Alternative to assigned seating?

There’s really not a way to do that. I think it’s a hard situation to be in the caterer should be able to quote you enough to make sure people get to eat. It’s really hard to distinguish that. The only thing I’m thinking is make sure there is someone there giving those options to people and making sure they only take one but making sure they get what they previously chose will be hard because what happens when they get up there and can’t remember, or the chicken looks better than the steak.
Also will you have a vegetarian option? You’ll need to make sure you have a way for them to get their food too.

I would think the best best way to do it without just making sure there’s enough food to make sure everyone eats is to do a wristband/ticket/different colored plate for each option but someone might switch tickets not realizing that’s why you did it that way. Best of luck with whatever you choose to do! 😊

That seems unusual and like it could really hold up the line. I would ask your caterer. They may advise against a buffet if you're set on having guests pre-choose their food.

I'm slightly confused. You said they ate choosing between beef & steak? Isn't that the same thing?
But to answer your question, I wouldn't have them pre-select the options. I would have them chose once they are in line. It would be similar beef or steak question from the servers

To be honest, buffet to most people means “help yourself” and “all you can eat.” If I got the beef my first time through and i didn’t like it, I’d go back for the steak. Not really a great way to limit you guests if you do that. You could try really small portions and give everyone both perhaps.

Our caterer is only going to to allow one serving per person of one of the entrees until everyone has gone through. We can’t force them to get what they selected on the invite but we can make sure there is enough of some food for everyone. I am hoping my guest are respectful of what they ordered. But then I t yay everyone I invited to be respectful. Those I didn’t think could be were not invited

This isn’t how a buffet works. Also, steak IS beef so that makes no sense.

I know for our caterer, had we done buffet, they prepare for people to take more than one serving. Does yours not?