11 delicious wedding food station ideas that'll upgrade your reception

Grazing tables

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Imagine a table or platter laden with gourmet produce including artisan cheese, cured meats, flavourful dips, freshly baked bread, premium fruit and vegetables and organic chocolate. 

Says food stylist and founder Wynona Leach of Lush Platters, who specialises in creating mouthwatering spreads to suit any occasion: "Originating from Australia, it's a great alternative to canapes or pre-dinner buffets. Our grazing tables are meant to complement a light meal, but we can also add other finger foods to make it more substantial. If there is a main meal afterwards, we'd recommend grazing portion sizes accordingly. For bigger groups, we can offer food such as whole legs of ham and even a cheese wheel tower."

She shares more tips, here. 

 

Cheese stations

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When it comes to food bars, this one's an oldie but goodie. Cheese stations have a timeless and universal appeal that add a dash of sophistication to any reception. 

Include a variety of firm and soft cheeses, as well as crackers, dried fruits (think prunes, raisins, apricots and dried cranberries), nuts, jams and chutneys.

Image: @allyoudoiseat/Instagram

Crazy for coconut

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For a laidback, summery party, this DIY coconut bowl bar is the perfect treat to beat the heat. Include fresh coconut halves, various fresh and dried fruit toppings, and nuts. Plus, just how double tap-worthy does this table look? 

See also: AN ICE CREAM CART & GUESTS' WEDDING ADVICE - HOW A SINGAPORE COUPLE MADE THEIR ONE FARRER HOTEL UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE

Image: @featuremyparty/Instagram via @caro_kmartin/Instagram

Details matter

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The simplest foods can look fantastic with the right styling (besides, we don't know anyone who doesn't like fresh, crusty loaves of bread). One trick to instantly elevate (sorry, not sorry) your presentation: Display food in varying heights.

Image: @therusticdresser/Instagram

Shelve it

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Serve canapes on these tiered display stands and watch your guests make a beeline for the food. Not only do they add elegance and much wow to your reception, the tiered stands are also great space-savers.

See also: 6 EXPERT TIPS FROM A TOP WEDDING CATERER YOU NEED TO KNOW

Image: @eleganteventsbymichalea/Instagram

Mini lobster rolls

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Upgrade hotdogs with these sumptuous treats. They're as easy and fun to eat but with a more decadent filling: chunky pieces of succulent lobster. Alternatively do it as a DIY table so your guests can have fun assembling their own rolls. 

Image: @luxecateringsg/Instagram

Oyster bar

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For a really fancy treat, especially if yours is a seaside celebration, serve freshly shucked oysters on a bed of ice. If you have a little more budget, bubbly goes perfectly with these decadent bivalves since the acidity of champagne offers textural contrast. Otherwise, crisp cold beer's a good alternative. 

Image: @cloud9events/Instagram

Seafood station

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Got a waterfront venue? This seafood table is just the thing to go with your venue.

Image: @theblondebutler/Instagram

Clear winners

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A fresh fruit salad or summer salad is a great starter to ramp up the appetities of your guests. Upgrade salads by presenting them in sleek wine glasses.

Image: @melissakeating_epic/Instagram

Honey, I shrunk the dessert

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Here's how you can upgrade eclairs and coffee (or hot chocolate) - by downsizing them. These bite-sized eclairs with mini beverage cups aren't just easy to eat, they make more of a statement than their regular counterparts.

Image: @chefwolfgangpuck/Instagram

Farm Fresh

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Jazz up and complement your rustic theme with this decorative display of wholesome ingredients for an omelette station.

Image: @joesprophouse/Instagram