[vc_row row_padding_top=””padding_top_1-4″”][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]As you go down the seemingly never-ending wedding checklist, you finally get to plan for the wedding dinner reception. You’ve picked out your wedding caterer (or at least narrowed it down) to fuel your guests with the perfect meal. Once they’re well fed, guests will be ready to bust a move on the dance floor and celebrate with the happy newlyweds. Choosing between a buffet or a traditional sit-down dinner can feel like yet another daunting decision in your wedding planning. That’s why we’re here to help with this simple guide.
Cost
If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, we recommend choosing a buffet-style dinner. Typically, menus for plated meals at weddings are more expensive due to the attention to detail, teamwork, and organization needed to ensure each guest’s meal is correctly prepared and served. In a buffet setup, the chef prepares trays of various dishes, rather than personally creating each guest’s plate.
Variety
If you’re friends with picky-eaters or don’t want to worry about dietary restrictions, then buffet-style is the perfect solution. A buffet allows guests to explore a variety of wedding food options, enabling them to create their own meals based on their preferences. That way, everyone is happy! You can even get creative with your buffet with a carving station or seafood bar. For more wedding dinner ideas, check out this page on The Knot
Comfortability
Traditional sit-down dinners are a great option for older guests or those with limited mobility. These guests may find it more comfortable to remain seated and have their catered wedding meal served to them. They won’t have to deal with the fatigue of getting up and waiting in a long line. If your guests are more comfortable, they’ll be more willing to stay longer to party.
Assigned Seating
A buffet-style dinner is more flexible about seating arrangements. You can do assigned seats, assigned tables, or even open seating. However, a served sit-down dinner requires assigned seats so the waiters will know what meal to serve each guest. You wouldn’t want someone who ordered the chicken to get the fish entrée!
Space
The size of your wedding reception venue will also help you decide. A sit-down dinner takes up less space because the food is being kept warm in the kitchen. This allows more room for your guests to walk, dance, and mingle. However, if you prefer a buffet-style, you will want to make sure your venue not only has room for walking, but for the food tables as well.
Dinner Time
Lastly, do you want everyone to eat together or when they are hungry? A sit-down dinner ensures everyone is served at the same time and is a good option if you’re on a schedule. Whereas long lines at a buffet can cause people to eat at different times and it can take longer for everyone to finish eating. If you’re leaning towards buffet, one way around this is creating different buffet stations so not everyone is waiting in the same spot.
Are we making you hungry yet? While you handle the taste testing, we can manage the catering for your wedding. We can even help you create the perfect table setting for the dream dinner you choose. Get in touch with us today for more details.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
