Buffet vs Sit-Down Dinner
Photo by John Malloy Photography
When choosing the meal for your wedding, the number one question you have to ask yourselves is whether you will be choosing a sit-down or a buffet style dinner. Both options offer their own sets of pros and cons so it will come down to what feels like the right fit for your wedding style and your guests. Today I want to share with you the difference between the two options as well as some pros and cons of each to help you make this decision easier for your wedding.
Sit-Down Dinner
This option is the more formal option of the two. A sit-down dinner means that your guests will be served their own individual meals at their table by servers and will not need to leave their seats to get their food. This option does require a bit more work on your part, as the couple, and your guests ahead of time. Sit-down dinners typically requires your guests to select their main course when they send back their RSVP. This means that your RSVP cards need to include a section for your guests to make their entrée selections. Your wedding day menu may include multiple protein options (usually 2-4) for the guests to choose from such as beef, chicken, fish, duck, scallops and a vegetation option. A sit-down dinner does require assigned tables for your guests and your caterer will need all final numbers for each entrée option prior to your wedding day. Sit-down dinners do require more service during the dinner hour so the guests will be served their meals at their seats and the servers will need time to serve each entrée and then clear them all as well so keep that in mind as you plan out your reception formalities.
Pros of a Sit-Down Dinner
Photo by Yael Pachino Photography
It is a more formal way to serve dinner.
Guests are served their own individual pre-selected meals.
It makes for a more elegant look and keeps the flow of things moving a bit more smoothly then with a buffet style event.
Formalities can be staggered between service of your first course and the main course.
Cons of a Sit-Down Dinner
It requires extra work on the back end to plan out assigned tables and gather all guests pre-selected meal choices.
Buffet Dinner
This option is slightly less formal than a sit-down dinner but still offers your guests a great dinner service! You are able to pick a variety of options on a buffet and the guests can choose what they want to have for dinner, on the spot instead of deciding ahead of time. Usually, your DJ/MC, Catering Manager or Wedding Planner will call up the tables, one at a time, to get in line for the buffet so that the line doesn’t get too long. Guests are then typically given the option, once all the guests have been served, to grab seconds. Dinner tends to take a bit longer with this option because of the staggard serving style but your DJ or Band can play some great dinner music to keep the guests engaged.
Pros of a Buffet
Photo by John Malloy Photography
A wider array of food options can be served to allow for guests personal preferences.
Second helpings can usually be accommodated for any guests who might like another round at the buffet.
There is less work ahead of time on your part as you won’t have to have each guest’s pre-selected entrée selection determined before the wedding day.
Buffet dinners allow for more open and casual seating arrangements so the guests can sit where they would prefer instead of an assigned table or place setting.
It gives you more time to make your rounds to each table during dinner service to say hello and thank your guests for coming.
Cons of a Buffet
Your guests will have to wait to be called up, table by table to the buffet. It can take some time and can make guests a little antsy.
It is the less formal option of the two so if you are looking to host a more formal event, buffet style might not be the way to go for your wedding.
Dinner service can take a bit longer to complete to ensure all tables have had the opportunity to enjoy the buffet. So, this can delay formalities and dancing a bit.
Photo by Nate Heckenberger Photography
Each of these options have their drawbacks and their benefits however, both options offer an opportunity for a wonderful dinner experience for your guests. It will come down to which option better fits you as a couple and your wedding day style and vibe and will mesh well with the flow of your wedding day. It’s your day, plan it your way!
Happy Planning,
Naticia
