Meal Service 101 from A-One Weddings & Events of Cheyenne
Meal Service 101
by Carol Thomas, PWP — A-One Weddings & Events, Cheyenne
Visit their website here
You may know the difference in the cocktail hour (small appetizers and beverages) and the reception dinner (full meal), but did you know there are other options? Let’s take a look at the most common and a few trending styles too!
Cocktail Reception:
Typically this is a formal alternative to a dinner reception – think a step above business casual so a suit jacket with slacks or a stylish dress. This style of food service encourages guests to mix and mingle so there is limited seating. Food is served in bite-sized portions and can be passed by waitstaff or on buffet style service tables.
Buffet:
In this style guests to leave their seat and serve themselves. This can allow for a wide range and variety of foods to be served. You can still assign seats to your guests if you would like and we recommend that you have the DJ or another appointed person excuse tables so that you do not have a rush of people standing at the buffet.
Plated Service:
This style is where waitstaff serves pre-selected entrees to each guest. This style offers a more formal feeling as your guests will be waited on throughout the dinner service. There are a few ways that you can have plated service: single entree, duet entree , or plated entree choice. With single entree you select one entree choice that is served to every guest, so every one receives the chicken and veggies. A duet is two entree choices served to every guest, perhaps you selected New York Strip and chicken with veggies to give your guest a variety. Plated choice is when you allow your guests to select their entree on the RSVP card (you know where you check beef or chicken). When choosing plated meal service make sure you allow guests that are vegetarian or have food allergies to let you know so that the caterer can prepare a meal that fits their restrictions.
In this style guests to leave their seat and serve themselves. This can allow for a wide range and variety of foods to be served. You can still assign seats to your guests if you would like and we recommend that you have the DJ or another appointed person excuse tables so that you do not have a rush of people standing at the buffet.
This is a unique food service option where platters of entrees and side dishes are set on each guest table and the guests serve themselves. This style allows for guests to select from the variety offered, but can be a bit tricky as there may not be room on the table for all the platters.
Food Truck:
A unique and delicious way to serve food to your guests. Food trucks are a bit like buffets in that your guests will leave their table to select their food, and is typically a little more made to order for each guest than a plated meal would be – think of a main option like pizza and then guests choose their toppings! If that idea grabs your attention you may want to check out Bella Fuoco Pizza here in Cheyenne!
Late Night Bites:
From simple snacks like chips and dips to more elaborate mini hamburgers or wrapped burritos served to-go, Snacks or even a second mini meal after an evening of dancing and perhaps drinking can be an amazing addition to the end of night festivities!
Dessert Only:
This is a fun twist if you are having a ceremony that doesn’t align with lunch or dinner service consider serving your favorite desserts and enjoy all the best endings to celebrate your sweet beginning! Make sure that you let guests know that they are going to be enjoying a variety of sweets so they know what to expect.
Consider your personality, the style of the wedding, and the venue when deciding on which style of food service you would like to provide for your guests. There are an infinite combination of ways to make your day unique, and food is just one of your options so have fun and enjoy all the details!
Next month’s FOOD! blog will circle out of the kitchen to discuss what the differences are in a catering manager and wedding planner.
Thoughts, suggestions, or questions? I would love to hear from you email me BlogComments@AOneWeddingsAndEvents.com or comment in the box at the bottom of the page. When commenting please put the blog title so that we all know which topic you are interested in. Thanks!
You May Also Like
MONDAY AT THE POLLS: Royal Wedding — Love it or Leave it?
COLOR INSPIRATION: Autumn + Orange
