The Best Food Station Plans For Your Wedding
Food Stations – It’s Not Just Dessert That Gets Its Own Table!
Think back to weddings you’ve attended in the past. One of the things that most likely jumped to your mind is what the food was like. As humans, whether we like it or not, we attach memories to food. So why not make your wedding extra memorable for yourselves and your guests by having some drool worthy food stations! We’ve put together this blog post to give you the best food station plans for your wedding.
Start the day off right
You’re going to be spending a large portion of the day simply getting ready. Food is often a second thought at this time as the focus is on other much more important things like hair, makeup, getting that dress on, and keeping from balling your eyes out (with excitement of course) However, it is so important for you and your nearest and dearest to eat. Nobody wants to feel faint walking down the aisle (or more over hagry)! This is the first opportunity of the day to treat yourself and your pals to a great food station!
Here are a few great easy breakfast/brunch food station ideas
Breakfast Bar – Can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like. Think croissants, bagels, muffins, fruit, jams and all the fixings. This kind of setup is great as the foods can stay out for an extended period of time so once set out, people can come nibble as they please throughout the morning.
Waffle bar
If you have more time on your hands, a willing friend or you happen to be getting ready at a hotel, order up a waffle bar. Waffles, syrup and a variety of fruit is sure fire way to start the day off on the right foot. Don’t even think of forgetting the whip cream.
Mimosa Bar
Pickup a few bottles of Champagne, ice, a few juices and fruits and voila. Every friend or family member can create their own delicious mimosa to sip on while having their hair and makeup done. Not a Champagne fan, this can also be done with Caesars (win win for all!).
After the I Do’s
You’re officially married! If you hadn’t been able to eat too much before your ceremony thanks to those pre-wedding nerves, you’re now probably starving. You, and your guests, will thank you for planning awesome cocktail hour snacks.
Cocktail hour food station ideas sure to please a crowd
Popcorn Bar
Can be done one of two ways. You can purchase pre-popped popcorn that simply needs to be opened and put into bowls. This option is great as it can be set up in advance and doesn’t require someone manning the station. The other option is to rent a popcorn machine and have someone make hot fresh popcorn for your guests. This option may be more work, but that fresh-popped popcorn smell is tough to beat!
Charcuterie Food Station
A little more intensive of a station to put together (if you DIY it), but so worthwhile. You can offer guests a selection of meats, cheeses, pates, breads, olives and dips. If not catered, ensure your venue has a fridge that you can store your platters in until it is time to put out the food.
Chip bar
Probably the easiest food station you could ever create yet still please every guest (because who doesn’t love chips?). Extra points for dips, and pickles (we’re Manitobans after all).
Not just for snacks
Yes, the majority of food stations at weddings or events are typically snack type stations. But that doesn’t mean your main meal can’t be comprised of food stations instead of a more traditional served sit down meal.
Some dinner food station ideas sure to have your guests remembering your wedding
Mac and Cheese Bar
A few different types of noodles followed by a choice of sauce and toppings. Your guests will be drooling over all the cheesy goodness. There are also some amazing vegan and gluten free mac and cheeses out there, so this is an easy station to adjust to accommodate your guests with food sensitivities.
Slider Food Station
Your guests can assemble the slider of their dreams. Offer a few different meat (and vegetarian) options with a variety of toppings and condiments. Serve with a side of fries and you’re sure to have guests coming back for seconds.
Sushi Food Station
Have a sushi chef prepare a variety of rolls for your guests. Guests will enjoy trying different rolls while watching the chef masterfully make more.
Taco/Fajita Bar
Who doesn’t love tacos? Your guests will be thrilled to create their own delicious tacos and fajitas. Bonus if you also have Mexican street corn!
Dessert Bars: The food station your guests have been waiting for all day
There has been such a surge of amazing dessert bar ideas in the past few years. They are equally pleasing to the eye as to the taste buds! Love the idea of a dessert bar but still wanting to do a cake cutting? Opt for a smaller cake with a variety of treats for your guests.
Dessert bar ideas that will have your guests talking for years to come
Donut Walls
You can create your own fairly easily if you are handy but you can also rent them from a lot of bakeries. They create such a beautiful and tasty backdrop for your dessert table.
Cookie bar
Looking for a less messy dessert that requires no additional dishes? A cookie bar is for you (and you get a cookie, and you get a cookie, everyone gets a cookie!). Equally perfect for those looking for a quick treat between dances and those wanting to sit and chat the night away with relatives and friends.
Pie bar
Have a variety of pies available for guests to try. Having a fall wedding? This is the perfect dessert to go with the season. Our only warning, it can get a little messy!
S’more bar
There are lots of companies that now set up s’more bars for you. Complete with marshmallows, graham crackers, a variety of chocolate, roasting sticks and fuel cans. Fun to make and delicious, your guests will love it.
Ice cream bar
Perfect for a hot summer wedding. Your guests will appreciate the cool treat. To not have to worry about melty ice cream, try hiring an ice cream truck to surprise your guests.
Food Station Nightcap
You and your guests have been dancing the night away. And after a long, fun filled day, a little late night snack is what everyone is craving before the ride home at the end of the night.
Try any one of these late night food station ideas to send your guest off full, happy and, ready for a good nights slumber.
Poutine Bar
Cheese curds, gravy and, fries. Need we say more?
Pizza Station
Crowd pleaser and easy for a more DIY wedding. Delivered pizza ensures you have a hot snack with little to no effort needed by you. It arrives hot fresh and ready to eat!
Soft Pretzel Station
Hire a hot soft pretzel cart to provide your guests with a much-needed hot carb late night snack. Or just simply arrange to have them delivered late night or rent a display case to keep them warm.
Food stations are a wedding’s MVP
No matter if you go with one food station or many for your wedding. Whether you DIY it or hire a caterer. You are sure to give your guests a unique, delicious experience they are sure to remember for a long time. Talk to your venue or caterer about what their food station options are. You will be surprised with how easy it is to include one (or a ton!) on your big day. You won’t regret treating yourselves and your guests.
