Are Buffets Really That Bad?

Thank you guys! I was really worried I'd get side-eyed. Every wedding I've been to has been buffet style, but they were also a lot smaller than ours.

Our venue regularly hosts events for this many people so I'm sure they have it down, but I'll definitely confirm with them that we can get two lines going and that they won't only make exactly enough food for our head count.

Most of the weddings I have been to have been buffets. I think as long as there is enough food and the buffet lines are well managed (meaning nobody has to wait an inordinate amount of time to get in line for their food), they are great! I do sort of agree with other posters though that if the event is very formal, I prefer a plated meal so I don't have maneuver crowds with my full plate of food in heels and a cocktail dress.

@Centerpiece I always appreciate your input so much.

To answer your question about the $36/pp - that is only the charge for their attendance. On top of that there is a $5 plated meal fee. Now that I think about it, the $36 part wasn't really relevant so I'm sorry for the confusion.

The photographer came with our venue package and only covers 6 hours of photography. I know for sure I will need the extra time to get certain photos I really want to have. She will also have to travel from site to site between getting ready, formal photo site (our venue doesn't have shit for photo locations), and the venue itself for the ceremony/reception.

Buffets are totally fine. For reference I had a plated dinner, but I work on the side for a wedding caterer. We do buffets pretty much exclusively. Things to keep in mind:

(1) How many people do you have? This will determine how long dinner service lasts - with 150 people it make take 1.5-2 hours depending on how quickly the crowd moves.

(2) How many stations would the caterer set up? With 150 people, 2 identical stations would be ideal to keep the line moving quickly and efficiently.

(3) Who is serving the food? Are the guests, or is the buffet manned by a member of the catering staff? Like PPs have mentioned, people tend to load up at buffets which can cause a problem of running out of food by the end of the line.

(4) What does the caterer plan for per person for a buffet and what is the process if they do run out of food? Do they make more? Do they charge additional costs? Most caterers will take care of it, but it's better to figure that out now rather than later.

(5) Where can you set up in the venue? Is it easy to access? Are there a lot of older folks that would have trouble getting up to the buffet line?

No I think they're great! As long as there are ample stations and servers to accommodate the guests, I think they're the way to go. Most of the weddings I shoot, they do buffets.

I don't like buffets at all---to be honest I'm one of those people that thinks they're awful for many reasons. But I understand why people have them at weddings, because it's a lot cheaper. So I have a few recommendations:

1. Last one I went to, I took the chicken, and later found out it was stuffed with crab which I despise. Please please please have the foods labelled so people know what they're taking.

2. Have more than enough food. At that same wedding they didn't have quite enough of the sides so people took very tiny portions---except those who took enough for 4-5 people and made it more difficult for others to split.

I actually prefer buffet because you're not locked into a meal.

The only downside is the line. If there is a way to have two lines rather than one so 100 people don't try and get food at one time, that might make the serving flow a bit better.

Like anything, you need caterers who can handle the demand.

I love buffets at weddings. The only thing is you must have servers, do not allow guests to serve themselves because you will run out if food. Also be mindful of the number of guests, I was just at a wedding with 200, there were 2 lines for the buffet, and still by the time the last table was called the first tables were long since done, which can be a bummer and make dinner stretch on for a long time.

We had salads and rolls on the tables and then two lines with servers serving the food. It seemed to go pretty quickly.

We're having a buffet and our guest count will be about 120. I personally prefer a buffet as long as it's managed well.

Ours will have two lines and they will be releasing guests by table in order to make sure things run smoothly. We also have the option to start with a plated salad, which I think is a nice touch. As long as you have a good caterer I think you'll be fine.

Buffets are fine! Just make sure it's organized and there are two lines.

Richard, you made excellent points. I think your first paragraph, especially, is right on the money.

We are having a buffet with two sets of lines for our wedding. I don't like plated as it tends to be overlooked and sitting on a plate for quite sometime before you get to it - and then it's cold. No thanks!

@gymrat buffet karennnnn!! lmao

@Richard. ..as a very long time lurker, that made me laugh!

Do the buffet!

I completely empathize with you on this. I've been to two weddings this past year that our caterer did and the one wedding that had stations as opposed to the buffet I fell in love with. I had my heart set on stations. We are paying for this ourselves and need to be quite budget-conscious so we ended up going with buffet. I don't think buffet weddings are bad at all, I think it's a preference.

Sometimes I think we all need to take a breath and realize that this is about two people getting married and the love they have for each other. It's not to provide all of your nearest and dearest with the most fun evening of their lives or the best meals they've ever had. Of course we can aspire to that, or hope for that but it's not a necessity. Those pictures will be what you have to remember the day for a lifetime , you can still provide everyone with a really good meal in a buffet format!

I agree with those that have said as long as it is managed well and your guests don't have to wait long you are good! Just go over how the food is staffed with the venue.

I prefer a buffet. I like to pick what I am eating. I don't think it makes it any less elegant to have one.