Let’s be real, when you are planning your wedding, there are tons of decisions you must make. It can become very overwhelming and stressful. As wedding planner, that is what we are here for! To help make decisions an easy and stress-free process. Today, we will be chatting with you about what to consider when deciding between a plated meal and a buffet style meal.

            When decided between buffet style or plated meal for your reception, there are some key factors you need to keep in mind. What is your guest count? Is the layout of your reception suitable for buffet style? What is the style of your reception? Is it more laid back or more upscale? These are all questions to ask yourself when deciding on what kind of style you want for serving dinner. Another great thing to do is discuss this with your caterer. They usually have a knack for knowing the best way to serve your guests at your wedding.

            Here is what we suggest as wedding planners. If your dinner consists of a few different options, buffet style might be the better way to go. You could have two different buffet lines and your guests can choose which meal they prefer. We as planners can also assist in dismissing tables and making sure the lines are running smoothly and as efficiently as possible. This is also a great option if you have a larger venue that allows for the space for buffets as well.

            If you are planning on having more of an upscale wedding with limited choices for dinner, we suggest a plated meal. This is also great if you are planning on having an appetizer such as a salad or soup. We suggest having the appetizer plated before guests are welcomed into the reception. This is also a great option if you have a larger wedding, it can be easier to get people fed if it is being served, it is the more efficient option.

            You really can’t go wrong with a buffet or plated meal option at your reception. At the end of the night, all your guests will be fed. What it depends on is the questions that we listed above that you need to ask yourself when deciding between the two. We as planners can always help you with this decision and your caterer is a great option as well. Either way, we are always happy to help and want you and your guests to be satisfied on wedding day!