Your wedding planner or your facility vendor can help you create a memorable buffet for your wedding reception. It doesn’t matter if you are having a brunch buffet following a late morning ceremony or a dinner buffet following a cocktail hour, the principles are the same. Here some valuable tips from planners and caterers to help all brides with their planning.
Wedding Buffet Tips
- Your buffet should feature one or two main entrees surrounded by a selection of side dishes. Experts say that “Quality and abundance is key, not unlimited choices.”
- Include one extravagant item for display for the WOW factor. You can do a whole poached salmon, or an elaborate dessert table, a magnificent wedding cake, or a fountain of chocolate for an ice cream sundae bar. Remember that it doesn’t need to be expensive to look extravagant.
- When the buffet table is set up, be sure that the display provides height variations for the foods selected. It is more interesting and visually pleasing.
- Make sure there is wait staff available to clear tables between visits to the buffet tables. Be sure to order additional plates, cutlery and napkins so that guests may use a fresh set at each visit to the buffet table.
- If you plan a stand-up buffet, make sure that portions are appropriate finger foods and do not require the use of a knife. Serve meat slices tucked into small rolls or specialty breads. Salad plates will be easier to handle than full-size dinner plates. Make sure that there are plenty of seating options available for guests.
- If yours is to be a sit-down buffet, you might consider having the first course -soup or salad – served with guests seated. Then the guests can be called up to the buffet by tables. This gives everyone something to eat and helps to manage the food lines. Make sure that there is room between the tables to accommodate guest movement and traffic.
Be sure to talk over your concerns about the service style you select with the food vendor you have chosen. Listen to his ideas and willingly share yours. If some of your guests have special needs, make sure your planning takes these factors into account.
For more wedding ideas call Alexandra's Bridal at 508-916-2443 or email us at fatima@alexandrasbride.com.
