Selecting Your Wedding’s Dinner Style

Seated Dinner

Why choose it

• If you and your guests enjoy catching up over seated meals
• For a Ballroom – they are well suited for seated dinners

What you should know

• Keep in mind guest preferences or dietary restrictions
• Plated vs. French Service; find out what your venue offers, or is willing to let you choose.
• Don’t assume plated dinners are more expensive, a buffet can be more expensive due to variety and return trips.

Buffet

Why choose it

• To offer variety or appeal to more than one culture through multiple main dishes
• If you and your guests are more interested in dancing, chatting and celebrating
• If the venue is not suited to a seated dinner or if you want a casual vibe

What you should know

• Consider the number of people and the buffet set up. Avoid lines by calling tables. Your guests can continue to enjoy themselves while minimizing wait times for all.
• Include your theme and décor on the buffet tables
• Follow your wishes rather than perceived cost savings as buffets can be more expensive than seated dinners.

Cocktail Reception

Why choose it

• For a cool party atmosphere
• If you love the trend of minis – they go well with cocktails and are great for a party vibe
• If you’re having a small number of people for a shorter period of time

What you should know

• Consider your guest preferences when it comes to meals and celebrating
• Don’t assume a cocktail reception will be inexpensive, if the event is long or falls over the dinner hour it may be pricey