Do you consider yourself a foodie? Bet you didn't realize that there are so many decisions to make when it comes to planning your wedding day menu. This includes what foods to serve your guests and also what meal style would better suit your wedding budget. Good food is right up there with great company. That's why we've come up with a list of Pros and Cons of Having a Plated Dinner vs. Buffet Style for Your Wedding.
Plated Dinner
Pros:
1. Presentation
One of the first things on our list of Pros and Cons of Having a Plated Dinner vs. Buffet Style for Your Wedding is a presentation. If you are big on how well the food is presented to your guests then you might want to consider a plated dinner. For instance, if things like garnishes and culinary art forms are important to you then this is the way to go.
2. Guests Can Pre-Select Their Menu Choices
When guests RSVP, they can choose their menu option that's why we've included this on our list of Pros and Cons of Having a Plated Dinner vs. Buffet Style for Your Wedding. This is especially great for vegetarian or vegan guests or guests with food allergies, or other dietary restrictions.
3. Guests Are Served at the Same Time
If you hate waiting in lines, like me, then you may want to consider a plated dinner for your wedding. A plated dinner allows for all your guests to be served around the same time. This allows for better control of the time and keeps things flowing along at the reception venue.
Cons:
1. Formal Atmosphere
A plated dinner could mean a more formal atmosphere. If you desire a more relaxed atmosphere at your wedding, plated dinners can be very formal and upscale. So, consider the alternative if your wedding style is more laid back.
2. Limited Choices
When it comes to food choices, a plated dinner does not leave room for many options. Choosing this option means that your guests are only allowed to have a choice of foods that are presented to them.
3. No Room for Unexpected Guests
It never fails. There is always a guest that shows up who failed to RSVP or a guest that brings a plus-one that you did not expect. When this happens, you have to make the tough decision of turning the guests away or coming out of pocket to accommodate them.
Buffet Style
Pros:
1. Guests Can Choose What They Want
The best thing about having a buffet-style wedding is that guests get to choose exactly what they want. No wasting food especially if there are children at the wedding. Parents can assist children because they know what foods they will and will not eat.
2. Food is Plentiful
Your guests will love the buffet-style option because they can go back for second servings. Guests aren't limited to just one meal and can help themselves to more food if they want.
3. More Relaxed Atmosphere
If your goal is to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests, then you may want to consider a buffet-style dinner. Plated dinners can be very formal.
Cons:
1. Wait Times
Most of us aren't huge fans of waiting in long lines especially when we are hungry. Not to mention children and elderly guests who have to wait. In addition, with a buffet-style dinner, you have to get assistance with controlling the flow of traffic so that guests are being considerate by not cutting the line.
2. Can Be Costly
Most couples make the mistake of assuming that buffet-style means cheaper. That's not always the case. Due to the large quantity and variety of foods that are provided, buffet-style can be more expensive.
3. Less of a Presentation
Sometimes choosing a buffet-style dinner could mean less of a presentation to "wow" your guests. Photographers are typically unable to capture the "food art" at a buffet-style dinner.
If you would like to learn more about our Pros and Cons of Having a Plated Dinner vs. Buffet Style for Your Wedding, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planners.