Family VS Buffet style

So, I don't know for a specific venue or if it is different for weddings, but at a restaurant, family style can mean that they serve a giant plate to the table and it can get passed around and people take what they want but stay at the table.

Buffet style would have people get up and go to a specific area and take what they want on their plate and go back to the table.

OK great thanks

I just lol'd at "planning my first wedding". ha

On another note, I think buffet is better so people don't have to serve eachother/pass things around the table

Family style is when all the food is on the tables and everyone serves themselves. Could cluster up the table during dinner, and everyone will be passing stuff around when they should just be eating and conversing (IMO).

I prefer Buffet because no one needs to serve or pass food around. Usually they have plated options too which is when they need to pick their meals in advance and its served to you plated already. Buffet you go up and get to choose your food usually several options and you pick what you want on your plate. Family style from my understanding is like large portions in the center of table and you share with everyone at your table like you would at a family gathering/holiday dinner.

Buffet is my preferred choice.

Love family style, but my daughters will most likely go the buffet route since it usually costs less. Either are fine options.

I don't personally care for Family Style because the large platters sitting on the table take up alot of room.

Also, buffet isn't always cheaper. The benefit of buffet and family style is you don't have the hassle of worrying about what meal each person wants.

You'll need to account for the space needed on the tables for family style. Usually the centerpieces need to be smaller for a family style dinner.

I think family style is cute especially for a more casual or barn wedding ... I'm doing plated ... honestly I l9oked at lots of venues and the ones with options where very similar in price ... I hate buffets ...

Buffet isn't always cheaper!! Plated was actually the cheapest food option our venue provided, I was surprised!

Like previous posters have said, family style is when large servings of the food are served to each table, and the guests will need to serve themselves and pass the food around.

Quiz: What Should Your Reception Serving Style Be?

The only bad thing about family style is the potential for a lot of wasted food,

I love family style; one of my venues does exclusively that...Guests sit down to plated salads and a centerpiece of olives, cheeses, marinated veggies and then the entrees are served on platters. I love it, but I do like it better when not every course is family style.

And usually plated is cheaper; it is more controlled, food wise.

I have been to plated dinners and was disappointed by the lack of food on the plate.

I like plated but it's typically more expensive, you have to track meal options n do assigned seating.

Buffets are typically the lowest cost option but you have at think about guests navigating around others n tables, etc. Also, I would think some guest might be finishing up their meal before other even got to sit down with their plate.

We decided on family style as it's about the same price as a buffet at our venue, guests will all be seated/eating all together but we did have to keep in mind, the size of our centerpieces to allow for the extra dishes. Pros n cons to everything. ETA pricing is what I found locally, looks like others have found just the opposite?!?

I've only been to one wedding with family style and we loved it. We decided we wanted to do that for ours. We don't have room for buffet at our venue and number of guests, and family style was also cheaper.

I love the family style. I'm not a patient person when it comes to waiting for food, standing in lines, etc...

Since you've gotten your question answered I just wanted to offer: I've always liked family style however some people do not like them because they feel awkward passing plates around and fear spilling on themselves..........however a buffet has the same risk of spilling as you fill your plate and carry it back.