How do you set tables for a buffet style dinner?????

Chargers are often only used for plated meals and even they are optional unless it’s a super high end event. I have never seen chargers in person at a buffet.. they are more of a Pinterest trend.


For a buffet, people insist that menus on the table serve no purpose at the same time they talk about long lines at the buffet tables. Having at least one menu per table lets guests know what is being served and what if anything to avoid before they get in line which makes lines flow much faster. In addition, having tent cards for each dish listing potential allergens or ingredients if someone is vegan for example.
Also the health department food safety laws are why the caterer wants plates at the buffet table, in addition to a new plate each trip.
Silverware can be set at each chair before guests sit down.
Double check with the caterer that water bottles are cheaper than water service. Even with that labor, washing rental dishes is cheaper than garbage/recycling disposal.

Here’s what we did

Chargers are a perfectly good solution for making a table setting even for a buffet style meal. They’re whole point is decoration.
I didn’t bother with chargers bc I didn’t find the added expense necessary, but did have menus at the place settings, just to make it look set-up. (And personally, I like to know what my options are before i approach a buffet!). So, we had silverware, a napkin, menu, and water glasses. I do recommend some sort of water on the table. Especially if guests are drinking alcohol it’s important to encourage water consumption. Even if you don’t add water service, I’d suggest maybe at least a bottle of water at every place setting. Prefilled pitchers and cups on each table is also another option.

We might do thank you notes on each of the place settings, that might be a good option for you instead of chargers.

We had chargers, flatware, and napkins at our place settings. There were supposed to be menus that included indications for dietary restrictions (so guests would know certain things were ok for them instead of having to guess) but those somehow got lost and didn’t make it on the tables day of.

This one may be a “know your crowd” thing, but we decided to spring for water service (even though water bottles were included in our bar package) because we knew some of our friends would drink it if was in front of them, but would just come back from the bar with another beer if they had to go to the bar to get it.

Not worth the money! My family has done it for two weddings and no one even touched the plates on the tables, just slide them out of the way. We’re doing a taco bar for our wedding, so we’ll just be doing centerpieces as!

I only did centerpieces. I did a semi-diy backyard wedding.


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I was concerned w the table looking bare, but since I didn’t have anyone to help set up the plates/silverware/napkins (I also didn’t want to ask anyone to do that!) I just omitted it. No regrets

Our venue does chargers, even though it is buffet style. Here is what ours will look like.

Chargers are definitely not necessary, but can help make your table visually appealing and make it easier to decorate your tablescape. They also protect the table/linens from spills. If you like the looks of them, there’s definitely nothing wrong with using chargers with a buffet meal

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Hi!! This is exactly what we are doing.... I know it's been a while since you wrote this- but I would love to see what you did for your tables and taco bar set up! Thanks -Trish