Catering staff serving buffet?

I've never heard of anyone doing this. I feel like it would remind me of a school lunch line?
And if the point is to cut costs, at that point you'd need to pay for the caterers to staff the buffet line, so it's redundant!

I have seen this, but the caterers were from the restsursnt that provided the food. It wasnt about limiting portions but so the guests didnt have to serve themselves. Usually though I have seen the self service type

Every wedding I have been to with a buffet has servers. Part of the reason is because it ensures that you don't run out of food before everyone gets served and also just cleanliness and efficency.

Yes, you need servers, for cleanliness, efficiency and portioning. And more than enough food. That's the problem with buffets, people will over fill their plates and you run the risk of running out.

Our staff is always at the buffet to replenish buffet items. The only time we have someone serving food is when they add crab cakes to the buffet. Or if there is a carving station.

I've thought about this for my wedding buffet line. The caterer I'm working with told me they don't typically serve the buffet line, but they do monitor it to keep it clean and full.

Yes it is very common and VERY smart. Not only does it help in doling out portions so everyone gets a fair shot their first time up, it also keeps the lines moving quickly and smoothly.

we’re doing a buffet with servers, the servers were non-negotiable

Also our caterer recommended it, like “you don’t HAVE to....but you definitely should”

Long story made short - I was at a relatives wedding where the groom's family (my relatives) were the last to be called to the buffet. The food was gone by then because other guests had taken enough food for two or three plates for themselves.

Cleanliness is also an issue. I work in a medical field. You would not believe what types of germs are on buffet utensils at self serve buffets. People's personal habits, especially bathroom habits are nasty.

I used to work for a catering company. We weren't stingy with the food, and would happily provide guests with more if they asked, but we did serve a standard portion size. This also helped with cleanliness and efficiency. We were able to answer questions about the food, and we knew right away when it needed to be refilled. Usually, we only had staff serving the main foods and sides were serve yourself, but there was a staff member right there to guide guests along.

I catered events when I was in grad school, and it’s very standard to have servers. They will follow good safety practices like wearing gloves. They will also serve appropriate portions so that people don’t take 4 servings of mashed potatoes thus leaving people without at the end of the line. They will also refill the pans if they get low.

Most parties and weddings I've bee to have servers. It's not for portion control, just to give the guests the feeling of being served. They also take care of replenishing the food and making sure things are sanitary. It's not bad ettiqutte to not have them though.