While seated dinners have been around for centuries, food stations are definitely an emerging trend that deserves some exploration. There are many factors at play that will determine the most appropriate food service for your wedding, i.e. size of your venue, number of guests, age group of guests, and the degree of formality. If the most appropriate style of service is not quite obvious to you yet, here are some things to consider that might help you make the best decision.
Seated Dinner
Pros
- Traditional, more elegant style of service best suited for formal black tie affairs
- Larger portions per serving
- More comfortable, especially for elderly guests or guests with mobility issues
Cons
- Guests may be seated for hours which may damper the party vibe
- Additional planning required, i.e. seat assignments, seating charts/escort cards, table numbers
- Food options are more limited meaning menu items must cater to what the majority of guests will enjoy
Food Stations
Pros
- Trendy, more modern approach to dining that encourages interaction amongst guests
- Cook-to-order allows guests to enjoy food items exactly as they like them
- Wider variety of menu items, especially important for multicultural couples
Cons
- Must ensure catering company/venue are constantly replenishing and maintaining cleanliness of stations and common areas as it can get messy if guests are serving themselves
- Guests may not enjoy “working” for their meal
- Potential for long line ups if one station is most popular or stations are positioned too close to each other
Image Sources (Left to right): Weddings Online, Weddings Online, One Fab Day
Featured Image Source: Brit + Co
Rikki Marcone is a Toronto-based Wedding & Event Planner, available internationally. Inquiries should be directed to info@rikkimarconeevents.com or 1-416-904-7499.
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