What is an Action Station?

One of the latest trends in weddings and events is having an action station at dinner. Casual and fun has been the theme, as opposed to stuffy and formal. We have been receiving many more requests for stations than a plated sit down meal. So…what exactly is an action station?

An action station is any meal station that needs some sort of action (cooking, mixing, adding toppings, etc.). A carving station is an extremely popular one. A chef attends the station and cuts pieces of meat to the guests’ liking. It can also be a bit more involved, such as a pasta station. The chef would have different kinds of pastas already made, with different sauces available. To make it even more custom, there could also be different types of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The guest would tell the chef what kind of pasta, sauce and other ingredients he or she would like included, and each plate would be made to order.

Although it is usually chef or staff attended, an action station can also be self-serve by the guest. For example, an Asian Noodle bar would include the noodles already made, as well as various toppings from which the guest can choose. The guest would first get a scoop of noodles, and then top them with whatever they like. It could be chives, bok choy, snap peas, red peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, mini corn on the cobs, even chicken or shrimp. Serve in cute take-out style containers with bamboo chopsticks to bring the experience even further!

There is really no limit to an action station besides your imagination. It could be customized to a certain type of food, like seafood, or a certain kind of cuisine, and even dessert. The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas to inspire you!

Sushi station
Taco bar
Rice bar
Ice cream sundae bar
Omelette station
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate station
Salad bar
Pizza station

Nothing is off limits when it comes to customizing your wedding day. Take some of these ideas and expand on them, or come up with your own! Either way, we are happy to create it for you!

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.