Now I had a seat for a little while and mingled the whole time before I knew it I had 4 glasses of wine and was ready to let loose but I went home instead. Mediterranean Bar Who wouldnt love a station filled with warm pita and spreads to dip them in? Cant decide whether an open bar or cash bar belongs at your reception? If youre filling your guests plates with hearty eats like pasta and burgers, youre going to want to have one or two healthy options to balance things out. It will look like a room full of people who are uncomfortable. 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! Interested in knowing what your food stations are going to be? This depends on the number of guests and the types of foods being offered. I feel like even if you are doing stations you should assign tables. While some couples may worry this approach won't be enough, Ann Bloomquist Jarema says to remember that not all your guests will take cake after a full meal, leaving you with plenty of slices to spare. FAQ: Everything you wanted to know about food stations Your coordinator or caterer may also assist you in arranging food stations that blend in with the fabric of your wedding. The Pros and Cons of Wedding Reception Action Stations This depends on the size of your reception and the number of guests. Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate. For all the meat lovers. Remember to have a few prepared for your plant-based friends and relatives, too. Otherwise I would add at least 20% extra seats Are you able to set up enough tables inside? Searching for a wedding caterer in your area? And I don't personally feel that you need to have seating for everyone if you are truly following a cocktail format, but that seems to be an UO here. Wedding Food Stations - A Better Way to Present Reception Food From classic rock ballads to modern-day pop hits, these wedding slow dance songs are perfect for swaying on the dance floor. Work with your catering company or do some research to determine the appropriate amount. 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. Before you set your heart on a wedding food station, there are a few things to consider: It's important to mention here that all food stations are not created equally! What exactly is a food station? Ordering wedding cake is often a more straightforward approach, with one slice of cake needed per guest. This shouldn't be a problem, but you'll need tospeak to your venue and/or caterer about it well in advance. They have a reason to leave one conversation and start another. From late-night snacks to a traditional wedding meal, food truck wedding catering makes a fun addition to any celebration. 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. Thank you everyone for the replies! Do you have any suggestions--all high tops or more seating, lounge areas?? Its the perfect application for food stations. Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. Cocktails and beverages are an essential part of your special day, so why not have fun with them? They have a reason to leave one conversation and start another. I was at a networking meeting last evening. Affordable Wedding Food Ideas - 360SiteVisit A buffet gives guests the freedom to make their own plates according to their own preferences. Wooden crates, cutting boards, and ceramic plates created mini vignettes across this sprawling charcuterie spread by Jungle Oven; trailing bowls of fresh sage and a magnolia leaf-centric floral arrangement added texture. 24 Cheap Wedding Food Ideas to Cut the Cost Significantly You can also consider having a separate station for guests with allergies. Top it off with options for soy sauce, wasabi and ginger from a local market or grocery store and you are good to go. With some planning and creativity, you can execute the perfect food stations at your wedding reception. Updated Jul 11, 2022 There are plenty of ways to make your wedding an unforgettable experience, from trendy decorations to interactive food service. delete The humble hamburger should not be overlooked when it comes to wedding reception food station ideas. So, why not let them craft their perfect plate by offering an assortment of noodles, sauces and toppings? Couples should work with their caterer, event designer or florist and stationer, to create not just a delicious menu, but a beautiful display that complements the rest of the wedding dcor. There was food all night. Good Luck with your big day! Get the answers to these questions before you sign on the dotted line. Interactive food experiences are a delightful surprise for your guests, and will encourage them to get up and mingle. In this post, we wanted to get you started with a few of our all-time favourite food station ideas. Just keep in mind that guests won't get fed quite as quickly or simultaneously. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect food stations at your wedding reception. 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. Contrary to popular belief, salad bars dont have to be boring. The pizzas can range from classic Margherita to a white Bianca, and with an assortment of toppings from vegetables to meats. You will find that most people will not sit or they wont sit very long. Brunch Station - think salmon, bagels, crushed avocado, bacon, eggs. But I wouldn't both mentioning anything in the invitations. You can call your food what ever you want. Having a food truck or two pull up to your reception is an awesome catering trend that allows for a relaxed and free-flowing vibe. The table style, linens, florals and signage for your wedding food stations should all seamlessly mesh with the weddings look and feel.

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