Buffet vs Sit down Reception

We are having a plated meal, but it will be a combination plate with both filet mignon and chicken. All we have to worry about is dietary restrictions. I don't like buffets because I dont like the person behind seeing what I'm taking and how much. I feel judged, haha.

I prefer plated and FH and I chose plated for our wedding. I don't like standing in line and carrying my plate around (I'm clumsy AF). My venue is also kind of narrow, so I don't think buffet would work well there, unless it's for a small wedding.

We are doing buffet, but me and FH are being served at our table. I thought that would be nice!

We are having a cocktail reception with about 8-10 options both displayed and passed.

In addition to appetizers at the cocktail hour.

Originally we were going to do buffet to cut costs but once we saw the pricing they were literally the same give or take a dollar or two. We decided to do plated to open up more space for tables if we need

We had a plated meal with 3 options.

We're doing plated. At my venue you get both entrees...so they'll have a ton of food.

Buffet! Cheaper and allows people to choose both what they want and how much of it they can eat

If they cost the same, I'd do a buffet. I like going to buffet weddings/events. It sucks waiting, but I like being able to eat only what I want to eat! Less food goes to waste!

At our venue, the buffet cost more so we are doing sit-down/plated!

I'm not a fan of buffets because people have to stand and wait in line. Also, you have to consider older people standing for a plate. Ironically I'm using a buffet/stations set up because its more affordable. I plan on having the host/hostess get the older peoples plates / the wedding party plates. then its fair game for the other guests. We're having a evening wedding so hopefully people eat snacks before coming

Also--we're having the buffet stations mirroring one another on each side of the room so it can be more than one line

We are going with a Buffet. I'm known to be the pickiest person on earth and I want to make my own plate. I dont want my food touching and 9/10 there is something on the plate I do not want. I like the idea of guests choosing exactly what they want and how much.

We are doing a plated meal. I don't like waiting in lines, especially if there's food at the end of it. Plated was the cheaper option at our venue. And our wedding is pretty formal, so plated works best.

We are planning to do family style for our wedding next year. I'm marrying a chef who hates the feel of a buffet, but also hates how terrible plated wedding food can be. We think family style is the perfect in-between solution. I'm super excited about it!

Buffet! We're actually doing a taco bar, so it makes the most sense! A plated taco might be weird..

We're having sit down dinner with 3 choices

Buffet. I think plated dinners look more elegant, but then I remembered that I've always felt bored at plated dinner weddings. It takes forever for the courses to come out and honestly, I don't really care about the dinner experience at weddings. That's what restaurants are for, IMO. I want to get to the dancing! Even when I've had to wait in line, in my experience buffets have always been faster. Also, food stays hotter for longer because of the types of trays they use.

Totally with Kris. We're doing stations of small plates -- heavy small plates -- not as any kind of cost savings but to 1) limit the formality 2) keep fresh food coming all night 3) provide lots of options for the vegetarians in attendance 4) limit lines (seriously, there will be more than a dozen stations).

I also agree about the plated meals I've had at weddings have been lackluster...and sometimes (ew) chilly. (Not saying there aren't caterers who can't do it, but saying I haven't experienced them.)

They do seem classier and do keep folks from standing in line...but most buffet receptions I've been to have been pretty quick in serving.

I think your choice will depend a lot on on your desired formality level.

Buffett bride here

Buffet. I hate sitting there waiting to be served. I'm not a "be served" kinda gal. Thanks, but I'll get my own plate. I loathe when my food touches-this way I can keep it separated.

Buffet over here!!, we didn't want to risk the served portion being to small (we both come from families who love to eat) and we loved the display and the taste of the caterer we chose