Plated or buffet

If the money is meaningful to you then IMO it's not worth it, especially with your numbers.

Is it a black tie dinner or semi formal? Black tie requires plated. Weigh out the pros and cons from past weddings and events with each. One common theme for plated is that food is cold when it gets to the table and often is wasted because of people not liking the main/sides/sauces/general prep. I’m most cases, a buffet is better food, better quality and hotter which guests remember and appreciate. You can have staff serve to alleviate any concerns of germs, etc

I’m having a similar guest count and we decided on a buffet. While our wedding won’t be casual, it also isn’t in a very formal space so we felt a buffet would be best.

We’re also going to have a smaller guest list and our venue is more on the casual side (in terms of wedding venues) so we’re going with a buffet. It just seems like it “fits” better.

Have you decided on your entrees? If steak such as filet or strip, I suggest plated. I have seen informal parties serving a wonderful skirt steak in a buffet. If pastas, fish, protein with sauce (e.g. veal marsala), those can be fine in a buffet as well. I generally think buffet is more casual where guests can go up when they're ready and stand in the line. The downside is that your guests don't eat at the same time. If you decide to sit at one common table, plated meal is more a better presentation. In my experience, I prefer plated prob moreso because I don't like standing in heels anxious, and I prefer less saucy food. Best wishes with your decision.