Planning a Sit Down Dinner or Buffet for Wedding Reception?
I wanted to offer a sit down dinner of a combo plate of filet mignon and chicken princess but many of my family are suggesting that we instead give the guests an option of either filet mignon or chicken princess. I thought this was a good idea but then we also saw an option of buffet that we could get that we could choose 3 entrees such as petite filet mignon, chicken princess and Shrimp Scampi plus a huge assortment of pastas, potatoe, vegetables, etc. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons...I know that the buffet would be nice because guests can then choose to put what they want on their plate and may go up for seconds but the sit down is nice too because you are served and dont have to worry about getting up and standing in line. I was just wondering what your opinion is regarding the sit down and buffet. We are expecting around 225 people. Thanks!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Sep 30, 2007, 10:03 AM)
Nancy Tucker
PRESIDENT - WEDDINGS BEAUTIFUL
Sep 11, 2007, 4:31 PM
Post #2 of 4
(713 views)
Re: [rmedina] Sit Down Dinner or Buffet?
[In reply to]
This will just be the first of many suggestions that you will get and you have to put your filter on and select what really is your feeling. You didn't mention whether there was an issue with the difference in cost between the options, so I'll assume that there is no issue there. When you give people a choice of two entrees, it makes more work for you when arranging your seating plans because people will forget which they have ordered. Therefore, you'll need to indicate to the catering staff, which guest has selected which entree. This could just mean color coding your place cards with a mark on the card or a sticker. There are many creative ways of indicating their entree choice. With 225 people, you would want to avoid lines and therefore, I would suggest 2 or 3 buffet tables if you do go with a buffet table. These are just some things to keep in mind when making your decision. I personally feel more comfortable with a sit down dinner. As a professional, it is also my opinion that a sit down moves quicker and takes up less of your reception time. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
Weddings by Shayna
WEDDING CONSULTANT
Sep 11, 2007, 5:01 PM
Post #3 of 4
(711 views)
Re: [rmedina] Sit Down Dinner or Buffet?
[In reply to]
A sit-down dinner is often considered more elegant, but is certainly more work if you offer choices that have to be pre-determined, and offers less freedom of choice for your guests.
A buffet offers lots of choice, but must be done right to keep crowds moving and happy.
If you do choose to go with a buffet, keep a couple of these suggestions in mind:
1. I still recommend assigning tables, although you'll have the freedom to choose whether or not to assign seats. While seat assignments make some guests nervous, table assignments take the pressure of "where should I sit" off of many.
2. To avoid lines, make sure that your caterer or facility is contractually obligated to provide enough staff to quickly replenish the food and to bus tables quickly and professionally. Also, have tables released to the buffet in an orderly manner. It is more elegant to have your service staff do this, but you can also have your entertainer do it if you wish. Having duplicate buffets on either side of the room helps make service for a large group go faster - or at least having the buffet be "double-sided" so guests can walk down either side.
3. Finally, some caterers will offer a buffet but do a pre-plated appetizer or salad - it can be sitting at the table when guests come in, or be served immediately when you're ready for dinner to begin. Then people don't worry so much about waiting in line at the buffet.
You're going to find strong opinions on both sides - do what you feel most comfortable with, and choose the option that best reflects what you want for your guests: a formal, choreographed sit-down dinner or a buffet dinner full of camaraderie and freedom of choice. Both will be great when done well! Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Sep 11, 2007, 6:00 PM
Post #4 of 4
(707 views)
Re: [rmedina] Sit Down Dinner or Buffet?
[In reply to]
I think it depends on the level of formality of your wedding. For very formal affairs, a sit down meal is usually preferred.
There are all sorts of considerations with the buffet such as spilling and waiting on line. Then there's the question of how much to put on my plate, will I look like a pig, etc? Personally, the queen prefers to be served. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Sep 11, 2007, 6:06 PM)
Planning a Sit Down Dinner or Buffet for Wedding Reception?
