choose entrée on RSVP or menu at reception?

Having guests rsvp their choice of dinner for a buffet defeats the purpose of having a buffet. You're better off having a plated dinner If you're worried about having too much food. Restaurants who cater are able to adjust the amount of food based on the guest count.

Yea we aren't having a buffet anymore...it was just what i originally wanted but i realized it wouldn't work.

You have them RSVP their choice and then assign tables. Color code or in someway note on their name/escort cards what their choice is. Give the list to the restaurant that shows which table has how many of each entree, and a key to your code (e.g., red dot = lasagna, blue dot = spaghetti. They're probably used to this!

And assigning seats/tables isn't super formal, it's rather expected, so don't worry about that part! You really only need to assign tables as long as you code the cards.

I would wait until you can discuss with the caterer. If you give them an idea of guests count they should be able to tell you what works best. Chances are a buffett would be higher per person. If you have a large guest list I think selecting off a menu could be difficult for caterer

Thank you! In my area plated dinners with assigned tables are very uncommon so I don't have any friends to get advice from. It's something I really want to do though. Something different! I went to a wedding in NJ with my FH last October so I was introduced to a whole new world of weddings than in SC

Thanks Allison! I can't wait to speak with them more. They are super busy on the weekends so catering can only be discussed during the week and we haven't been able to yet since FH lives in a different city. When I first spoke to them they just assured me there is plenty of time. But I like to just have things figured out lol.

I agree, you want to have them RSVP with a meal choice. If you wait until your guests arrive at the reception I am willing to bet that it will cost you a lot more money.

Thanks! I'm thinking that's going to be the best option

Its also a good idea to have a way to indicate to the wait staff who-gets-what without the waiters having to ask. Otherwise the numbers get shuffled as people can't remember what they chose OR change their mind at the last minute.

You can mark the place/table cards. There are a couple of ways to do this without writing the entrees directly on the card (should you not want to go the obvious route.)