Table Setting Dilemma

I had buffet style as well and I didn’t have plates set up, only utensils. Seems a little inconvenient to have to carry your plate when you have heels and a long dress. I used chargers for decor and everyone got their plate at the buffet station.

As a guest I prefer plates being by the buffet and just napkins and silverware being on the table. But there’s no right or wrong and it’s whatever works best for you. If your wedding is semi formal you could have chargers on the table and plates at the buffet.

I agree with PP's, do the napkins and silverware at the tables and put the plates by the buffet. If I were a guest I would most certainly forget to take my empty plate with me if it was on the table.

We had utensils and napkins on the tables with centerpieces and plates at the start of the buffet.

I agree with everyone else, plates at the buffet and napkins and utensils at the table. If you want something for aesthetics, you could do a charger or doily.

We did a plated salad & buffet dinner. So when guests sat down, the salad and bread/butter and water was already on the table. We had the menus, place cards, table numbers, water goblets, chargers, napkins & utensils on the tables. Then the plates were on the buffet. I don't think it's ideal to have guests carry their plates to the buffet, or carry utensils back from the buffet.

I like the idea of only utensils set up

I find it is best to have utensils at the table and plates at the buffet— it’s easiest on the guests this way which is important! Silverware and napkins on the table also help it to look set and cute

I would keep plates at the buffet table and do napkins and utensils at the guest table. Aesthetically it still looks nice for photos and such but also practically since now people dont have to juggle too much in their hands to get food back to their seat

I would say leave the napkins and utensils at the table and the plates by the buffet. as i'm sure they'll have different plates for rolls, salads etc. I've also seen venues with plate warmers by the buffet stations.

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Oh a doily is a sweet idea!

So I was going to have the plates at the buffet station, but then I saw these disposable plates that are adorable. I thought maybe I could keep the dinner plates at the table as a charger and put the salad plates at the buffet. If people want seconds, they can take their "charger" plate up to the buffet, or our caterer provides black plastic plates they can use. I just really wanted a table setting but didn't want to pay for charger plates.