If you're looking for ways to make your wedding meal easier to plan and execute, you may find exactly what you're looking for in food stations. 

Food stations are like mini buffet tables that allow guests to create their own meal from a variety of options. You can have as many food stations as your budget and venue can handle. They save money and time by eliminating the need to create seating arrangements, lay out large place settings, and hire extra wait staff to serve a regular wedding dinner.

So what kind of food stations would be right for your wedding? Here are a few favorites that fit perfectly in any time of day.

Morning. Early weddings call for brunch food. Why not offer a pancake bar filled with different types of flapjacks, syrup choices, and topping ideas? You can complement a pancake bar with brunch drinks like mimosas. If you're not on a tight budget, have a cook available to prepare individualized omelettes for guests. Or replace the full meal with a yummy donut bar where guests decorate their own donuts and breakfast breads. If offering a full morning menu, be sure to include a few healthier, lighter options as well. This type of non-traditional meal complements more relaxed wedding venues.

Mid-Day. A lunchtime wedding offers fun choices for feeding all your friends and family. You could offer both a breakfast bar and a lunch food station. Or set up a build-your-own pizza station. For a lighter pizza option, include light, round flatbread and various fresh fruits to make a fruity treat. Want a fun buffet of comfort food? Try a fancy grilled cheese station (offering different cheeses and breads) or deli station combined with tomato soup shots. Comfort food stations work great in a rustic or outdoor wedding venue. 

Evening. The traditional wedding time of late afternoon or early evening gives you many dining ideas and fits nearly any wedding venue available. A martini or margarita bar, craft beer flights, or wine tasting station will thrill you adult guests, while a dessert bar filled with tiny tarts and special chocolates is a hit with all ages. Encourage guests to experiment and share their creations. Or save money by skipping the meal and offering an appetizer bar or wine and cheese selection.

No matter what time of day or what budget you plan for your wedding, you can design a fabulous meal using food stations placed around your venue. These fun and flexible serving ideas will help you create a reception that pleases as many guests as possible while saving time and money. 

Check out a venue like Rolling Meadows Ranch to learn more about your options.