Pasta Bar for reception meal?

Sounds good to me. If it's not included, I'd consider adding salad and bread options.

I would recommend doing build your own if you're doing a buffet but if you want more formal and go preplated I would give set options. As a school cafeteria manager I'm surprised by a lot of things kids like together that I wouldn't think of. For our pasta bar we offer regular marinara and cheesy marinara (recipe from olive garden) and we get lots of kids and even teachers who want a little of both.

I saw pasta and came running!!!! Never had this at a wedding but would love it!!! We did do it for Christmas one time with our family. Different sauces and protein's. Also had salads and bread, so good!

My first thought is cold pasta. Pasta will burn and dry out if its drained but kept warm and if you leave water in it, the noodles will absorb and be soggy and whatever is out side of the water will get cold and sticky. I love pasta and all varieties but I would do prepared dishes like spaghetti, alfredo, lasagna and then have them add their protein like chicken, sausage, meatballs or eggplant. Of course you also want to include a variety of bread and salads and possibly soups to keep everyone full but not over stuffed