Is a Buffet or Sit-Down Dinner Right for Your Reception?

One reason sit-down dinner service is popular is simply due to the formality. There is no doubt that having servers bring guests their meals feels a little classier and more elegant, especially since everything can be hidden away in the kitchen. It also allows for you to fit in toasts or special dances between courses. As long as your caterer has enough servers, it also means that your guests will likely not have to wait as long for food, and it makes the meal more accessible for your attendees whose mobility is restricted. And of course, less of a wait for the food also means there will likely be more time for dancing once dinner is complete.

However, buffets have their benefits as well. For one, they typically save money, largely due to requiring far fewer catering staff. Buffets also offer flexibility in a variety of ways. Someone who is not very hungry can take a smaller portion – preventing food from being wasted – while someone who needs a larger portion can take one. Those with dietary restrictions can adjust their servings based on the buffet rather than working with what they are served, and if someone changes their mind about their meal selection, there is probably still enough available to make that adjustment. If you’re going to a homey, relaxed vibe for your wedding, a buffet may fit the tone better than sit-down service. 

There isn't a right choice, but hopefully you can take the needs of your guests and the formality of your celebration into account in order to make the right decision for your soirée. For more advice, learn four rules for creating a wedding menu and read more about the new trend of mobile bar carts.