Your wedding day is a special occasion that deserves the perfect meal. As you plan your wedding, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is what type of meal service to choose. While some couples opt for plated dinner, others prefer the freedom and flexibility that a buffet provides.
Pro: Buffet Style Can Reflect Your Wedding Style
A buffet is a great choice for couples who want a more informal reception. A multi-course plated meal may not suit your style, or you may want your guests to have the freedom to hit the dance floor as soon as they’re ready. A buffet allows for a more laid-back and casual atmosphere that can better reflect your wedding style.
Con: Food Safety Must Be Considered
One of the biggest challenges with a wedding buffet is food safety. Keeping food out for an extended period of time can cause ingredients to spoil, leading to an unpleasant experience for your guests. An open buffet may attract bacteria and critters, which can ruin your dinner service. Make sure your caterer is aware of the potential issues and takes steps to minimize any risks.
Pro: Buffet Style Offers Plenty of Options for Personalization
Choosing a buffet doesn’t mean you have to serve standard dishes. You can add unique, personalized options like a carving station or action stations where guests can make their own customized dishes. Even without attended options, you can still offer a variety of favorite foods that your guests will love.
Con: Accommodating Guests with Allergies Can Be Challenging
Serving food buffet-style can make it harder to accommodate guests with allergies or food restrictions. Allergen-free dishes should not be placed on the same table as other dishes to avoid cross-contamination. This can make guests with allergies feel isolated, so consider having the catering team prepare plates for those guests in the kitchen to avoid any issues.
Pro: Guests Can Take What They Like
One of the biggest advantages of a buffet like Aria, for example, is that guests can take only what they want, reducing waste. While your caterer may need to make more food overall to ensure everyone is fed, guests serving themselves means they’ll only take what they’ll actually eat. This also means that guests can go back for seconds if they’d like.
Con: It May Take Time for Everyone to Eat
While a buffet can get guests up and mingling, it can also slow down the process of getting everyone seated and eating. As guests traverse back and forth to the food, it can create a traffic jam that can disrupt the flow of the reception. Make sure you plan for enough space and time to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy their meal without any delays.
Here are some wedding buffet tips: