There are lots of details you need to take into account when planning a wedding, and food is indeed among the most important. The menu tells a story about the relationship of the couple, sets the right ambiance for the event, and, in some cases, it can even double as décor. At the reception, newlyweds generally provide a full meal for friends and family to improve their experience and fuel the group for the rest of the festivities.
When planning the reception meal, there are various styles you can select from, and they all offer a unique feel. A plated sit-down dinner is among the most popular wedding options, but there are other possibilities as well, depending on your preferences and the format you’re looking for. It’s essential to consider all the options and choose a style that allows you to tell your unique love story while also being aware of the cost implications and other practical aspects. Below, we explore the different reception meal styles to help you make an informed decision, so read on!
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The plating method of your choice will impact not only the overall feel of the event but also the reception floor plan, the items you serve, your budget, and the timeline.
Not only that, but it can also influence the choice of guest attire, as it dictates the formality of the event. For instance, a plated sit-down dinner would require more formal outfits, prompting wedding guests to opt for elegant cocktail dresses, and floor-length gowns and tuxedos. On the other hand, a family-style dinner indicates a more relaxed dress code, while a buffet style may encourage guests to wear stylish yet comfortable outfits, such as well-paired separates and summer dresses. But of course, the wedding menu is only one factor that informs guests’ outfits choice - the theme, and personal style are just as important.
Considering all of these aspects, it makes sense to put some thought into choosing the wedding menu style, and ultimately creating the best experience for everyone at the wedding.
Here are the most common wedding menu styles you need to know about, with pros and cons:
A plated meal is the most traditional style for the reception dinner and the option that most couples pick for their big day. Every guest is assigned to a table and served a formal dinner, and the menu for this type of dinner consists of two courses: an appetizer and an entrée, as well as the dessert (suppose the treat is served tableside). While the appetizer is the same for everyone, the main course can be approached in several ways. Guests are either served the same entrée but can opt for a vegan or vegetarian alternative, depending on their food needs, or they can choose their entrée from a menu, which is generally a fish or meat alternative and a vegetarian option.
A plated sit-down dinner has some excellent benefits, as it sets the tone right away for a formal gathering while also giving you control over the feel and look of the meal. At the same time, it keeps everything on schedule, making it a very efficient way to serve dinner. However, the limited variety of the menu can be a downside, especially for guests with dietary restrictions. Furthermore, more staffing is needed for serving and plating, so expect to pay higher staffing fees.
A buffet-style meal involves long tables topped with different food options. It offers the most variety for wedding guests, making it ideal especially for those who have specific food preferences or allergies. Some of the food ideas to include in this type of menu include Tuscan salad with romaine, rustic croutons and radishes, jumbo shrimp in garlic sauce, pesto gnocchi, and almond-crusted salmon, to name a few.
One of the biggest benefits of this wedding food service style is that guests can decide which dishes they want as well as how much of each dish. At the same time, you can create appealing buffets that are also photogenic. However, there are also cons: for instance, buffets tend to cost more compared to other reception meal styles due to the tremendous quantities and variety of food. Besides, it can be challenging for guests to move through a buffet line, meaning they won’t eat at the same time.
If you want to defy the norm, going with a cocktail-style reception is a great idea. This style is all about giving guests plenty of options, including vegetarian and vegan ones, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free ones, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. One of the pros of a cocktail-style dinner is that you can move around the reception seamlessly and talk with guests, which isn’t that simple when it comes to other styles, such as a plated dinner.
Moreover, this kind of format makes the event much more interactive for guests, and it’s also a cost-effective option if you have an extensive guest list. However, keep in mind that it won’t accommodate older guests because it involves lots of standing. Guests may also find this style of reception unfamiliar, so you’ll need to put in some extra effort to set expectations and offer instructions.
A family-style dinner involves passing around big bowls of food and platters while sitting at the table—just as you would do if you were at home with your family. This option is ideal for couples who want guests to sit at their tables but prefer a less formal feel than a plated meal. The first course includes one or two options, and the main course is served with a protein and two sides or different proteins with various sides.
The family-style dinner provides a variety of choices that can appeal to everyone’s taste buds -even picky eaters or guests with food allergies. Moreover, it’s ideal if you want the reception meal to feel laid-back and casual, and at the same time, it builds community because guests are more likely to engage with one another as they pass the food around the tables. However, keep in mind that it is the most expensive option because of the food’s volume, the service ratio, as well as the rental cost. Also, if you want to incorporate elaborate florals on the tables, this option may not be the best for your wedding.
Food is definitely one of the most important aspects to consider when planning your wedding, so make sure to give it the attention it deserves. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each of the plating options, and choose the one that most resonates with you and your vision for the event.
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