Sit-down or Buffet??

[lovelylulu]

hello all. I''m going through these same decisions right now -- sorry to chime in at the tail end of a thread. it was very interesting reading everyone''s thoughts/decisions. We are having roughly 150 people and have the option of a buffet or a plated and then there are two options for the plated. I was just up at our reception venue and was talking to their onsite wedding planner about pros and cons. for the buffet, like many have said, we would have more options for different kinds of food. i think there are four entree choices. it''s more casual -- which can be a pro or a con depending on personal preference. but one con that was pointed out is that the buffet takes longer than a plated dinner and that can cut into dancing time. the coordinater explained that they tell two tables at a time to get up to go through the buffet and we''ll have a number of tables -- then there are always those big eaters that go up for seconds, so it''s a long time before all the plates are cleared...however, with the plated everyone is served all at once and in her experience seemed to be a smoother, faster (*not rushed*) way of serving. we are very much wanting to focus on the dancing/music/party portion of the wedding because that''s what''s important to us - so i think that we are going to opt for seated dinner. also, at our particular place there is no price differential to consider.

for the plated, guests can either choose from two entrees (plus one veggie option) or there is a dual entree on everyone''s plate option. with the first, i''d have to get everyone''s preference which is a hassle, but i think what most of my guest would expect. with the second option all plates would have a steak/lobster or a chicken/tuna on every plate. opinions? it seems weird to have two dinners on one plate, but it''s saves me a lot of effort and coordination...

on the open bar: we are getting married in VT and open bars are not necessarily the norm up there, but our venue is used to dealing with lots of people from the NY area where open bar is the general expecation. we figured we can''t ask people to travel up to share in our wedding day and ask them to pay for their liqour, so we are opting for open bar for all 6 hours. hopefully, everyone will have a great time and love whatever dinner choice...

 

[jcrow]

lulu- 6 hours for the bar? how long is your reception??

 

[lovelylulu]

jcrow: the reception is 6 hours. initially, i thought it was five hours, but at our meeting this weekend i learned that they build in some transitional time. 1 hour for cocktails and then moving everyone into the tent and having announcements. so it''s roughly 4:30-10:30. and the bar is open the entire time. a better bargain than i first thought

 

[Jelly]

Here''s a another vote for a sit-down meal.

For our venue, our guests get to take home any leftovers for the sit-down dinner. For the buffet, they are not allowed doggy bags.

Sit down is just classier and easier. But in the end, it''s a personal choice.