Sit Down vs. Buffet vs. Family Style

Personally, I love family style, if the salad is plated. One of my very upscale venues here does this (and I think it's brilliant); they serve a salad but they have all kinds of fun stuff on the table; olives, parmesan shreds, croutons, bacon.....and then the entree is served family style. I love it.

I don't personally think buffets are tacky, but I think they are slightly less formal. Is the family style option somewhere in the middle? That could be a good compromise.

I've never considered weddings with a buffet as tacky

I've never considered buffets "tacky", however I do feel a plated meal is more formal.

Personally I prefer buffets at weddings, but then again i'm definitely not the fancy formal type. I'm sure some people may prefer a sit down or family style dinner but I've never ever heard a buffet referred to as tacky.

I dont consider buffet or family style tacky. I think it can potential create logistical issues that you should be mindful of to avoid. First, have enough food. Nothing is worse than a buffet running out or the table dishes not having enough to serve everyone hearty portions. Also, for buffets, there is the issue of lines. Just make sure you have enough serving lines so that people can get food quickly.

Your mom probably comes from a family in which it was deemed appropriate to have each guest served at their seats, and all at the same time. There are those who believe that guests being called by tables, guests carrying plates, and guests being last in line make the buffet less than desirable/sophisticated. I have to admit, I'm not thrilled with the idea of some guests eating while other guests are waiting and asking, "Was that our table he just called? No...okay." I can tell you that as a vendor, the smell of delicious food wafting from the kitchen makes me ravenous (but then again, I never eat before a wedding we're servicing). We always eat on the way home, but the chef prepared food at the wedding is quite an appetizer. But that's me.

I've been to family style receptions, and when I went, there were a few people who took more food than they should have (and I know they knew what they were doing). That makes it a little awkward for the last four people who are looking at three potatoes.

I wouldn't do family style, for that reason. I prefer plated, but a buffet is not a deal breaker -- as long as you are absolutely sure that the servers will be diligent in portion control and can keep the line moving. Oh, and if you're going to do the buffet, please, please, please...label the trays and any major ingredients.

I don't think buffets are tacky. The only thing I don't like at times is the wait time. The last wedding I was at took forever, and by the time our table was eating- they were cutting the cake and we were upset that we missed it.

Where is Karen?

To head off the long lines of the buffet we are putting together cards with different animals and our DJ is going to play a song with the animal in it for each table to go eat so gives each table time to get there food without the line!!

I am having a buffet (taco bar!), but it fits with the formality of my mountain wedding.

It might be strange to have a buffet at a black tie wedding, but otherwise-not tacky.

I don't see buffets as tacky, but I do think they are less elegant or formal. Either is fine for a wedding.

I haven't had family style meals at a wedding so can't speak to that. I have been to many plated and buffet ones and my preference is plated. I don't like guests carrying their own food in their best outfits and heals. On more than one occasion I have seen ladies trip and spill food all over themselves or around them. I'm also the host at home that likes serving everyone. So for me, plated is an easy option at any event.

However, $1k is A LOT of money. Would family style be cheaper than plated? I think that's a good compromise if it's coming down to costs.

Thank you all so much for your input... Saving money where we can is obviously the best route, but I agree, the wait times would need to be monitored. We also have a few guests who are less than mobile so that's why I was leaning towards family style. It's pretty much the buffet at the table, no calling of table numbers and as long as the staff monitors, our guests should never be eyeing the last potato.

@Centerpiece... You're totally right, my mom comes from a traditional Italian family, she balked at the idea of a buffet but when I pointed out the benefits of saving money with the buffet, she said, "well if it's a big savings..." That particular conversation was when we were still looking at venues (a few months ago) and I think she was hoping I'd forgotten about it.

I love buffets at wedding. I find the food is better and there are more options with a buffet

I chose the family style. It reminds me of growing up Portuguese... this was how we always did it! The caterer assured me that the food would not run out and would be replenished when needed.

I'm doing none of the above? I'm doing a midday garden/tea party theam. So there will be sitting areas scattered around the lawn and tables set up with tea sandwiches, quiches, small deserts, and fruit/veggie trays. Very informal.. the food is coasting between $2-6/head.

As others have said, plated is more formal. It will take more servers as they have to make sure that everyone is served in a timely manner.

Buffets allow for a wider variety of foods.

I am not a fan of family style. As Centerpiece said, there are times (to often) when a guest or two will take more than their fair share of food and leave other guests at the table without food.

I've only ever been to buffet style weddings. I like them because I can get what I want. I do love the idea of family style, though. I haven't heard of it until I got on here but I think it's such a fun idea. Plated is definitely more formal and not my style, but if you're having a more formal affair, then it would suit.

I don't personally find any of them "tacky". This is a matter of taste, style, and budget

We had a buffet. It worked out really well. Our doc released the tables so there was never a long line.