Post # 1
Member
73 posts
Worker bee
We are sort of DIYing the food. Fi is a really picky eater but is a big fan of Italian so I thought that this might be a fun option. Tell me what you think of this:
Pasta: Fettuccine, Angel Hair and bow ties? I’m not sure what other kinds to do
Sauces: Alfredo, Red Sauce, Some sort of meat sauce, and Pesto?
Meats: Chicken (breast or grilled strips?), Meatballs, and should I include anything else?
Along with Bread and Salad.
Does this sound like enough varity? Or will people want more options. Has anyone done one and have fabulous tips to share? 
Post # 3
Member
3162 posts
Sugar bee
We’re going to do a Pasta Station and I think it’s gonna go something like this (this is tentative):
Pasta: Penne, Linguine, Tortellini (cheese)
Sauce: Arrabiatta (spicy marinara), Alfredo, Pesto (possibly either adding Vodka sauce or swapping out the Alfredo)
Meats: Chicken (chunks), Sausage, Pancetta
Veggies: Primavera veggies, peas, some other stuff I can’t remember
Post # 4
Member
2680 posts
Sugar bee
I havent done it but Ive had it at events Ive gone to. I think its a great idea, and if possible maybe you can get everything made to order as well. You can do small butane burners and have a chef add everything your guest wants and cook it right there. Everything is already cooked so they really just put the pasta, sauce and toppings together and heat it through.
I would go with grilled strips of chicken so people dont have to worry about cutting it (if its intended to be mixed in with the pasta). What about some other toppings like parmesan cheese, mushrooms, artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, etc.
Post # 5
Member
3162 posts
Sugar bee
Oops, yeah – PARMESAN! That’s kind of a given though. Pasta without parmesan is just wrong 🙂
Post # 6
Member
73 posts
Worker bee
Ha! I don’t know why I completely forgot about veggies! Toppings would add some more options. MMM sun dried tomatoes.
Thanks, this is giving me some more confidence in it.
Post # 7
Member
40 posts
Newbee
I love the pasta idea, think you should go with it!
Post # 8
Member
552 posts
Busy bee
I’ve never done this… but I was a guest at a wedding that did something similar… I loved it and it seemed like everyone else did too! They had grilled chicken strips instead of the full chicken breast. 🙂
Post # 9
Member
222 posts
Helper bee
My aunt used to own an italian restaurant and is catering ours. We aren’t doing a buffet, we’re serving family style. But she suggested we stay away from long, stringy noodles because they can get stuck together and torn when you are preparing in mass quantities. So we are doing penne or bowtie.
Just a tip I thought I would pass along. Personally, I wish everyone served pasta at their wedding. But hey, that’s just me.
Oh…and she also suggested walnuts in the pesto, instead of pine nuts. She said no one will know the difference and it will save a lot of $$$. If you can, try growing your own basil (is that the herb in pesto)…anyhoo…whatever that herb is, because I guess it can get really spendy too when you are buying in the mass quantities.
I hope these are all helpful 🙂
Post # 10
Member
73 posts
Worker bee
Thanks for the tips! I’m really excited about this!
Post # 11
Member
6593 posts
Bee Keeper
I love pasta bars! MMmmmmmm!
A few things that I have to have in my pasta: sausage, broccoli, zucchini and chili pepper flakes on top. Mmmmmmm!
Post # 12
Member
6571 posts
Bee Keeper
mmm. sounds yummy! i would just watch out for gluten free guests, if you have any. i know i cheat on special occasions (and when i can’t find any other food), but some people don’t have that luxery.
Post # 13
Member
73 posts
Worker bee
Hmm I didn’t think about gluten allergies. I’ll have to check around…
Jeez, you Bees think of everything! 
Post # 14
Member
776 posts
Busy bee
We are doing pasta stations during cocktail hour, kinda a similar idea. Your post made my hungry and excited to go to a wedding like urs so I am thinking it would be a hit!!
Post # 15
Member
73 posts
Worker bee
@lovespearls – HAHA! I was feeling so hungry for pasta as everyone was posting their menus!
Post # 16
Member
348 posts
Helper bee
for gluten problems, you could try gnocchi (make sure to use a recipe that does not also call for flour, baked polenta (done in squares or triangles that you can top with the same sauces) or risotto. The polenta would probably be the easiest to do in large quantities.