Buffet etiquette?

I think it's a nice idea to have a menu of the food for the buffet; this way people will know exactly what it is that they're eating (instead of "hmmm what's the stuff in the brown sauce?"). I'm inclined to say it might be best to have the plates at the beginning of the buffet so that people don't have to carry them around with them, but maybe you can ask your caterer or contact at the venue for suggestions?

There are tons of people who provide menus at the tables- some people even include then with the invites. As for the plates I think it depends on what kind you are having. As far as the plates I would have them at the beginning of the buffet. I would be to scared that if they are breakable that someone would drop theirs on the way to get their food. Unless you are using paper/plastic plates then really it is up to you. We are doing a buffet and plan to just have the plates at the front of the buffet because it's just easier that way.

My venue's caterer is taking care of all that for us. But I think they are putting the plates on the tables. Im not bothering with menus since we will only have a choice of meat or veggie lasagna with salad and breadsticks.

At a buffet, plates are placed at the end of the buffet table.

You should also have someone announce which tables go when....The head table (bridal party) should go first, followed by their immediate family members.

I second what Rosie said

We are also doing the buffet-style reception, I have table numbers so that each guest table can be called to go get their dinner, and I think I might just do the menus now, since so many of you have mentioned it Good idea! I would want to know what was on the buffet too if I were a guest.

We're doing menus for our buffet. Here's the responses I got a few weeks ago when I posted about menus--- https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/buffet-style-menus/0031bd25a412ee6d.html seems to be a mixed response- For some reason I'm inclined to give menus too. We will probably have them at the place settings or post it on a sign near the beginning of the buffet. Haven't decided yet.

You certainly can incorporate menu card. will you be using chargers? if so I would leave chargers on the tables, and the plates at the buffet table. Best of Luck to you

Yasmine

I'm doing a buffet also so people can chat and get food and when it comes to plates i would set them up at the front of the buffet. i have to make sure i ask my hall how they do it and now that you mentioned it i might do menus too cause i know i would want to know what there was to eat

I'm placing plates at the beginning on the buffet and I am putting place holders in front of each food item naming it and giving a list of possible allergies in each food. We will have a mix of meat eaters, vegans, people who are lactose intolerant, somebody will a shellfish allergy, somebody with a nut and seed allergy, somebody with a citrus allergy, diabetics, people who can't eat certain food for religious reasons, babies (can't eat honey) and other people. In order to prevent people from eating food that they can't/shouldn't eat and then wasting food for having picked up the wrong thing, each food tray will have a label in front of it.

I also wanted to prevent anybody from having to be rushed to a hospital as a few of these people are really allergic to certain foods.

I've been really wanting to do a menu card too--they just seem so nice but we're having a buffet and I didn't want it to seem odd. I'm glad other ladies are thinking of doing the same! I have been to two buffets and I hate trying to guess what my options are going to be and/or being surprised when someone wants to put something on my plate when I get there. I also like that I can put more detail about what ingredients are in them than I could with a card right next to each item. I'll still do the item cards, but the menu ones will list all the ingredients so my guests who have special diets will know what is going on [2 gluten-free, 1 vegan, 1 vegetarian, I don't like cheese, 1 doesn't like fruit on or near anything, and my father won't eat nuts.] We have only 22 guests. Jeez!

Thanks everyone, that was a lot of help! I definitely think I'll do the menus and I might include some allergens on the menu itself if I think it's necessary(but I honestly think I don't have anyone with any allergens coming except one person allergic to shellfish and there won't be any in the first place..though there might be some plus-ones that I don't know much about). Cost-wise, even though we're on a really tight budget, menus won't make much difference since I'll make them myself. I have until Nov 2011, so I don't think I'll be hurting for time either. And to A Regal Affair, I have no idea what chargers are...

Plus, our buffet is going to have 3 entrees, 6 sides, and a meat/fruit/veggie tray. I think the menus will give people a better idea of what they want so the line moves faster when they get up there. We'll have our DJ announce when each tables goes up.

I just assumed I wouldn't be doing menus since it's a buffet but I think I will now. Thanks for posting this.

We're doing the buffet as well and we decided not to do the menu's, most people know from word of mouth. We have the dinner/salad plates at the beginning of the buffet and the silver wear is at the table with the linen napkin and the water goblet and champagne glass...it's just the easiest way so they're not carrying the china up there or bringing the plates and silver wear back...

I didn't think of typing up a menu of the food to place on each table. That would be really nice. Guess I'll be doing that, but one per table. -- We are also having buffet, but the plates will be at the beginning of the buffet.

I don't see any reason to have the plates on the table if you're doing a buffet. Just place them at the buffet. If you are having salad, consider having the salad served at the tables - either plated or just one bowl per table. That way, people can eat salad while they're waiting for the buffet.

Also, see if you can have someone serve as hostess and actually go over to the table and invite them to the buffet as opposed to having the dj announce it. It's just more intimate IMO.

Menu cards are always a nice touch whether you are having a plated dinner or buffet.

We are doing a buffet and the place settings will be all set with the napkin folded in the plates place. The plates will be stacked on the buffet table. We are doing menu cards to let them know what is available before they go up so hopefully the line will move well. I am leaning towards doing 4 menu cards per table VS 1 at each seat, and just leaning them against each side on the centerpiece.

Do whatever you want, it can be done and still look nice

Were doing buffet as well the plates will be at the end of the buffet table, i'm placing menu cards also, on the front of the card it will read..

A message to our guest

Please be kind and go by table order 2 at a time to serve your food enjoy.

ex. table 1 and 2 etc.....

I'm not sure if this is proper but it suites me due to the fact there is no seating order i will be numbering the tables to ease any confusion hope this helps.