Debating on switching Venues and going with an outside caterer

I personally prefer buffet as I can ick and choose what I like versus bing given a plate o food that I just may not care for. My youngest gets married tomorrow and we are having a buffet. Everyone that hears that info is thrilled as they have choices. At the weddings I have been to where I have received a plated meal I end up eating only a portion as I usually do not like the items given.

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And I hate buffet and if it were mentioned to people I know they all get annoyed as it means waiting in lines and a much longer dinner.

If a buffet or not will work is a very know your crowd thing. I knew that I would never do a buffet because no one I know likes them. But being on here, there are plenty of people where their crowd is exactly the opposite. Do what is best for you. As long as you are providing people with a good meal you are within all required things of you.

Another way to appease people while they are waiting for their turn is to have a played salad at the place setting. Also, 2 lines works well as well as stations placed separately to move crowds.

I personally love buffets, and that is what we will be doing. I am from small town Ohio and I’ve never been to a wedding where they have plated meals, so it’s just not what people expect around here. Buffets give more options to people who are picky.

I love buffet. As long as your wedding isn’t formal/black tie, I think you’re fine with buffet.

It's been a very long time since I went to a wedding that was a buffet. I think as long as you have options for everyone - vegetarian, meat, food for kids to eat if you're having them at your wedding - that a buffet is a good idea. Happeningmom has a good point in that you can choose what and how much of something you can have for yourself. But also, please have two lines. For your guests' sakes.

More importantly, it sounds like it would be the better option for you. You'll have time to think about what food you want in the buffet and won't have to worry about meeting the minimums or construction at the Double Tree.

What is it about the plated vs buffet that's making you torn?

I prefer buffet because I like to choose my portions and what I want to eat, rather than throwing food away. Most plated portions are too large for me (or contain things I don't like) so a lot goes in the trash. I hate feeling wasteful.

Plated is relatively uncommon in my area (midwest), nobody really does it. Everyone I know prefers buffets.

I personally hate buffets. I don't like the lines and hate the idea that multiple people could have touched your food before it makes it on your plate (outside of kitchen staff). But I definitely agree it's a know your crowd thing since some people absolutely love them.

Seated is more formal. I personally don’t like buffet because the lines can be long if you have over 50 guest there. Everyone appears to go up and eat at the same time. Do you have room in your budget to hire waitress to bring food to the tables. That way you have the best of both worlds.

I come from a middle eastern background so i sway towards buffet mostly because most middle eastern dishes are large and are meant to be served on a large platter and everyone takes what they want. This makes it so much easier in my opinion since you have choices and everything you could ask for. However if it is plated, portions may be small and lacking depending on the crowd you serve

I prefer buffet and that's what we're doing. I don't like the idea of plated only because people send in their RSVP's about a month in advance and have to pick what they want to eat. Say I pick steak as my dinner, who knows if I'm honestly going to be in the mood for steak that night. I like the idea of having plenty of options to pick from. Especially kids because they are picky enough to begin with.

If you want a more elegant, wedding with full service, then plated is the way to go. Having a buffet has its pluses: more choices, people get up and mingle - gives them a chance to make new friends and they also have fun choosing the food they like instead of having to pick from only 3 entrees. A buffet can be presented in a formal way with white linens, silver food chaffing dishes, staff suited up with gloves -- so either way is great -- ask your caterer if they can upscale the presentation of the staff and buffet and you'll have a win-win!