A Thoughtful Reception Buffet

Having a buffet for your wedding reception is not a sign of being "cheap". Please realize that a buffet isn't really that less expensive than a plated dinner.  The chef has to prepare the same amount of food for all the guests because they do not know what they are going to plate when coming to the buffet.  The major decrease in cost comes from you needing fewer staff than when serving a plated meal. 

I have listed below some factors you should consider when host a buffet meal for your wedding reception:

• Make sure their are servers to place the food on your guests plate. This allows for equal portions to be distributed, plus it's more sanitary.
• Always have a double-side buffet.  This will alleviate the lines.
• Ask the staff to excuse the guests for the buffet. Don't have the DJ announce over the microphone.
• Pay for silver chafing dishes to hold the food.  For a wedding, pay the extra and eliminate the aluminum pans.  This will create a well rounded look for your dinner.
• Have the flatware at the guests seat instead of having them struggle to hold their plate and silverware.
• When selecting your centerpieces, don't forget to have the florist design a buffet piece or two.
• Have your sweetheart or head table served by staff as well as the parent tables.Nothing is more unappealing than seeing a bride in her white gown walk though a buffet line.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.thedjservice.com)

Cater To Your Guests (Pt.2)

One Monday's blog I spoke about different ways to spice of your reception menu. Today I plan to discuss the different catering service styles and the cost factors involved. Let's begin...

• Sit-Down: Formal restaurant style service and the most traditional of reception services. Can become extremely costly based on your meal selection, especially if you have dual-entrees.
  
• Buffet: Tables of displayed food where guests can serve themselves. This service is thought to be the least expensive, but don't be fooled. The chef has to prepare enough servings of each item since the guests make their food selection at the buffet table.
  
• Food Stations: Multiple mini-buffets set up for the more contemporary bride who wants a modern and fresh look for their meal. You will need a lot of space for this style reception and is typically used for the less-conventional bride. GREAT idea for a cocktail reception.
  
• Family-style: Seated dinner where the platters are placed on the table and guests serve themselves. The least expensive service of those listed, but make sure you use larger tables at your reception to accommodate the platters of food.
  
• French Service: Staff will serve guests table-side from large serving dishes. Very costly because of the amount of staff needed.
  
• Russian Service: Staff will hold the platters table-side while guests serve themselves. As mentioned in French service, very costly because of the amount of staff needed.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - WeddingChannel.com)