Wedding Day Decision: Better Choice Buffet of Sit Down Dinner?

Wedding Day Decision: Buffet or Sit down Dinner?

            It’s hard to comprehend the how many decisions one has to make to finalize the details of your wedding day.  The list goes on and on…from seating charts to party favors, these minor details we agonize over seem to be forgotten in a moment as the whirlwind of your wedding day flashes by.  One choice sets the tone for the evening and will make it a night to remember or forget.  Food, is the obvious choice, often overlooked can make or break a wedding.  If the food is great your guests will marvel for months.  If your caterer does a poor job, it can quite possibly ruin everyone’s night. 

         Not every wedding has a cocktail hour before the reception.  For most this is an easy situation to exceed expectations.  Your guests are itching to have a drink and a snack, break free from the confinement of church and begin the fun festivities of the evening.  A more difficult decision that couples debate over is whether to have a buffet or sit down dinner at their wedding reception.  These two simple ideas have many benefits and some people are hard pressed to change their mind from say a sit down dinner to a buffet.

         Why would a sit down dinner be a better choice?  There are a couple reasons that tie in to two key elements of our subconscious.  Those are convenience and appearance.  Most of us prefer to be waited on.  It’s the idea of everything you need taken care of and brought to you while you can sit back in your chair.  It’s the single most important factor that drives a multi billion-dollar industry.  When the food and drinks are brought out to you it appears to be a more elegant party since you are receiving better service.  If the service is higher quality we assume the food is as well.   We feel this way because of the presentation and anticipation.  As the wait staff begins to bring out food our brain starts to wonder and anticipate a delightful meal.  The chef can arrange and garnish each plate to present what looks to be an excellent meal.  This is why most weddings follow this format in order to add an elegance and ease to enjoying the reception.

Shore Catering Sit Down DInner

            Why would you even consider a buffet?  There are actually a lot of reasons to choose a buffet over a sit down dinner.  The most obvious is the quantity of food.  With any buffet your guest have the option of taking a smaller portion or heading back up a second or third time to get their fill.  With any wedding there is a high amount of food waste, but surprisingly less for a buffet.  Timing is another key issue to think about when deciding on a buffet.  At a wedding reception so much is happening between dancing and rituals that often times a buffet is a much better choice.  There will be an exact moment that guest can begin dinner and know that they will have a hot meal when they sit down.  It also allows the guests who like to dance and mingle to decide what time is right for them to eat instead of coming back to cold dish at their table.  Guests don’t have to commit to fish or chicken, they can have both if they would like.  In spite of appearance or previous notions, the quality of food will be just as good if not better.  Buffets are a great way to get people up and out of their seats to interact with one another and have a good time.  It also allows them to ask questions to the catering staff to help make an informed decision on their meal.  Finally with a buffet, there are no mistakes or confusion.  It happens all the time with a sit down, your guest order prime rib and instead chicken is brought to them.  Giving guests the ability to decide exactly what they want will always make them happier.

Shore Catering Buffet

         Ultimately, the choice is yours, but the benefits of a sit down or buffet style reception will always outweigh the negatives.  Working together with your caterer and asking them questions will help you decide which choice is right for you.   The most important thing is choosing a caterer with experience that provides great quality in food and service.  Best of luck, and don’t stress too much over the details or you won’t be able to enjoy your wedding day.

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Brick, NJ