Plated or buffet reception - What would you choose?

[tinkandonaldfans]

If you had a choice of plated or a buffet reception what would be your preferred choice.

We have a small number of guests (17 in total) and I wanted to have a fun relaxing kind of meal.

I mean a plated meal would be more elegant but could change the atmosphere and will be more expensive but

A buffet would be cheaper and less formal but will it be as good?

What would you choose?

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I personally like family style or buffet over plated because I am a really picky eater with food allergies. I like to be able to take which types of food I want in which amounts (i.e., more veggies, less meat) With a small party like that, and the atmosphere that you want a buffet would work great. I originally didn't want a buffet, something about it doesn't seem elegant enough, but in the end, it is Disney, we have a small party, people can choose whatever they want, so we went the buffet route.

 

[Sarah84]

We are also having a small party and I did like the idea of a buffet, its less formal so will be a relaxed atmosphere at the reception which i'd like and I like the idea of the buffet menus being a bit flexable with what you add to them or take off and this was what I was planning when I was thinking of using the Attic but I prefer the Napa Room at CG and want my lunch reception there and the buffet is different to other venus so im opting for the plated meal now.
But if I had the choice I think i'd go for the buffet

 

[ColeV]

I originally wanted a plated meal, but had to have the buffet. Now, I'd definitely go for the buffet. It didn't feel at all less formal. Your plates and drinks still appear and disappear with fancy waiters, and the servers look so professional. We were able to give three different meat choices and tons of sides for about the same amount a plated meal probably would have cost. And boy, was that food good!

 

[girli565]

I agree with the aboves posters, I would choose a buffet. I've been to several local weddings with plated meals and hate that I have to sit a shift food around on my plate because there are things on it I won't eat. With a buffet everyone gets tochoose what they want and how much of it they would like.

I don't think it would be less elegant, there's still servers who clear plates and drinks away so the only real difference is that people need to get up and pick their food.

We chose a buffet, well we really didn't have a choice because we're using Ariels. You may want to make sure what type of service your venue allows, because this will make the decision for you.

 

[WDWBride04/19/2010]

We had a buffet. We actually didn't have a choice because that's the only option at Ariel's, but once I knew that I liked the idea because it would "force" people to mingle and not just sit in their seats and stick to chatting w/only people from their own table. I think the only other weddings I have been to had plated meals and that's how it went. I didn't really get to chat w/anyone else besides the people at our table. At OUR wedding tho', we were able to go around more easily w/o feeling weird or anything, people table hopped, danced more...it was awesome. The food was DELICIOUS too. Afterwards I realized we didn't have to worry about any plates being cold either since the food stays in the warm tray things and if one's plate got cold he or she could just go up to replace it, or even ask the 2men who served D.H.&I. Hope that helps!

 

[Brit_Jude]

Everyone is different and again you need to think about your guests and the style you want, location etc. There will be 14 of us and we are having private dining in the Whitehall Room. I have a couple of picky eaters who like very simple food (no strange sauces or exotic combinations) and after looking at the buffets I chose a plated meal. Dinner buffets sounded lovely but I did not think their was much of an option for the people who like simple food. I also polled eveyone on what they would eat to check my menu would be OK for them as I want everyone to enjoy the food, having a small group allowed me this option. Personnally for this size of group I like plated meals a little more as everyone is sitting down chatting and not constantly up and down for food. For our plated meals after our Escape wedding we are having:

Cesar Salad
Steak and Lobster, veggies and au-gratin potatoes
Our Wedding Cake and Ice Cream

I have asked to remove the appertizer as part of the meal and have some h'orderves for when our guests arrive - I am still waiting to hear on this option.

 

[gemmybear83]

Another vote for plated here, there are only 15 of us and we felt a reception with a small group would flow better with a plated meal. I have read a couple of reports of uncomfortable receptions, especially if there is no dancing to fill the time.

Were also have a dessert party which was another factor as we didn't want to serve two buffets in one day.

In terms of cost were having a three course plated meal with steak, chicken or fish options for $40 per person using menus provided to us by my planner, and were going to give people menu choices prior to the reception.

 

[Boardwalk_bride]

We had 3 buffets and everyone raved about them! Because there wasn't many of us, it didn't take long to get the food, and people enjoyed picking out what they wanted and how much of each they wanted. We thought we were going to have a vegetarian coming, and I bounce back and forth between vegetarianism, so it was the easiest way for us to allow everyone to get what they want.

 

[aduck126]

i vote for plated. It is more formal and weddingy.

 

[a1tinkfans]

A sit down meal is generally more intimate than a buffet. It sets a different "tone" for the celebration. With a party your size, a single large table with you and your spouse at the head would be a lovely way to all "share" the joy and converse, while enjoying the served meal.
A buffet is a great way to mingle and talk and I think it is especially good for large and less formal celebrations where one has a chance to actually converse with the many other people, in a large banquet type hall. It is a less formal setting.

Choosing the tone you'd like to set will help you decide which "atmosphere/tone" you would like your guests to enjoy.

Whichever you choose, I am sure it will be wonderful. I want to wish you a lifetime of Love, Laughter, Happiness and Good Health! Congratulations to you both!

 

[Pirate's Princess]

I am personally going with a buffet, but I feel like a party of 17, a plated meal may suit it better. I think the idea of 1 large table would be lovely.

 

[Skellington Doll]

We're going with buffet style for ours. Both sides of our family are notorious for picky eating. This way, everyone can choose what they eat.

 

[pezaddict231]

We're doing plated, I think Disney does amazing buffets, but DF wanted a plated meal and to me it's more formal. We also wanted to serve the Jiko Filet as one of the entrees so that just works better as a plated meal. I think buffets are great if you have a lot of picky eaters or want a lot of variety.