Buffet Wedding Reception (may include action stations!)

Flexibility, guest choice, and ease are all pros of a buffet-style wedding. For some, this is a solution to wanting specific food options that aren’t well suited for a plated dinner or something that requires a heat source to maintain its freshness. For others, buffets allow a diverse amount of offerings while being cost-effective as they require fewer staff.

Ask us about COVID safe buffets!

Consider mixing in an action station, see our stations page for more info here: (Link to stations page)

Defining Buffet

Buffets are a classic approach when catering a wedding. Offering guests the chance to get up, grab a plate, and choose their meal items as they stroll through the buffet table. Typically, there will be a range of various starters, entrees, and sides and each plate will look a little different. Guests typically appreciate the flexibility, and there are ways to mix and match styles and varied dietary preferences. Buffets can be a great way to stretch your budget, as the quantities can be customized, and staffing needs are less than that of a plated meal.

Buffet Menu Design

Designing a wedding buffet starts by considering your guests. You have flexibility with quantities and menu options that will fit the needs of your guests better than with a plated or family-style meal. This can have budget advantages, and buffet portions stretch which offers even more savings.

If you like the idea of a buffet, you might consider a hybrid menu that could involve stations or some passed bites. Determining how flexible you are to allocate the right amount of staff to handle the various types of service will allow you to incorporate varying levels of service.

Some menu items do better than others in a buffet. We recommend backing into service style after you have determined the story you want to tell and the vision that will get you what's most important to you. If you want scallops, that’s likely not the right fit for a buffet as they won’t keep well in warming dishes.

Advantages and a Few Things to Consider

Casual vibe - Buffets offer a more casual vibe to an event that allows people to choose their selections and offers flexibility in their choices. The relaxed nature is perfect for a mixed group that wouldn’t necessarily love sitting through the designated meal. The flexibility is great for those who might want seconds or choose to eat at their own pace.
Lines - Buffets undoubtedly have a reputation for long lines, but there are ways to cut down the wait time such as double-sided serving, or splitting the buffet into different areas of your space.
Centerpiece flexibility - Get creative with your tablescapes as you won’t have the center of the tables filled with the meal. Buffets leave you more space to play with..
Staffing - Somewhat reduced staffing requirement as compared to a plated service.
Floorplan - Make sure your space can accommodate the tables needed to host your buffet in addition to your guest seating and the dance floor of course!