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It’s Time To Eat! Plated, Buffet or Family Style?
You might think having a seated, multi-coursed plated dinner is traditional or “classic” but going this route creates such an elegant evening. It might be the more classic approach but isn’t this for a reason? Rather than having people move around, find their food or wait in a line, this option allows guests to find their seat, relax and let the service staff do the rest. Still unsure if this is for you? Well, do you love gathering your friends and family to dine at your favorite restaurant? If so, imagine recreating that! Another aspect of having a plated wedding reception is either allowing guests to have menu options or simply presenting them with the best of the best or “chef’s choice”. Regardless of the fine details to follow, if you love the idea of having guests sit back, relax and have your oh-so-awesome food served to them without blinking an eye, then this is the route for you! In terms of budget, do keep in mind that typically plated dinners tend to come in higher than say buffet-style… but if there’s wiggle room to play with, we would say it’s definitely worth every penny!
Just because you see the word “buffet” don’t skip over this option or rule it out yet! Hold your horses… it doesn’t have to be as “ho hum” as it’s age-old stereotype. Of course, we’ve all been there – we’ve had the cold, stale banquet-style buffets consisting of chaffing dishes of lord knows what. Ick! So of course, one questionable experience of this is sure to have you running the other direction. However, believe it or not the idea of a buffet has come along way – at least if it’s done right and up to our “awesome sauce” standards! The positives? There are an insane amount of fun “themed” ideas you can create like a Taco Buffet, delicious Paella tables, build-your-own Pizettas and the list goes on. Another way to spruce up a buffet, is to create a killer menu. Make it fun, make it elegant but make it representative of YOU and your guests will have a whole new perspective of a wedding buffet. And yes, going this route tends to be a little friendlier on the wallet; not always, but there’s usually a good chance. Last but not least, one of the things we love most about kick*** buffets, is it gets your guests moving, keeps them on their feet and allows them to interact, to continue mingling while they grab their food and keeps the evening eventful. So do us a favor and don’t rule out a buffet – give it a fighting chance and put a fun twist on an oldie!
As you all know having a family-style meal at weddings is becoming more and more popular and rightfully so! When my husband and I got married we went this route. Now obviously it’s not for everyone, but if the venue, food and overall vibe of your wedding allow for it, we’re big fans. I mean, over-sized platters, heaping mounds of veggies being passed around for all to enjoy? Yes, please! The biggest factor when considering this option is the table layout and seating arrangement to make sure the layout works with family-style. Choosing a caterer who’s an absolute pro and a chef who can create dishes to be passed around tables is key! I have couples who oftentimes love the “idea” of family-style but still unsure. I always say it’s representative of a family dinner at home. Think of the holidays – if you love the idea of guests coming together to share dishes and pass platters with lots of movement at the table, then this is totally up your alley and we say go for it!
So now that we’re all hungry and now have food on our minds… Happy menu-planning, happy tastings and happy eating! XO Stacy
