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Just Said Yes December 2013

Buffet open as guests arrive at reception?

Steven, on October 22, 2013 at 11:47 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 3

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My partner and I are getting married at an art gallery and then having the reception at a Japanese restaurant about 500ft away. We planned to greet guests as they arrive at the reception instructing them that coat check is upstairs, bathrooms are downstairs, place cards are straight ahead and the buffet and bars are open. We think providing people with choices staggers people getting on the buffet line so we don’t send 100 people to the buffet all at once.

The venues staff all recommends we give guests 30 minutes between the ceremony and dinner for transitional purposes. The 30 minutes would provide time for people to walk over, check their coat, find their table and grab a cocktail. They would then open the dinner buffet for our 100 guests.

Guests will be arriving at the reception venue at 8pm so with the 30 minute delay the buffet wouldn't open until 8:30pm and the last guests on the line might not get food until 8:50pm.

As a guest which would you prefer?

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3 Comments

Latest activity by Paul, on October 23, 2013 at 11:09 AM

Super September 2015
Kristina · on October 23, 2013 at 10:31 AM
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I'm not quite sure where the options are in this case but asking people to wait until 8:30-9pm for supper might cause some commotion unless you warn them beforehand to bring snacks.
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Master September 2014
Barbara · on October 23, 2013 at 10:50 AM
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I think it would make more sense to let people take their seats, and then have tables called up to the buffet. Otherwise, everyone will be trying to get food all at once.

Also, is there any way you can start earlier? 8:30/9pm is VERY late for dinner (unless all of your guests are already used to eating this late).
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Savvy June 2015
Paul · on October 23, 2013 at 11:09 AM
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As a guest, I would prefer that the buffet be available during the entire reception. My biggest issue with buffets is the need to wait in line, and I would love the option of grabbing something to eat as soon as I get to the reception (before the line gets too long).

My main concern would be if you are planning to have a series of toasts and special dances, etc., where you don't necessarily want to have people getting up to go to the buffet, etc. In that case, a little more structure would be good.
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