Buffet or sit down dinner

Honestly, the answer will completely depend on the caterer you choose/where you live. Pricing is so regional. In some places buffet is less expensive, but that's not true everywhere. Plated requires more staff, but buffets require the caterer to make more food. I would comparison shop a few caterers in your area and ask them about their buffet and plated pricing and options.

I feel like buffets do have food waste but it might cut costs because of just the idea you don’t need as many servers

I always prefer a served meal. You will waste less food, you don’t have to worry about running out of food in the buffet line (that happened at a wedding I went to), & it is more sanitary. Price will depend on the type of food you choose to serve and your caterer.

I do like the end of night pizza idea!

View Quoted Comment Totally agree. I always prefer a plated meal. Less waste, more sanitary, better temperature control and nearly always better quality and better tasting food. I’ve been to or in over 50 weddings, and I’ve literally never enjoyed the food at any of them that had buffets. Some of the plated meals were insanely good though!

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Agreed! Buffet food is always dry and lukewarm.

In my experience attending events, buffets are generally hotter and better quality food and go quicker than plated. If the food is cold and dry, it's the caterer's fault for not knowing how to cook properly, not the serving style itself.

Buffet tends to get you more for your money, as you can get more variety, especially for us picky eaters.

That said, it will depend on your caterer, and also on what you serve.

I've had excellent buffet meals, but the caterer has to be good.

Especially given covid id feel like plated would be more sanitary!