Buffet for Reception Dinner

I've been to many with buffets. I also had one at my wedding.

I think it's better because it will allow your guests to get what they want to eat, rather then pick at their plate.

I think the buffet is better because this way your guests can serve themselves whenever they wish. I have been to a couple of plated dinner weddings and some of the guests couldn't even eat due to the fact that they were dancing all night long and the waiters took their plates off of the table. I am having a buffet at my reception - it is so much variety as well and people can just pick what they want. What I can tell you though is that don't just choose chicken or beef dishes. Try to have every meat possible. We're having chicken, pork chops, meat loaf, fish, pasta, sausage........ it is also cheaper.

Enjoy you day.

Luis G. Sosa

I am not a fan of buffets. I'm also not a fan of plated food if it doesn't come to the table piping hot. You are not going to be able to please everyone. If you think most guests will enjoy a buffet then roll with it. I know a lot of people like variety. Just make sure that the last table doesn't end up with the picked over edges of the hotel pan (communicate this to the caterer) and it should be fine.

I did plated at my wedding but I've been to weddings with buffets. As long as you provide lots of options for people its fine! I've been to a buffet wedding with practically no food options and that kind of stunk but then the last buffet one I went to had an entire ROOM of food. There was actually no way I could try it all! That one may be a bit excessive but the point is as long as there's enough food guests should be happy.

Most weddings I've been to have buffet dinners. It's very common in my friend group unless your venue provides a sit down dinner. I think buffets allow guests to actually choose what they want to eat and there are usually more options. Most plated meals I've had have fell short because there are often things on the plate I don't enjoy eating. I think buffets are a great option for the price. We are having one at our wedding.

Hi Kristen! If you think your guests would enjoy a buffet, then go for it! Buffets give guests the opportunity to choose what they are want to eat, rather than serving them a certain plated meal. Also, if you have tried the food at your venue and know that it's good, then you have nothing to worry about! Even if some guests prefer a plated meal, you will still be serving them delicious food! You are not going to be able to please everyone, but if you know most of your guests will enjoy the buffet, it's a great option for you!

I have, I hate them.

There is nothing fun about waiting 20-30 minutes to be told to go up and get food while others have already finished eating by that point. The food at that point is always less in quality than it was for the first guests. And if I go first in a buffet line, I never want to take too much so I always end up hungry after as I'm afraid of taking more food and being judged.

Food allergy wise, buffets are the legit worst as I'm convinced that the food is contaminated by the time I get to it.

I see no pros to a buffet but I know others love them so I guess it is just what you like. I would never have one, but again, others love them and wouldn't dream of doing a plated dinner. It really is what you think you and your guests would like.

I prefer plated, but I don't mind buffet. As long as there is more than enough food, guests are allowed to take two proteins & as much sides as they want, and tables are released 1 at a time so there isn't a line, I think it's fine. I've seen a plated salad, then a buffet meal so I think that's a nice touch too.

I don't prefer buffet dinners for several reasons.

As a germaphobe, I can't stand to see people grabbing in the food. It happens everywhere, no matter your audience. If you can have servers in the buffet line, it would be a huge benefit. It may also give it more of the semi-formal vibe you're going for. As opposed to a casual self serve buffet.

I've been the last in line where they ran out of food. Make sure you have more than enough for everyone. People will take several scoops of potatoes! Again, if you can have servers it would help here too.

Lastly, I'm not the most graceful person. It can be a challenge to carry multiple plates of food (soups, salads, and entrees or even just plates for the kids). Especially in heels, or on uneven surfaces. Make sure the buffet is close and easily accessible!

That said, I'd never think less of someone choosing to have a buffet. I'll still eat. I'll still have a good time. It's just not my personal preference.

I prefer a buffet. I am a picky eater and hate to be served a plate of food that I won't eat. Such a waste.

And most of the time a plated dinner arrives to the table lukewarm, at best. Yuck. With a guest list of your size, I would not think the wait for a buffet will be too long. I would definitely choose that.

We are having a wedding about half the size of yours and our caterer is still trying to convince me to do plated. Nope. Not going to happen!

I've been to many weddings with buffets, and we are having one for ours. 10 out of 10 recommend. This is because guests get to choose exactly what they want to eat, and not get stuck with something they don't want to eat. As a vegetarian who is admittedly picky about some other foods as well, I always love when it's a buffet because I can pick and choose what I will actually eat, rather than either looking like a bad guest for not eating much (especially since the couple spent plenty of money on my meal), and so that I don't waste food.

At many of the weddings I have been to or been a part of with a buffet, I have heard guests remark on how nice it was that the buffet was there so that they had the option of choosing.

My FH and I are planning a German-themed meal for our wedding, to honor my FHs German heritage and family, and we are definitely going with a buffet because people tend to get weird about "ethnic" food, and for the reasons stated above.

I would definitely recommend it for the cost factor, as well, and because not too many people are truly "wow-ed" just because you had a plated meal. Not worth the extra expense, in my opinion, unless you are having a particularly formal wedding.

Best of luck with all of your planning, and congratulations on your engagement and wedding!!!

I prefer plated so guests can be served seated instead of getting up and crowding over to the line. I went to a buffet at a wedding where there was a giant punch bowl and someone dropped the serving tool in...

Make sure tables can be called via your DJ or whatever if you go that route.

A pro is definitely that people can get the amount they want, more options. and less food waste.

I prefer buffets over plated dinners. I find that most plated dinners have items that I do not like therefore most of my food is thrown away. With buffets each person can pick and chose what they want. If they do not like thing then they can get more of something else. Our wedding is pretty formal and we are having buffet.

FH and I initially wanted plated but after a lengthy discussion, we have decided on buffet. Our venue will provide the servers (with a fee of course) to help serve our guests and make sure the food portion controlled and will help the line move super quick. The biggest factor that made us change our mind was something that was brought to our attention that we completely forgot was that with plated, the guest may not eat everything on the plate which can be a total waste of money for us. Having the buffet will give our guest options and the price is also half the cost of plated here, lol. Whatever you decide to do, just remember, you will not be able to please everyone.. the main ones that should be pleased and happy are you and your FH.

We are having a buffet at our wedding. All the weddings I have been to have been buffet style as well. I think it's easier for everyone because then they can pick exactly what they want and they will be full if they want more than just one plate!