When planning a meal for your wedding or event, there are many approaches you can take to make your service stand out. One style of service that is growing in popularity is a collection of various food stations combined with passed appetizers to create a more unique and informal experience that encourages guests to graze and mingle. As opposed to a more traditional buffet or plated dinner where guests are served their meal, and then move on, this stations service is a great option for those who want to break the mold and introduce a little extra creativity to their events.
A service with multiple stations has a couple of distinct advantages over other options. As you look at putting together a menu that will create full bountiful stations, you may want to consider including more options that are customizable guest to guest, such as a mac and cheese bar. You can also include some more fun, casual, comfort options that may feel out of place in a more traditional style, like tacos, sliders, or french fries. This route is also an amazing way to showcase your personal story, as you may feature stations from different parts of your culture, or to represent milestones in your life, without the fear of having a disjointed buffet, or non-cohesive dinner plate. Finally, this is a great option for those who want a more social experience for their guests, as you have the option to play around with more non-conventional seating arrangements, and to encourage guests to make multiple trips for smaller plates of food, getting them walking around the space.
To achieve a successful execution of a multi station service, there are a couple of approaches and considerations to keep in mind. Try to avoid having all of your guests going to stations all at once creating that buffet line feel. Forego the cocktail hour, and instead include some passed appetizers and stations open right from the start to give your guests multiple options to naturally spread out (in addition to your bar, a photobooth, or other interactive options). Set your dinner time slightly earlier than normal so that your guests aren’t coming in starving, and wanting to make one heaping plate. With an earlier start time, plan for a longer dinner service time, to ensure guests don’t feel rushed to get to everything. Many of your guests may still think they are just supposed to make their one dinner plate, so start messaging on the service style early, and use your MC on the night to give direction. Don’t forget to use your layout and rentals to your advantage as well. Spread your stations out to give your guests ample space, and utilize a mix of traditional tables, high top tables, and lounge seating. With a mix of seating be sure to pick a menu that can be enjoyed on the go, as guests may move from group to group. When selecting your dishes, it is helpful to go with a smaller plate size, and to provide more than one for each guest as well. All in all, it is important that this service is considered from the ground up of your planning process to achieve what your guests will remember as relaxed, plentiful, and engaging.
A mixed stations service is the perfect choice for those looking to add that extra touch of originality to make their event stand out above the rest!