Buffet vs. Stations

We are doing plated, ordering tableside, mostly because we don't want our guests to have to stand around waiting for food. I've seen people waiting in buffet lines too many times on Four weddings.

I WATCH FOUR WEDDINGS TOO! And originally, I was dead set against buffets for that exact same reason. But stations do sound fun...I don't know.

How many people are you inviting? Personally, I prefer plated because buffets usually mean long lines, etc.

If plated and buffet are the same price, I say go with plated just because it tends to make things easier. However, buffet is still totally fine. We are having a buffet because it was an extra $6 pp for plated. We were able to get an extra entree option and an extra side for the same price, and we decided that was more important. There really isn't a wrong answer here.

FH and I are doing stations. We are having a very fun and laid back reception. We will have beer and wine, an omelet station (cooked to order) because FH and I love breakfast, taco station (fish and chicken) and a sandwich station (numerous yummy sandwiches- BBQ, burgers, panini, etc. we will also have heavy appetizers passed around during cocktail and dinner hour, and a massive dessert table.

Buffet

We wanted family style but are doing plated because I don't like buffets as a guest

We are doing plated because it's actually cheaper! We liked the idea of buffet because you get more food, but we went with the cheaper option

We are doing buffet. I can only speak from experience that many guests like to go for seconds and even thirds. Buffet sounded best for us and how our families/friends like to eat.

This is such a subjective topic. I'm not a fan of buffets but many people love them. I'm having family style which is almost the best of both worlds. Guests can pick from 2 entrees and go for seconds without having to wait on line. I love how family style feels homey and casual.

I'm doing plates because I do not want my guests standing around for food. Also, it just doesn't fit the classy and elegant vibe I'm going for overall. I have also found sometimes buffet is more expensive than plated.

I'm doing a buffet with a couple of stations also.

I really wanted a lot of stations. Sadly our venue doesn't have room for that.

If you have enough stations wait time could be minimal when times well

I think it all depends on how many guests you have. I m having 165 and I know it'll be annoying to stand in the line to get your food. If it's a smaller party, I don't see anything wrong with buffet, otherwise - sit down plated dinner.

Stations only work in certain situations; if they are all clustered together, it will become a buffet. Your caterer should should be more savvy than that.

I'm doing buffet with stations. We received 2 extra entrees for extra $2/pp. plus we have a lot of eaters so they can eat until they can't eat anymore lol

I love the idea of stations! Also change your avatar! You'll get more responses!

I've only ever been to one wedding with stations and it was pretty cool because we didn't have to wait around! Most weddings I go to have buffets and they are fine, just a lot of sitting/ waiting to eat

We're having a buffet because that's what the caterer does. I feel like less food is wasted buffet style as well.

Thanks HappilyEverAfter! Took your advice! The ballroom for our reception is HUGE, so I think we'll be okay with station space, if we go that route... But we're having 150 guests, so I'm really worried about lines. But I know my guests are gonna wanna EAT, if you know what I mean. Decisions, decisions!