Buffet Style Dinner

You will tell your caterer how many people you are expecting and they will prepare the correct amount of food.

View Quoted Comment Makes sense. I was trying to be proactive before meeting with various caterers but it’s probably best to just speak with them first and go from there. Thanks!

Like pp said the caterer will know. Here’s an article to help:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/blog.sfceurope.com/how-to-calculate-food-portions-for-catering-sfce-budget-guide%3fhs_amp=true

View Quoted Comment Super helpful, thanks!

After you track down all your rsvps (you will have to call/email since not everyone will return them), you give the headcount to the caterer by the cutoff date they request and they figure out how much to prepare. They tend to more food since people will go up for seconds, you might have different people show up the day of. But they are professionals so they know how to make it work.

Pretty much you pay a set price per head the same as you would for a served dinner.

Although I’m not too sure with Covid and depending on where you are having your reception if Buffet will be an option. Buffets are typically not as sanitary as individually served meals.

Just a heads up, if you are getting married this year, buffet might not be an option. A lot of places will only do plates because of covid

View Quoted Comment When you meet with them initially you will tell them how many you are expecting and they will be able to give you an estimate based on that number. And if you tell them kind of what you are looking for they can make suggestions for your menu.
If you are wondering how much variety to have. I’d suggest a 2-3 meat options, a few different veggies/starch, a salad with a few dressings to choose from, maybe some rolls/bread, and then I’d offer a few choices during cocktail hr. I wouldn’t go crazy at cocktail hr as you want your guest to still be hungry for the meal you planned.

View Quoted Comment Thanks good to know

View Quoted Comment Awesome, thanks

Some are still allowing buffets, but servers are filling the plates so maybe ask about added cost of a buffet servers. Plated was less expensive for us after we reached 75 people, so ask about pricing/packages for both options.

View Quoted Comment Thanks, I won’t be getting married till the beginning of 2022 so hopefully this is no longer an issue