What’s cheaper, buffet or plated meal?

I personally am a fan of plated meals. But how formal is your wedding?

Well, the "easy" which is a "better deal" comparison is buffet + basic alcohol pkg = 85+17 = $102 pp. The plated, full bar/more appetizers/etc. option = $120 pp. So, if your guest list is 100 people, you're talking about an $1800 difference -- which is substantial. If you all love buffet and are happy enough with the bar/appetizer options, then, clearly, that's the "better deal." Personally, I dislike buffets -- especially for a more formal wedding -- and the upgraded bar/appetizer package would make the plated option a very attractive "better deal" for me. On a purely cost basis, you know the answer; if you're also concerned about the "vibe"/level of service/options for your guests, the $120 option isn't a bad deal. (Be sure you know if these prices include any service charges/tips/tax/etc. because that will definitely magnify the cost difference.) Good luck!

That depends. Are you happy with the appetizers they are serving with the buffet option? If you want to add additional type of appetizers, do you have that option? And how much do they cost? Appetizers can be a few bucks a head, and if you do two or three passed, that really adds up. Also, are you happy with the bar with the buffet option, or would you rather have open bar that includes liquor? Obviously if you accept the buffet package as they presented it to you it's cheaper and there will be PLENTY of food, just not at cocktail hour. But the cost could easily surpass the plated option and get out of hand depending on what you choose to add on.

We liked the buffet option at our venue too, and it was actually more expensive than plated.

It depends on the company. Our venue has 5 caterers to pick from. We've narrowed it down to two. One is plated, one is buffet. Their quotes are literally $200 apart (so nothing for 175 people). With buffet, your guests can take both proteins and the company usually plans for extra portions since people serve themselves. With plated, people are served so they can portion exactly what is needed. It really depends on what you want!

We were in a similar situation... buffet vs plated, and I think it actually was like $10 or $20 more pp for plated. But I feel like plated has a more formal vibe to it and I think most people would prefer it. Plus the plated food at our venue was much better food in general lol. For us at least, while plated was "cheaper," the plated meal was a better deal for what it was. Like $70 for mediocre buffet food vs $80 for the fancy plated food... yes $70 was less expensive but not worth the value to us! I guess it's a "know your crowd" thing, but I would think plated is much nicer if you can afford it

Hi Kristen! It really comes down to what kind of vibe you are going for! If you are having a more casual wedding, then I say go for the buffet!! If you are having a more black tie kind of feel, then I say plated is the way to go! Both of those prices are a pretty good deal so it just depends on which option you and your guests will like better!

If it were me I’d opt for plated. It sounds like your dollars will go further between the extra cocktail food and the open bar. Personally I like plated dinners better at weddings! Our venue is actually opposite, it’s more expensive for buffet.

Team plated all the way. My pet peeve at weddings is sitting for twenty minutes waiting to be excused to the buffet. With plated they have a wait staff to serve everyone in a timely manner.

You have to decide what you both like and what price you wish to pay. Each person likes are different. I personally do not like plated meals. Each time I have had a plated meal it usually consists of some dry chicken or if I am lucky enough to get a duo I usually dislike one of the options. My one cousins wedding had filet and fish. I do not eat fish so I did not touch it. The filet was smaller since their were two entrees. They also included a small scoop of potatoes and mixed veggies. Honestly I was starving by time we left. I like buffets as each person can pick the items they wish to have. To avoid the issue of waiting for your guests if you have a buffet, have a salad plated at each setting. Then those people who have to wait will be able at least to have said while doing so.

View Quoted Comment Hi Kelly! Thank you for your reply! Not super formal, I would say semi-formal?

Sounds Iike buffet to me.

we had options of buffet, family style,& plates for our venue, from least to most expensive. We chose family style. All food options were practically the same, the difference was in the service. We didn’t want our guests to have to get up & stand in line to serve themselves. We didn’t want to deal with RSVPs stating what meal they want & deal with the extra ness of the seating chart. We rather have people sit where they want in their assigned table (not chair) & have staff bring the food to them.

it just depends on what you want & your budget.

Team plated all the way.

I have major food allergies so buffet just means I'm not eating for the night as there is too much risk of cross contamination. Even at a served buffet, it is a no go for me unless I'm the literal first person at the buffet line. I also find that no matter how much people say 'Oh, it was so easy and there was no line and everyone loved it!', they never actually talk to the table that waited until last to get the buffet food, and watched as everyone else finished their meal before their table was called up.

Buffets to me are also super casual and have worse quality food. People tend to disagree on this one, but if you aren't the first person in the buffet line, the food sucks.