Plated Serving for Your Wedding
Photo by Kara Shultz
When planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting a caterer and style of dinner service. Dinner can be the most memorable part of the evening for guests, so you want to make sure it’s a good one. Along with the type of food you serve, the type of dinner service also reflects the atmosphere of the reception and can affect the flow of the reception.
There are three main types of dinner service styles that most caterers offer – plated, buffet, and family style. There are pros and cons for each type of service, so you want to weigh those against your vision for your reception: budget, formality, food options, and the length of dinner are all things to consider. Let’s discuss a plated dinner style in this post.
Photo by John Foley Photography
Photo by Aly Jo Photography
A plated dinner offers a classic and formal dining experience, where guests are served individually at their tables. This style is often chosen for its refined atmosphere and the sense of sophistication.
Pros
Elegance and Formality: Plated dinners convey a sense of elegance and class, making them a perfect fit for events that aim to project a polished and timeless ambiance.
Controlled Portions: Predetermined serving sizes ensure consistency so that each guest receives a meal with equal portions. It can also help control food waste by knowing exactly how much food is needed.
Personalized Service: By offering guests the ability to select their preferred dinner option beforehand, dinner feels more personalized and guests feel more valued. This helps keep dinner feeling relaxed and not rushed as guests are able to enjoy each course.
Cons
Higher Cost: Plated dinners often have a higher cost than other catering options. This is due to increased staffing needs; it also requires greater attention to details as each dish has to be individually plated.
Limited Options: Typically, guests choose from a pre-selected menu when they RSVP. This allows guests the opportunity to choose their preferred dish, but it might not accommodate all dietary preferences or restrictions.
Time-Consuming: Serving each course individually can take additional time, possibly extending dinner service and reducing the time available for dancing and other activities.
Considerations
Price: Plated dinners often require a higher budget as they require more staff and often a chef on-site. However, they can be cost-effective if you have a smaller guest list. The cost might be worth it to reflect the tone of the reception or for the comfort of your guests.
Length of Time: A plated dinner might take longer than other dinner styles. Work with your vendors to make sure that you have adequate time for dinner, dancing, and any other activities planned for the reception.
Serving Sizes: By serving a plated dinner, food costs can be better managed, but it’s important to make sure that portions are enough to satisfy your guests and not leave them hungry.
Plated Dinners:
Formal and sophisticated
Most expensive
Pre-selected meal options
Portion control so less food waste
Choosing the style for dinner at your wedding reception depends on many factors like the atmosphere you want to set, the options you want to provide for your guests, your timeline, but most importantly, your budget. Ultimately, the best choice for the dinner style for your reception is the one that fits your budget and offers food that you love. Hopefully this also matches the ambiance you want for your reception as well as providing a great dining experience for your guests.
Many caterers offer more than one service type, so if you love the food, see which service type fits your budget!
The Homestead 1854 is a family owned and operated intimate wedding and event venue in Plano, IL. If you’re looking for a unique and historic wedding venue in Illinois, you’ve found it. Contact us here to learn more about what we offer and how to start planning the intimate wedding of your dreams.
