Family Style Dinner Pros and Cons?

The one wedding I've been to that served family style, I did not like. By the time the platters got to me they were basically empty and they did not refill the food. I've only had that one experience though. I would just make sure that they plan on refilling food for each table.

I've been to a few and really enjoyed it. The food was good to excellent. I do agree with the pp that it's for a less formal wedding. I didn't have any experience w/anyone taking oversized portions but then again there were several options.

I think MoonRide summed up the main con for you. If each table is getting one platter of each dish, the people who are served first might take too much and then it's awkward for the last person. I've been to one wedding where this happened. Also, one person at our table was a vegetarian, so I was trying to make sure she got enough of the veggies, and I took less than I wanted of those. Her hubby did end up getting her a veggie meal from the caterer, though. I think as long as you make sure your caterer will refill each dish, you could avoid it. I can't imagine that being cheaper than a pre-portioned plated meal though.

In my only experience with family style service, others at my table definitely took more than their fair share. I was definitely left hungry, so if you do family style, you must have the portions replenished.

Following. We would like to do family style too. It's the same price as plated with our caterer. We are only given an option of two entrees, two sides, bread, and a salad though. I feel like not enough options. I might add another side. I'm also doing a few very long tables, so I'm going to have them set up a serving tray/stand at the ends of the tables to put the platters on so they don't all have to cram around the table.

This is what I initially wanted but my caterer steered me away from it because he mentioned that it can cost more than a buffet and there is usually a lot more wasted food because they keep the trays full on the tables and where one table might need a certain tray filled 3 times, another table might not finish and that goes to waste....You pay for it anyway and it is hard to keep it all at the right temperature on the tables.

I been to one wedding that was family style it was super tacky they served the food in the metal mixing bowls. People were not using the utensils that were provided. I also saw someone use their own fork to dig into one of the bowls for seconds it was nasty.

I went to a wedding recently that did this. It was wonderful -- like a buffet in that I could take what I wanted in portions I wanted, but I didn't have to wait in line!

My parents went to one. My mother was in line for the ladies room and my Dad's cousin took 2nds, before she got firsts.

I love it! The platters need to be refilled and it needs to be done well. If your caterer isn't good at it, don't do it.

I love it! The platters need to be refilled and it needs to be done well. If your caterer isn't good at it, don't do it.

I love it! The platters need to be refilled and it needs to be done well. If your caterer isn't good at it, don't do it.

I love it! The platters need to be refilled and it needs to be done well. If your caterer isn't good at it, don't do it.

I love it! The platters need to be refilled and it needs to be done well. If your caterer isn't good at it, don't do it.

@Celia - I love your answers.

I love family style

Check and see of you can in your state... I think my mom said it was illegal in CA to serve food like that.

I absolutely hate family style for the reasons that most people mentioned on here with regards of people over serving themselves and not considering others at their table. Plus I am a germofobe and think that everyone's hands touching the same plates/ serving ware is gross. As someone mentioned, people just might decide to use their own silverware to serve themselves which you can't control. Plus, I just think it increases the chances of a disaster happening with accidents of spills, drips, etc. Sorry, I know that lines are not peoples preference for buffets, but at least things are more regulated when being served by hired staff. People can always go back for seconds if there is more. I specifically avoided this for both my wedding and rehearsal dinner.

I'm not a fan of family style because people often either take too much or food gets left untouched. I also feel like it really clutters the table, which always bugs me because I hate being closed in.