The second best thing about weddings is most definitely the food. Or maybe it’s third, after the open bar? Either way, guests can’t wait for the telltale waft of yum headed towards them. Of course, based on your budget or preferred vibe, you have a few different ways to do dining. Below we’re discussing the most popular options and giving you the low down on all the ways you can throw down.

 

Buffet Style

Buffets are by far the most affordable dining option. Guests can be dismissed by table to choose what they want, don’t want, and how much. Buffets are also more casual and lend themselves to a mix and mingle vibe. Two significant detractors of buffets, though, are long wait times and cleanliness concerns. Depending on the buffet set up you choose (manned, unmanned, single-sided, or double-sided), buffets tend to get backed up. And in the time of Covid-19, you may be uncomfortable with guests or servers lingering over food, potentially spreading germs.

Our Favorite Buffet Menus: Mexican and BBQ

Plated Sit-Down

Plated dinners are less affordable but more traditional. Guests stay in their seats (often with named place cards depicting their preferred protein), and the waitstaff serves them a formal multi-course dinner. Plated dinners are perfect if you’re going for a more sophisticated affair, both because guests are served and that their food is professionally plated. One potential drawback is cost. Because guests are served, more waitstaff has to be hired, driving up your fees.

Potential Meal Option Icons:

Family Style Dinner

Family Style dinners are one of our favorites! Guests eat communally with serving dishes in the middle of the table that they pass between them. The family style option feels upscale but its not as formal as a plated dinner. This style also gives your guests the ability to grab what they want and go back for seconds (or thirds)! One major con though is that you can’t get as creative with the your table decor because the serveware will take quite a bit of room.

Wedding Types That Go Best With Family Style: Intimate or Family-Only

Food Stations

Food Stations are buffets but with a bit more style. Stations are scattered throughout the reception area and feature a variety of food at each. This option will get guests moving and is a great way to feature a few of the couple's favorite cuisine. You will have to keep in mind guests' dietary restrictions, making sure you have something for everyone.

Food Stations We Fawned Over: Sushi and chef attended Pizza Bars

Heavy Hors d'oeuvre or Cocktail Reception

A cocktail style reception will keep your wedding's vibe fluid and upbeat and cut down on catering costs. A wedding the features only heavy hors d'oeuvre doesn't need tables, seating charts, or the formality of a fully planned menu. You do have to keep your guest demographic in mind, though, if you're leaning towards this style. Older people may have a hard time standing for the entire reception and leave before things get going.

Hors d'oeuvres That Will Fill Up Your Guests: Meatballs, Sliders and Egg Rolls

 

What’s your ideal dining style?

 

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