Plated vs buffet

I've experienced both and I'd be happy with either. I'd strongly encourage you base that decision on cost and what kinds of food you want as opposed to what would make guests happy. At the end of the day, guests just like the fact they are getting a free meal and won't care how it is served to them.

I don't care one way or another as a guest unless you're specifying it as a formal function. If I have to be in an evening gown, I wouldn't want to have to go up to a buffet.

Makes no difference to me personally. Buffets seem more common in my group and no one's ever had an issue with that

I'm doing buffet! Its all on personal preference.

Definitely a personal preference thing. Some people have very strong feelings one way or the other, and some people don’t care. Personally, I cannot stand a buffet. I don’t want this to be insulting to anyone that chooses to have one, but I just see them as more “low rent” and less classy. It gives off serious school cafeteria vibes. I don’t want to carry a plate through a crowded room in a dress and heels. And most of all, I don’t like the idea of my food sitting out where others can touch it, breathe on it, spread their germs on it 😖
All the weddings have been to have been pleated meals, with the exception of two. And I literally did not eat at either of those receptions (we left early and got dinner at a nice restaurant nearby).

Plated dinner would be my preference over buffet dinner

Lol as much as Cece dislikes buffets, that’s how much I dislike plated meals. I don’t like having to pick what I’ll feel like eating that night weeks in advance, and I don’t like FOMO when I see someone else’s plate and think I made the wrong choice. I like the variety that buffets have, too, so that if I don’t like something there are always more options, I can try multiple entrees and sides, and I can choose my portions accordingly. With that being said, as a guest I’m just excited for free food, so I would never be disappointed or judge the host.

Honestly anything but family style!

I don't mind either as a guest, but I do get anxiety with buffets: from standing awkwardly in line in heels, to commonly touched spoons, to the controlling MC. Servers can help move the lines though. You can also request your caterer to prepare plates for guests with mobility issues (and you). If you have a formal wedding, plated is preferred and everyone eat at the same time. But, certainly go with whatever works for your budget (goes either way really) and your choice in food selection. Good luck.

As a guest my favorite is probably a combination of buffet or stations during cocktail hour then a plated dinner. That gives you the best of both experiences, but is not always an affordable option of course. I would prefer being served to the table for the meal itself.

I think buffets tend to have better food personally but I like the plated dinner experience because then you dont have the long lines snaking around the room. Plus it just adds a more formal feel which I really love about weddings

As a guest I prefer buffet. Plated is rarely good imo - hard to keep the right temp, dinner always seems to take forever. Buffet is always hotter/fresher and you dont' have to take things you don't want. less waste, and there's always plenty (caterers plan for this).

I honestly don't care as long as the food is good.

I don't usually have a preference but it really depends on the overall vibe. Like if it's more casual, buffet all the way. But if you're having a traditional church, followed by a black tie ballroom extravaganza, a plated dinner fits more. I tend to enjoy buffet weddings more for a couple reasons, the food tends to be hotter and fresher, dinner takes much less time, more party time.

Genuinely do not mind either, for me it just comes down to the quality of the food. We’re going with plates because that’s what our venue offered but I would’ve been open to a buffet too!

Depends on the vibe. Buffets work well for casual weddings. But if I'm in a cocktail dress and heels, the last thing I want to be doing is standing in a line for 30 minutes, balancing a plate full of food, and carrying it across the room. As long as your food serving choice fits the formality of your reception and the food is good, guests probably won't care.