Buffet/table settings

Usually, the guests just grab plates in the buffet line. Is there a roof/tent over the patio area where the buffet will be? How many guests are you inviting?

Are the food tables covered? I would be worried about. Ugh and what's the weather like where you live in August? What if it rains?

I would be worried with the food outside...but Ask the venue to put the nice plates by the buffet line.

Weather here in Oregon is typically very beautiful in August. But we can move it inside if we need to, in case it rains. Also, the caterer can cook in any weather, so he will be fine no matter what. So the plan is to have the buffet line outside on the gorgeous patio that looks out onto the golf course, and where cocktail hour will be is outside too. It ha a beautiful hanging flower baskets. But if it rains. We can move it inside no problem. About 160 guests. But we can always set up an extra table so the plates can be put outside in front of the buffet line.

We're having napkins, champagne flutes, and silverware on the table. Plates will be at the buffet.

Following as I am having a buffet as well.

I wouldn't have the food outside.

I would definitely have a cover over the food like a tent or awning or something to protect it from rain just in case... you also may want to think about adding an extra line for 160 guests, they could be waiting a long time for food with only one line.

What about bugs getting into the food? Might be safer to keep the food inside

The food will be outside unless the weather decides to suck, then we will move it inside. So there's always a plan B. But the weather is generally gorgeous here, so I'm hoping it will all go as planned. And my DJ will dismiss guests to the buffet line by tables, so not all 160 guests will be standing out there at the same time.

Natalie, BBQ's are popular here because we have beautiful summers and not a lot of bugs. Besides flies and what not of course. So I like the idea of having the buffet on the patio overlooking the golf course. My venue does it like this often. But if it does rain, then there is an area to move it indoors. Of course we will be watching the weather throughout the week and day.

If you put the plates on the table, what will the guests do if they want seconds? Take the dirty plate back to the buffet? Probably not allowed per health code (also kind of tacky). Wait at the table for a server to bring them a clean plate? Bleah. Have your venue set up the plates by the buffet--and keep them stocked until everyone is done eating.

Lovecat, you bring up a good point I didn't think about! I will have the caterer set up the plates on the end of his buffet table, and then restock them as necessary until the dinner portion of the evening is over and guests have eaten all they want. Thanks for that point!

My cousin had it where we all took our plates up to the line because they were all set out at the tables. I don't see an issue. Either way is fine.

So is this the same outdoor area that will be open to smoking? I'm just asking because some guests (my mother is one) can not stand being around smoke, even if outside. She skipped the outdoor cocktail hour, at a wedding last year, because of it. Her being able to breath is more important that hors d'oeuvres.

Dreamer, there is no smoking allowed at my venue. If they need to smoke, the venue, requires them to go out into the parking lot, and not burn one on the patio. Which I couldn't see any of my guests being this disrespectful.

There was a wedding a number of years ago, where she actually missed the entrée course. it was held in a mansion, with different courses served in different rooms. The entrée course was served on a covered porch, where everyone went out to smoke. My dad went out there, and got a few things for her; he said the air was blue with smoke. Seems crazy, but hopefully they changed the set-up, for other weddings.

P.S. Their assigned table was in a room with a dessert buffet, so she didn't go home hungry, but was on a sugar high. LOL!

Dreamer, oh no!! That's so terrible for your mom! I would never want to be anywhere near an area that was that covered with smoke. Sounds awful. My wedding will definitely not have the smoking area anywhere near the food or regular guests!! I'm so sorry she had such a terrible experience!!