Food can make or break your wedding reception, so why not skip the standard table fare and give your guests an entirely new eating experience? Food bars are a fun and delightful alternative to a sit-down dinner, not only because they are so customizable, but because they also encourage your guests to interact with each other (which is why you’ve brought so many wonderful people together in the first place). Plus, they’re perfect for any venue — including outdoor soirees and barn weddings!
Want to impress your guests? We’ve compiled a list of 15 food station ideas perfectly suited for your upcoming wedding so you can insert a little extra excitement into your big day.
1. Ice Cream Bar
Your guests will be screaming for ice cream after breaking a sweat from all that dancing. Instead of scooping out from a pint, eCreamery can help you customize your ice cream cups to fit your wedding theme.
2. Donut you want one?
Glazed, sprinkled, sugared, or filled with gooey goodness – donuts are the way to go if you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth.
3. Breadstick Bar
Olive Garden provides late night snack packages for the tail-end of wedding receptions — including such goodies as their famous breadsticks. Pair them with their tasty dipping sauces for a savory treat.
4. Grazing Table
You’ll be all set with a display of artisanal cheeses, cured sliced meats and a variety of breads, elegantly displayed on a wooden table.
5. Sushi Station
Whether you prefer traditional Japanese sashimi or all-american California rolls, sushi is always a great choice for a bite-sized snack. The rolls will get gobbled up quickly, so be sure to pack up on enough ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
6. Pie Madness
Although not exactly conventional, ask guests to bring a pie of their choice to share at your reception. If you’re aiming for a more homey, friendly vibe on your big day, this is a fun and delicious option.
Having guests bring dishes to the wedding is a great way to cut down on costs if you’re hosting your wedding on a budget.
7. Cotton candy machine
Add some color to your wedding and rent a cotton candy machine. Kids and grownups alike will line up for a taste of that delightful, sugary fluff.
8. Popcorn Stall
Can’t choose between sweet or savory treats? Offer a variety of popcorn flavors served in cute vintage mini-paper bags.
9. Cookie buffet
Sweeten up the reception by offering a buffet of your all-time favorite cookies.
10. Fruit Bar
You can never go wrong with fruit, so make sure to serve the freshest in-season produce for a healthy but delicious snack! Impress your guests by dicing and styling the fruit into distinct, elegant shapes.
11. Antipasti Bar
Top Inspired suggests giving your guests a taste of Italy by setting up an elegant antipasti bar. Traditionally served as the first course, antipasti can be treated as a snack, or served as part of your main course as well. Try placing the cheeses, breads, and dips on wooden platters to add some rustic flair to the overall presentation.
12. I Want Candy
Give your wedding a pop of color and serve a variety of sweets arranged inside delicate glass vases. It will look phenomenal, and your guests will love it too – especially the little ones.
13. Chocolate Fondue
Everyone loves chocolate. Your guests will be thrilled to try some of the decadent, mouth-watering fondue you’ve prepared for them.
14. Mashed Potato Bar
There’s nothing better than having some warm comfort food at your reception. Buttery, fluffy and delicious, mashed potatoes will add an even more cozy vibe to your wedding.
15. Cinnamon Rolls
What’s more inviting than the sweet smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns with drizzled sugar glaze? Try serving them in paper boxes so your guests can easily grab one and continue dancing!
We hope that some of these tasty ideas have inspired you, and that you’re more excited than ever for your upcoming wedding! Do you know of any other unique food station ideas? Comment below and let us know! And if you haven’t decided on a theme for your own big day yet, check out our comprehensive piece diving into 20 fun, rustic wedding ideas.
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