In search of food to perfectly complement your wedding style? Here’s the inside scoop!
Planning a wedding comes with endless possibilities, millions of pins to sort through, and a daunting number of decisions to make. Providing guests with fantastic hospitality is one of the best ways to make your wedding a true celebration for everyone. If the old adage is true, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Choosing the right food and style of service is a surefire way to make your wedding unforgettable! We’ve done the research for you, and here’s a little insight into the pros and cons of the most popular catering styles.
Seated –If you’re looking to create a classic, elegant atmosphere, the seated dinner option may match your style. Whether you’re hosting ‘Roaring 20s’ themed bash, or an understated gathering with sophistication to rival the Royals – a traditional, plated dinner makes everyone feel like the guest of honor.
Pros: Every guest will enjoy each course at the same time, and you can keep the energy up by having dances or toasts between courses. When dinner is over, everyone is ready to break it down on the dance floor. As an added bonus, you won’t have to deal with any leftovers!
Cons: Seated dinners tend to be a bit more expensive than the other options, and guests won’t have as much freedom to mingle or have conversations with those who aren’t seated at their table.
Buffet- If you envision your guests enjoying dinner together at a table, but prefer a more laid back approach, you may want to consider a buffet style dinner. This allows your guests to create their own dinner, free to load up on their favorite side dish and pass on another. In addition to creating an organized, yet relaxed environment, a buffet style dinner is easy on the wallet!
Pros: Guests will have a variety to choose from, which comes in handy for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. Also, guests can come back for seconds!
Cons: Without knowing how much each guest will eat, estimating the right amounts can be tricky. Overestimating may result in wasted $$ and underestimating may leave a few guests wanting more.
Stations- Looking to feed your guests’ adventurous side? Try a ‘World Traveler’ theme, in which each station features the cuisine of a different culture! If your wedding has a romantic, elegant feel, try offering stations with favorite dishes from your most memorable dates or vacations. The possibilities are endless, and letting guests design their own dinner is always a win!
Pros: Guests will not have to wait in long lines (as they might with a buffet) and will appreciate the variety. This style also lends itself well to enhancing a desired atmosphere or theme.
Cons: This option requires an ample amount of space, and if a chef or cook is needed for each station (i.e. if food is cooked to order), that may increase your catering bill.
Cocktail- If partying is priority and mingling is key, having a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres may be the way to go. Guests can enjoy cocktails, catch up with old friends, or make new ones (like that cute, single groomsman!) while casually enjoying delicious apps at their own pace. This option is great if your reception falls outside of regular meal times.
Pros: This option leaves more room for guests to move about, and more room in your wallet! Since there is no main course, it is generally an inexpensive option, which may leave room in your budget to invite more guests or hire a great band!
Cons: Guests could potentially be disgruntled or ‘hangry’ if they are expecting a full meal. Quick fix: State clearly on your invitation that it is a cocktail reception, or leave no room for guessing with invitations that say, “Light hors d-oeuvres will be served”.
If reading this has sparked an idea for a catering style that is uniquely yours, let Indy Fresh partner with you to customize a perfect menu for your big day!
Click to learn more about our tiered wedding packages, and schedule your FREE tasting! https://indyfreshcatering.com/wedding-catering/