Food Stations You Should Include at Your Reception

Photo: Manda Weaver Photography

Your wedding reception is not just a celebration of love — it's also an opportunity to treat your guests to a culinary experience they'll never forget. While traditional plated dinners have their place, incorporating food stations into your reception can add a 'wow' factor to your big day. From interactive displays to customizable treats, food stations add a fun and flavorful twist and some major flair.

"Set up a food station with your wedding guests that honors your family roots. Have a recipe that's been handed down for generations? Team up with your caterer to put it on the menu and add that sentimental dish to the mix. Whether it's your grandma's lasagna or your aunt's empanadas, sharing a sentimental dish with your guests will give the celebration an extra special personal touch." —Monica Garcia, Story Alley Photography

"Imagine a chef preparing your favorite pasta and toppings ready to order. It's a fantastic experience with the right mix of sauciness and cheesiness if done right. If you want to take it to another level, then try a Pasta alla Ruotta station, which is the pasta cooked and then finished in a large cheese wheel so that the cheese melts directly into the pasta and toppings to create a dish generously infused with a cheese essence." —Vijay Goel, Bite Catering Couture

"A cheese board or charcuterie station is a fantastic alternative to passed hors d'oeuvres. This is a very simple station that is always popular and very customizable. You can do sweet, savory, cheesy, whatever you'd like! There is a reason that these have stayed popular for so long." —Kelsey Strickland, Twickenham House and Hall

"Culinary experiences are all the hype for the foodie clients. Caviar bars, live-action sushi, and pasta stations are great ways to incorporate food into your wedding. Another new emerging trend is the cocktail tray passed hors d'oeuvres. Imagine a vodka shot with smoked bacon and caviar. One thing wedding guests complain about most is waiting in lines, so this brings the cocktail and the hors d'oeuvres directly to them. What an amazing balance of both worlds." —Dee Lee, Dee Lee Designs

"Seafood stations such as raw oyster bars or fresh shrimp and small bites are always a huge hit. Consider adding all of the garnishes, such as fresh citrus, various sauces, and toppings to tailor to everyone’s tastebuds. These can be especially refreshing for summer weddings." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services

"When you are having these stations, you have to consider if you need a chef on-site, or if an open flame is allowed. Some venues may allow or have alternative ideas for an open flame." —Chandai Raghunauth, Chandai Events

"Ensure that the venue or catering company you want to contract can offer the food station you are requesting. If having a taco bar is a deal breaker for your wedding, then you need to find a company that can provide this for you. If you know a specific food item is going to be very popular, make sure that you have contracted enough food with your caterer. You’d hate to have all of the late-night snacks run out before all of your guests get a chance to try them out." —Colton Simmons, Colton Simmons Photography

"We recommend food stations to any couple that desires a fun, high-energy reception. Logistically, it's important to be mindful that putting the food stations in one area of the room will curate an experience similar to a buffet dinner selection. Ensure food stations are spaced throughout the entire reception space to encourage guests to enjoy each station individually." —Khloe Jackson, W Events

As you plan your dream wedding, remember that food stations can serve as an unforgettable touchpoint for your guests. They offer a fantastic opportunity to infuse your personality, and they’re completely customizable to different tastes and dietary preferences!

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.