The perfect way to make a creative cocktail hour is by adding a station your guests can munch from while mingling as they await the arrival of the wedding party.
Stations are becoming quite the hit for couples today because of the unique and attractive appearances they offer.
Adding stations to your wedding is another way to keep your theme flowing. Every season holds a unique flavor combo for each individual. Fall reminds us of fun autumn cocktails and s’mores; winter brings to mind hot chocolate and cider. Spring has us yearning for rich vegetation and fresh starts while summer takes us back to fried food at the county fair.
Of course you don’t have to stick to the theme either! Diverge into some of your favorite foods and don’t leave just one option; talk to your caterer and ask them for a variety to please all your guests. Did you know you can opt for stations instead of a buffet or served meal? Consider having various stations serve as a “mini buffet” where guests can craft their dinner plates to how they like!
Station Idea Inspo
Appetizers/Cocktail Hour
Cocktail Station: Be creative and lay out all the fixings for build-your-own Bloody Marys or mimosas! In addition to vodka, champagne, and orange juice, include a variety of items like celery sticks, olives, pickles, limes, and Tabasco. Guests will enjoy crafting cocktails exactly to their liking!
Cider and Hot Beverages: Great for fall and winter, set up a station for hot tea, chocolate, and cider. You can choose basic flavors or get creative with raspberry or mint hot chocolates, caramel apple ciders, and don’t even get us started on tea flavors.
Meat, Cheese and Crackers: Crackers don’t fit the mood? Try crostini or bruschetta instead.
Chips and Dip: Spinach and artichoke, queso, salsa, ranch, French dip, guacamole… options are limitless for both dips and chips. Choose from corn chips, potato chips, cheesy chips, bbq chips, spicy chips, tortilla chips, and more.
Fried Food Station: Fried food can work for either your appetizer/cocktail hour or your dessert station. From fried mushrooms, cauliflower, and cheese to fried Twinkies, Oreos and Snickers, nothing is off limits! You can never go wrong with favorite fried foods.
More bite-sized appetizers guests will love
Desserts S’mores or Fondue: A unique station idea for sure, s’mores are certain to entertain the little ones on your big day! If s’mores are too messy, opt for a chocolate fountain into which guests can dip bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, etc. Alternatively, choose a cheese fondue!
Popcorn Station: Who knew there were so many different flavor combinations of popcorn!? Opt for both sweet and salty by having chocolate and caramel glazed popcorn as well as original and cheese.
Cake, Cookies, Donuts, and More: Generalize your dessert station with a variety of sweets from different flavored cupcakes and cookies to brownies, donuts, and muffins. Mini pies are another great dessert to introduce—imagine little pumpkin pies at a fall wedding or apple pies in the summer!
Main Dishes
Salad Station: Salads offer a healthy balance to all the junk food and sweets you will be offering. And contrary to belief, salad bars don’t have to be boring. Spruce yours up with superfoods like nuts, seeds, berries, and a variety of dressings.
Fresh Seafood: Include your favorite seafoods at the wedding: shrimp, clams, oysters, mussels, or even sushi. Pro tip: steer clear of fish that have a stronger smell. You don’t want the whole room to fill up with a fishy scent.
Sliders: From burgers to mini Philly cheese steaks and roast beef or ham sandwiches, sliders are a fun way to introduce a summer barbecue feel.
Taco Station: Transform your night into a real fiesta with a taco station. Include all the fixings with a variety of hard and soft shells as well as different meat options (chicken, brisket, pork, or hamburger).
Grilled Cheese: Having an interactive food station is a plus for guests. Everyone can customize not only their plates as a whole with stations but the individual dish as well!
Pasta: WeddingWire says that pasta bars are one of the most popular wedding reception food station ideas. Why? There are so many options to leave out for your guests including a variety of noodles, sauces, and toppings.
Published on Black Hills Bride.