Buffet/stations vs plated

IMO depends on the theme of the wedding. Buffets feel more casual to me, while plated dinners are a dressy formal event.

I agree with Samantha, it really depends on the vibe and formality of the event whether buffet or plated meals are appropriate. Our circle prefers plated meals, and so do we; so that’s the route we’re going.

I prefer plated meals. We have a few older and handicapped guests so I could just imagine someone tripping while getting up to get their food. This way no one has to get up.

I prefer plated. I like the way it looks so much more than just having food like slopped on a plate. Buffets give me cafeteria vibes, and having food sit out makes me extremely nervous.
We are doing a fully plated service for our reception. And it was a must for us.

I’ve been to very casual buffets up to 6-course uber fancy plated meals and have always preferred a high-end buffet. Save one, I’ve never had a great plated meal, even at extremely nice venues. But I’ve had amazing elements on buffets, so that’s what we went with. And ours was incredible!

I've actually never been to a plated wedding. Every single one I've been to has been a buffet (or a micro wedding with a self serve pizza food truck which was completely awesome). There's always been a DOC or bridal party member who has gotten food for the older or handicapped guests.

We're doing plated, but only because our reception will be in a restaurant. We had been looking at stations or food trucks in the early stages of planning. I don't mind buffets, but I think they work best if the food is in a separate room than the reception and if you have someone dismissing tables so the line isn't super long.

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Yes, this! I love me a good high-end buffet! Bougie sides and fun entrees? Sign me up!

View Quoted Comment What makes a “high end” buffet different from the standard? Is it better food choices, different cuisine than traditional or something else? I’ve read many posts about plated meals being cold because of not enough staff and guests go hungry because servings aren’t big enough or they aren’t given information ahead (and WW says not to specify on the rsvp card) so someone may not like what they are served. They pick beef thinking they are getting steak and get something else entirely or don’t like the sides so it goes to waste.

View Quoted Comment I’ve only seen buffets as a guest and they were well received, and there was always someone available to help out older handicapped guests, usually a younger relative. Never seen lines be an issue but depends on the crowd. What is the benefit of having food in another room? Not all venues allow for that.

View Quoted Comment In your experience is the plated food hotter, more filling?

View Quoted Comment That is definitely a valid concern

View Quoted Comment In my experience plated food tastes better. It was hot and hadn’t seemed like it was sitting under lights or in water or whatever for a long time. It was fresh and delicious. The plated food I have had has also been filling. I think people tend to over stuff themselves at buffets and that can get just as uncomfortable as not eating enough.

View Quoted Comment This is so interesting because I’ve had the opposite experience. The best food I remember at weddings were the ones with plated food. I’ve never had bad food or a bad experience with buffet just if the weddings I’ve personally been too I’ve preferred the plated meals. So interesting to hear other experiences!

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It just seemed to keep one end or area of the main reception space from getting too crowded. I think if the space were large enough it wouldn't be an issue! But the ones I've been to with the food in the same room just didn't really have the space for it. Perhaps they could have put the line of tables elsewhere, but I would have hated to be a guest at the tables nearest. Another had the food line pretty much going through the dance floor, which was fine until partying started while people were still in line for food (more of a DJ/schedule issue than a space issue).

View Quoted Comment The difference to me between a high end and standard buffet comes down to quality of ingredients, creativity of preparation and presentation and execution—just like a plated meal. And the price will vary from $30 pp to over $200.
Most people I know who don’t like plated meals comment more about the portion size and quality of food. I think most people know that attending a wedding they may not get the exact food they’d order in a restaurant and are okay with that—just like going to someone’s house for dinner or to a bridal shower.

Personally I prefer buffets, and that’s what we went with for our wedding. As a guest, I’m a pretty picky eater so I always feel wasteful with plated dinners because there is sure to be something on it I’m not going to eat. With a buffet, I can pick and chose what I want with no judgement. But I agree with previous posters that what is best for you may also depend on your budget and the formality of the event. We definitely saved money doing a buffet, but it also fit with our more casual vibe.

Genuine question, are venues offering buffet with Covid protocols? I'm in Canada where I think they're still a no go.

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My sister just got married a couple weeks ago and she had a buffet!

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Ok good to know thanks!

Plated all the way! As a guest I hate having to get up and wait in line to get food, it makes me feel like a cafeteria at a hospital or school or something. I hate the look of the queue, I hate how I'm usually in heels and would really prefer to be sitting and have my food brought to me than standing there hopping from foot to foot trying to ease my foot discomfort, I despise having to juggle a full plate back to the table, and never knowing what to get or how much - and if you're first you feel bad taking too much of things you might have liked more of and if you're too late then you get left with scraps.... I basically dislike everything about it.