Buffet vs. Plated

I wanted plated too at first but after talking to my caterer he said its much faster to do buffet style there for more time for dancing. That being said if the one u like only have buffet u should decide whats more important to u how people get there food or where u have it.

I did not want buffet!! We did sit down dinner and it wasn’t any more expensive than buffet. Most buffets these days have servers so it’s not like you save on staff. It worked out great for us. Every table got served at the same time and we got through dinner in an hour. I didn’t want to waste time on eating or waiting for people to be served.

I personally don't like buffets. I wanted my guests to sit and enjoy being pampered.

I personally don't enjoy a buffet, but that's what we decided to do for our wedding so I can't throw stones. The plated option was a duo with a choice of one meat and one pasta- basically forcing everyone to eat what you chose for them- and with the buffet they'll have the option of 2 meats and a pasta which allows more freedom of choice.
As PPs mentioned, our venue did say that it helps get everyone served faster and that's why they recommend it.

I personally really dislike buffets for weddings but depending on your theme it might be the better option. As a chef myself I know that a good catering company will be able to handle a plated dinner with no issues and no delays on the food like a lot of people assume.

If I can opt out of a buffet I will, and we did. I always preferred having someone hand out dishes than me stand in a long line trying to balance my plate with looking full but with only foods I’ll eat. Maybe that’s a personal problem but nonetheless, we opted for plated lol

My venue offered seated meal for a guest list up to a certain amount. After that it was buffet. I think it’s partly about how quickly they can serve 100 people versus 50. We chose to have the higher guest list and buffet. It bothered me a tad at first but then I thought people will mingle more and it will be a better vibe.

I prefer plated. I've been to some weddings with great buffets, but I just prefer being served and not having to navigate through crowds with a plate full of food.

I despise buffets at weddings as well. For number reasons. How about the choice of family style? It's a great median between plated and buffet.

I’m not a fan of buffets. We chose a venue that specializes in family style. The servers kept food coming throughout lunch, and all the guests got to enjoy whichever parts of the meal they wanted. I will say, though, that this option was more expensive than plated. We had one server to every 12 guests (1.5 tables) as well as a few extra runners.

I also prefer plated. I don't like walking with a plate of food in my heels and just think it creates a more elegant dining experience. Lots of people prefer buffets because you can pick and choose what you like and can get more food (if it is planned correctly).

Same here! I've been to catered buffets where they have run out of food (and switched it out after I got the barebone leftovers), the food was cold, and things like that. I also do not like buffets in general (people coughing, sneezing, then touching the utensils). Plus i am such a klutz...I would find a way to get food spilled on me haha.

I picked to have buffet because my venue gave us a good deal on their buffet rather than their plated. Plated compared to buffet is smaller. I personally wanted plated, but the buffet was a lot more comfortable in price.

My FW and myself are both anti buffet. Luckily most places we’ve looked it’s not too much more expensive if any more to do plated. I just feel that plated feels fancier and gives the event a different vibe. Plus I hate waiting in line to get food, I’d much rather get to enjoy drinks and conversation at the table.

Welp. Didn't know this many people hated buffets. Hopefully my guests don't think we're tacky and cheap for having a one. Our buffet was actually a bit more expensive than the plated option at our venue.

View Quoted Comment

I agree with you. I personally like buffets cause the plated are too small and I like to eat. Oh well to each its own ~

I prefer buffet over plated as I can pick what I want versus given a plate of stuff I don't like. The weddings I have been to that serve a plated meal I have always stopped not the way home to get food as I did not eat the meal. I usually picked at one of the proteins offered and perhaps the potato but everything else remained. Each person has a personal choice but for our family we prefer buffet as you can decide what you want.

I prefer plated. I do not enjoy buffets as there are never options for dairy free, and I've not experienced buffets with many meal options.

I prefer plated and am having plated service at my wedding. I want my guests to feel pampered. With a buffet, the last table always has the worst experience because often there is barely any food left and for those with dietary restrictions or larger appetites, that absolutely sucks. I’m also really clumsy so I always fear that I’m going to trip and drop my plate as I go back from the buffet to my table. So there’s that.

No, definitely not the only one! Plated meals are much more elegant, and we specifically chose a venue that does only plated meals. It's definitely not faster to do a buffet, and no one wants to stand in a dress and heels waiting in line for food. Our guests chose their entrees at the tables on the wedding day, and everyone was served at the same time.