Menus

They’re unnecessary. We didn’t use them. However, I have seen others have a sign with a list of the menu items.

We had a buffet too and did not print menus. There was something for almost all types of diets there, and the wait staff was assisting everyone with filling their plate, so we felt they were unnecessary.

View Quoted Comment Did you at least have labels for the food?

I agree they’re a waste of menu. It was one of the first things I cut from my list of things to buy. Buttttttt, when I finally got my food options together and was so excited about them, I wanted everyone else to be excited and know what their options are. We are doing different destination-themed stations. So, I splurged and did menus. 🤦🏻‍♀️

View Quoted Comment I’m sure those were there, but I didn’t see the food when they opened the room because our day-of coordinator got our plates for us to ensure my husband and I ate first. Also my venue was all inclusive, so they would have handled that part.

When my husband and I got married we did a plated meal, and did order menu cards, but did not place the menu cards at the place settings on the table, instead we mailed them out with the invitations so that way our guests would have a heads up as to what would be served that day and could reach out to us if they had any questions about the items that were going to be served.

I did a buffet and we didn't have menus. Each chaffing dish was labled with what it would contain and durring the cocktail hour anyone who was curious about the food options could easily see what they were. I had a smaller crowd (50 people) so it worked out well.



The other option is to put 1 menu on each table.

We're doing plated meals and guests are pre-selecting their choice when they RSVP. I also included a space for any allergies or dietary restrictions on the cards/ online RSVP. I think with buffets as long as each dish is labeled and any potential allergens are noted on the label, you should be fine.

Menus are more functional at a buffet than a plated meal. With a plated meal, you get what you are offered. With a buffet, guests read over what is served so they know what to take and what what to leave behind due to not liking something or dietary restrictions. Having the information ahead of time actually makes lines go much quicker, especially when you also label each serving container.

I am doing a buffet style as well and will not be providing menus or programs. I think I will be saddened to see them left on the tables.