Event Activity Stations (Part 1)
You’ve got the flowers, tablecloths, the venue, the DJ, etc. You have bought all the 120 cupcakes and possibly enough candy to replenish your candy bar three times. What’s missing? With the raging popularity of Pinterest, stations have become a compulsory element at weddings, events, and parties. This is a series of three posts where we will discuss the tables or activity stations that are a must have in this day and age. For this first post, we will focus on the welcome stations. These are usually found at the entrance of the event or reception.
If it’s after a wedding, once your guests leave the ceremony and arrive at the reception, they will generally have three questions:
- Where is the bathroom?
- Where are we to be seated?
- Where are our family and friends at?
When you are designing your welcome station, keep these three things in mind.
The Seating Chart
This could be your first welcome to your guests, so greet with any of the following:
- A beautifully designed board with the names of the guests and their assigned tables.
- A table decorated to tie in your theme and the names of the guests on displayed tags.
- Any decorative element on the wall where the guests can easily spot themselves.
The Welcome Table
Usually, this is placed at the entrance. You can usually have decorative details, but it may also include:
- A guest book.
- Engagement Photographs (Baby photos, family pictures, etc. Modify for the type of event).
- Boxes and envelopes for gifts.
- It may or may not include the cake; otherwise, you can place it on the table of sweets.
The Snack Station
It is nice to have a station dedicated to cocktail drinks and snacks for your guests to serve themselves after the ceremony. This can contain any small appetizers, combining fruits, vegetables, bread, or nuts. Guests can easily satisfy their hunger or thirst before the brunch, lunch, or dinner is served.
- Beverage Station (juice, soda/pop, cocktails, wine, or beer)
- Veggie/Fruit Bar
- Thematic food
You plan the party, but in the end, it’s for your guests. Give them a fun experience; they will be pleased with all the small details that will make a difference in your event.
