Buffets - how many options?

We are having 3 proteins (one vegetarian so not truly a protein, but still an entree), four sides, a salad, cornbread, and rolls.

I am the type of person who is super indecisive about food. If I'm RSVPing my food choice ahead of time, I can guarantee you I'll change my kind once I see what the other options look like (though I'd never ask for my entree to be changed, I'd just beg people around me to try theirs lol). We are doing our reception in a nightclub, so I guarantee no one is expecting a fancy meal. Eta spelling

2 meat entrees and 1 vegetarian entree. We're also doing buffet, with the chef there, so guests to pick what they want a little more of.

Your caterer will be able to supply you with enough food, without having so much left over. This is why they also ask you to give them your rsvp totals in advance.

As for protein, I'd go with 2, depending on what route you go food wise, and definitely offer a vegetarian option.

@Karen, I've never been to a buffet wedding where the food was bad, but I dont remember any of the plated food I've eaten....The chicken marsalas and beef tenderloins all start to blend together after awhile. To each their own.

@OP please ignore @Karen. She doesn't know what she's talking about. I've had nothing but great experiences at buffets and prefer them as long as you have a good amount of options. The food is sometimes fresher than having plated if they cook in front of you. Make sure that the caterer you choose can cook either onsite or close by your venue.

We're having two action stations and a sweet potato and potato bar. The stations are a carving station with 2 meats and a pasta station where you can add a protein. At the tables we have a fall salad and biscuits and cornbread.

A buffet has to be done well. I'm

Not saying yours won't but in reply to Karen. Ours served our 150 guests in 25 minutes. I've been to one where the last table at 90 minutes after the first. Please don't dismiss your guests by going to each table and greeting people. It takes FOREVER. 20 tables X 5 minutes means over 1.5 hours before your last table gets up there to eat.

As for your question we actually just did 1 meal for every one and a vegetarian option. It was Parmesan crusted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. Everyone loved it. However to be safe I'd offer a chicken and a beef and a vegetarian option. Or a chicken and a pork

@therightLane I've seen potato bars on TV (I want to say that 4 weddings show) and totally would want one! It's not a make or break but it would be awesome!

We are doing

-meat lasagna

-veggie lasagna (vegetarian)

-stuffed vegan/gluten free bell peppers

So three main course options for people's plates

Then For sides:

Caprese Salad

Greek Salad

Fresh Fruit Plate

Rolls

Green Beans

& for kids organic chicken tenders

@SeptMrs We were probably just going to let people figure it out themselves, though probably having the wedding party go up first to make sure they're well fed!

@materantiqua that's where I saw it first a few years ago, then went to a wedding where they had one. It was great! Our caterer is fantastic too and added in some different sides like cinnamon apples to put in the sweet potatoes. I can't wait for our tasting in August.

@Nikki We are inviting around 100. The way the nightclub is set up, there are standing tables that we can serve at and have lines on either side. If we do a carving station, I'm not sure where we would put them though.

@Karen Wow, way to make assumptions. We do have a full open bar with premium alcohol. We also have a kid who we fully support on our own. And what is wrong with renting?

We are doing a buffet with beef tenderloin and chicken beurre blanc, made to order pastas, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and two types of salad. It's certainly not ghetto, as Karen states (excuse me for breathing the same air as you). It actually works best for our guests since some eat like birds and some will eat two platefuls. Also, we added top shelf open bar!

OP ignore @karen she is just looking for a fight. Only posting for one reason, to make you feel bad....no advice given. Anyway, I'd agree to have 2 proteins, 1 vegetarian, and a few sides with salad and rolls. We are having plated but have been to a few weddings w/ buffets and the food was just as good and allowed for more dancing!

I personally like buffets because I can take more sides if I don't like the entrees. We're thinking plated simply because it is cheaper (so buffet is definitely not "cheap and ghetto").

I think you are fine with two choices and a vegetarian option.

ETA: plated instead of played

I used to live in Jersey, I've seen plenty of ghettos. I expect to be served at weddings, not stand in a line like its a cafeteria.

Just dropping in with a friendly reminder that name calling is against the Community Guidelines...even on super-controversial issues like wedding buffets.

Out of curiosity, Karen, what's your budget? What alcohol and food options are you offering to your guests?

Someone is trying hard to prove they are not.....