Plated dinner?

I like sit-down dinners much more than buffets.

Hmm to spruce up a plated package, you could have things like passed hors' dourves and carving stations/pasta stations at the cocktail hour. You could also look into getting a Viennese table, which is like a big giant dessert buffet.

I will need a little more details. I don't know what you think about buffets being more exciting. Is something lacking from the plated dinner? Maybe ask if you can add something for a little more $? I am sorry I can't help more.

Nice... we're having hors' dourves during the cocktail time. I've never been to a plated wedding dinner so I'm justing trying to visualize the execution

Lots more options with the buffet.... guests can pick and choose vs having one plate of food

To me it's much nicer and more formal. Waiters carry out each plates for each course like they would in a restaurant (but a fancy restaurant, heh). Much less hectic and annoying than having to stand on a buffet line like you're in a cafeteria.

With plated they normally have a choice (like chicken or beef) with plated. I preffer it because there is a lot less chance that someone with unwashed hands has touched your food and you don't have to sit and wait in line for food like in a school cafeteria. I think adding things like appetizers is a great idea! I think your guests will be very happy.

I am also doing a plated dinner and I don't understand why it needs something extra. As far as choosing foods, won't they be able to choose the entree before hand? If you had a buffet it would only be a few entrees as well so I think it's the same. People just won't have to wait in line or wait as long to eat.

You still have time to switch to a buffet if it worries you that much. Good luck.

Ok i'm smiling now lol thanks for the visuals ladies!!!! (especially that cafeteria one)

Back to the completely selfish Meghan... As someone with food allergies- a plated dinner scares the living crap out of me! I can't have anything with wheat in it, and if they so much as put a dinner roll on my plate, I can't have any of it! The risks to me with a buffet are much lower. Might want to verify that none of your guests have dietary issues...

A plated dinner can be done very nicely. The problem comes in with ensuring there is enough staff that table 1 isn't done eating and table 10 is just now being served.

Buffet vs plated is a regional thing too. Southerners tend to prefer buffet while others like plated. I used to be all about the plated, but now I have come around to buffets (which is what I am having.) Your guests will love either as long as the food is hot and yummy!! That is the most important part!

thx stacey

I hate to say it but I am having a buffet as well...I know some people think "less" of it but I have been to both plated and buffet and I like having an option of what to pick. I find plated dinners are very fancy...nice only if u have a fancy budget. I think buffets r also budget friendly. Also we r mixing american and hispanic food so everyone will be happy do what works best for u and another thing: my venue cordinator explained to me that she wpuld be in charge of sending guests up to the buffet tables.

I prefer the plated dinner. Would it be an idea to e-mail guests and ask if they have any dietary restrictions, then work with the reception to provide those specific meals, I cant imagine a caterer not being able to handle that.

I prefer a plated dinner as well. It is more formal, as others have said. Also, I hate the idea of people having to stand in a line with a plate full of food and the danger of spilling some of it on their nice clothes.

@ Meghan B, I am asking each and every guest if they have any allergies before I choose the entrees and apps. : )

Ava- that is awesome! As someone who deals with this daily- it is really appreciated. I have been invited to formal dinners and not been able to eat a thing- and people just don't get it. I've even had caterers tell me that it's just a little bit- you'll be okay...

But for me- living a gluten free lifestyle is really simple. There is only one thing I can't have and 5 million I can. It was as struggle at first- but I've come to accept it.

The best thing ever- my good friend had an intimate birthday party. Not only did she ensure all the food was Meghan-friendly, she got an ice cream cake so I could particiapte in the dessert. I'm not saying do that- but asking is a very appreciated gesture.

I generally prefer plated but I must say that when a buffet is well executed the line can run very smoothly.

Plated is so much better - more elegant. If you want to spruce it up - I served banana's foster at my wedding. The wait staff came out with carts and put on a whole show. Flames coming up when they flambe the banana's. It was really cool....

I think they can both be nicely done. My sister is doing a buffet for hers and I am doing a plated for mine. I am giving three options and they will be on the response cards. I do have several friends with dietary restrictions, gluten included, and as Meghan said its really important to have options for our guests.

@Meghan - we are having a gluten free cake - we are doing seperate cakes and 1 will be gluten free for my friends.

Does anyone have any good catering suggestions for the tallahassee florida area?