Servers for wedding

View Quoted Comment Thanks. I wanted to bounce ideas off of folks to balance what’s suggested by my doc

Having servers at that soze wedding would also be very beneficial for time management. The servers are able to keep people moving through the buffet line allowing people to get their food quicker.

another benefit is that they know about the food and can explain items to guests as well as answer any questions about allergies that may invariably arise with such a large group.

Does your caterer have any recommendations? There has always been at least one server for each buffet I have been to. The caterer can also tell how long they should be there.

View Quoted Comment Absolutely agree. The worst wedding I've been to was when the buffet ran out of food by the time my table got up there. This only had about 100 guests. This is when I learned that people will eat like pigs at weddings because the food is free. If you allow people to serve themselves you better have 5 times the amount of food so you don't run out. Also, time management is another good point and another reason I hate buffets - they take forever and some tables are done eating by the time the last table is getting their food. Having servers serve the food helps this problem.

With a wedding that large you need someone rationing the food or there might not be enough for everyone. Honestly this is a very bad idea. They can always go back for seconds, provide apetizers and other things that will help fill those bellies, but this is a bad idea.

I would not have a buffet for a group that large.

Soze? Giggles

Sorry ladies I appreciate the feedback on the running out of food .... I really wanted input on the number of servers and how long they should be there.

Why hire anyone titled server if they aren't going to serve the food? Bad idea, by the way. Talk with caterer and see what they would charge for set up and clean up.

View Quoted Comment My question was to find out normal number of servers for buffet servers at my guest count.

View Quoted Comment Your caterer should be able to answer this. Have you asked them?

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I agree - have servers for the buffet. We didn't, wish we had! We were able to see the problem right away and more food was brought it ASAP (over the original order) but people PILED up on the mac and cheese and pulled pork!!!

Per your question: How many tables are serving the food? At least two I assume, for 200 people I would have three. Depending on how many items you are serving, at least three servers per table, per side. Have the servers stay until all the dinner is served. Don't scrimp on anything related to food, lol!

You should definitely talk to a caterer. I bet they would have an answer, that I can't provide.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I was originally thinking 1:25 because servers obviously do more than just serve food. they setup, serve, refill buffet, clean off tables and breakdown the event.

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You are welcome!! And I was shocked (yes shocked) at who piled on the food!!! I was like, really?? LOL! Our reception was at a restaurant so yay for us.

But seriously, skip favors, programs, anything that does not relate directly to the comfort of your guests, including food. To be served in a prompt manner and have set up and clean go smoothly is HUGE. (I am 53 and I have been to many many weddings and trust me, food is what people remember, both in quality, presentation and clean up!) Best wishes!!!

We did a buffet for 60 guests. We had at least 4 servers (provided by the venue) working the tables to ensure food was restocked when low. I would go more rather than less. What is the plan to restock? If you have 3 and something is low are you then down to two servers?

View Quoted Comment I agree. We have a family caterer who is doing our food at cost so we are already saving so much money. So I’m definitely willing to pay to make sure service is prompt and the event runs smoothly!

I’m looking over my contract and we have 5 servers for 150, plus a “lead floor” person who is in charge of replenishing the buffet. We will have a staffed buffet for speed and portion management though anyone can come back for more after everyone has been served.
So it’s essentially 6 total, so your 1:25 ratio sounds right.

I would do at least 3 servers. 2 come with my venue and we're having 150 people and my caterer offers additional, I may do 1 more

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!! That’s super helpful. And yes we have a lead as well!!