Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want every detail to be perfect. Though some decisions are easy (as you’ve dreamt of them for years!), others are more complicated — your dinner being one of them.

Should you opt for a self-serve buffet? Or a more formal plated option? There are a few key dinner styles to consider if you want to wow your loved ones. And the right choice will depend on various factors, such as the size of your wedding, the type of cuisine you prefer, and the atmosphere you want to create.

Below, we'll explore the different types of dinner-style services available for weddings and help you determine the best fit for your special day. So whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, read on to discover the perfect dinner-style service for your wedding!

Hummus and veggies served in a coupe glass for an appetizer — Appetizers

Typically, most couples opt for a cocktail hour between their ceremony and reception. This gives your guests time to mingle, enjoy some drinks, and migrate to your reception venue. Though your beverages might take center stage during your cocktail hour, your appetizers are actually one of the most important aspects of this part of your timeline.
By the time your ceremony wraps up, it’s typically later in the day and your guests would love something to snack on before dinner. So if you want to keep your loved ones fed, talk to your caterer and venue about providing apps during cocktail hour.

Servers can pass these around on trays, or you can station them throughout the venue. Aim for 2-3 options so your guests have something to choose from — and don’t forget to account for any food allergies! Appetizers are perfect for couples who are passionate about their menu and don’t want their guests to feel hungry while waiting for them to arrive.

Buffets

Buffets are one of the most popular wedding dinner styles and are great for couples and venues that prefer flexibility. Guests can serve themselves to ensure they receive the portion that’s right for their appetite. Typically, this dinner style includes two meat options, three sides, bread, and a salad — though the specifics of each buffet element are up to you!

Buffets also allow your guests to get up and socialize when getting their food. This is nice for loved ones who might not be seated beside one another. In addition, your wedding planner or DJ can release each table, ensuring there are no traffic jams throughout the dinner service.

Plated

A plated dinner is an excellent option for couples who want to elevate the elegance of their special day. However, more planning and moving pieces are involved since guests must choose their options. If you have loved ones that you often can’t get a text back from, a plated service might add unnecessary stress to your planning!
Typically, plated dinner options are sent along with your wedding invites to allow enough time for each guest to return their request. You’ll then pass along this information to your caterer. And remember: If you go with a plated dinner, you must have an assigned seating chart. This allows your servers to understand which dish goes where.

Stations

A newer trend in the wedding industry, interactive food stations are a casual option for couples who appreciate modern options. If your venue allows for open seating, your friends and family can circle each station and chat with other guests. It’s best to space your stations throughout the venue so guests don’t crowd in one area.
Someone can release different groups to different stations, and when they wrap up at one, they can move onto the next. Couples who opt for stations can get creative in their offerings, from pasta bars to taco bars to burger bars. Talk to your venue about whether or not they can accommodate different stations and if this is something your caterer offers.

Choosing the right dinner-style service for your wedding can make all the difference in creating the perfect atmosphere for your special day. From appetizers to plated service, each option has its own unique advantages and can help set the tone for your celebration.

When deciding, consider the size and style of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences and budget. And remember, no matter which dinner-style service you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and savor every second of your special day with your loved ones!

If you are looking for help on deciding what dinner-style service is right for you and planning your wedding be sure to contact us so we can help create your dream wedding.