{"id":40517,"date":"2016-10-14T03:33:39","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T16:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.easyweddings.com\/au\/articles\/wedding-food-sit-down-v-cocktail-v-buffet\/"},"modified":"2021-11-10T05:16:32","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T18:16:32","slug":"wedding-food-sit-down-v-cocktail-v-buffet","status":"publish","type":"au-article","link":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/articles\/wedding-food-sit-down-v-cocktail-v-buffet\/","title":{"rendered":"Wedding food: sit-down v cocktail v buffet"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"canapes<\/a>
Delicious canapes by Peter Rowland Catering. See more here.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are so many choices when it comes to your wedding food<\/a> but even though the flavours and style may vary there are really only three standard ways of serving guests their wedding meal: sit-down dinners; buffets and cocktail servings. Here are the pros and cons of each.<\/p>\n

Plated dinners<\/h2>\n
\"sit<\/a>
A sit-down dinner by Fabulous Catering. See more here.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The three-course, plated, sit-down wedding meal is what a traditional wedding meal<\/a> consists of. Guests are seated and served an entree, a main meal and a dessert which is usually followed by tea and coffee.<\/p>\n

Pros<\/h3>\n

The choices are limited and costs are controlled.<\/p>\n

Guests are served at the same time so your itinerary will stay on track.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0everyone is eating at the same time it gives you an opportunity to have speeches and you’re guaranteed to have everyone’s attention.<\/p>\n

Because you know when each course is being served you can plan activities such as your first dance for before and after things like the entree and dessert<\/p>\n

Cons<\/h3>\n

A lot more staff are required to serve, cook and plate your meal so it is the priciest option.
\nThe offerings are limited and guests won’t have a huge range to choose from.<\/p>\n

Buffets<\/h2>\n

\"wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

This is where a variety of food is offered to guests who can serve themselves what they like and avoid what they don’t like. Food stations are a modern version of the humble buffet but whichever option you choose, the pros and cons are mostly the same.<\/p>\n

Pros<\/h3>\n

Buffets are about flexibility. You can offer a greater range of food options to your guests at a buffet reception.<\/p>\n

Guests choose exactly what they like to eat and the exact portions too. This is a fantastic option given the variety of dietary requirements these days.<\/p>\n

You won’t need extra staff to serve guests because they’re serving themselves.<\/p>\n

Guest will mingle and chat with each other as they line up. They may even meet new people which adds to the atmosphere of your celebration.<\/p>\n

Cons<\/h3>\n

You’ll need to offer a lot more variety than the standard three course meal which is\u00a0usually a meat offering and a fish offering as well as a vegetarian alternative.<\/p>\n

Lines! Guests will need to line up at least once to get their food. This can take time and lead to long queues.<\/p>\n

Because guests will serve themselves, you’ll probably need more food than if they were being served.<\/p>\n

Cocktail servings<\/h2>\n
\"caanapes<\/a>
Canapes served by Bev’s Catering. See more here.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

This is essentially a lot of both hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and finger food but we don’t mean party pies and sausage rolls (unless of course that’s your preference)! Wedding cocktail food <\/a>has come a long way and can be even more gourmet than the fanciest sit down meal. And usually the guests stand rather than being seated at tables.<\/p>\n

Pros<\/h3>\n

It can be a lot more cost effective per head than either a buffet or a standard sit down meal.<\/p>\n

If you’re holding your wedding reception in a small venue you will be able to host many more people if they’re standing up.<\/p>\n

Because nobody is stuck at tables there will be a lot more mingling among your guests.<\/p>\n

Cons<\/h3>\n

Seating is limited at cocktail events so most guests will be standing.<\/p>\n

Those sitting down may not be able to see what’s going on during events such as the speeches or first dance.<\/p>\n

If you don’t serve enough food your guests will go home hungry – and no couple wants that!<\/p>\n

If you haven’t told your guests it is a cocktail wedding they may expect a meal and be disappointed.<\/p>\n

Though the food costs may be lower, you could spend more on drinks.<\/p>\n

If you don’t have enough seats some guests may become tired (and have nowhere to sit), especially elderly guests and children.<\/p>\n

Got a wedding planning question? We’ll answer it for you here.<\/a><\/h2>\n

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