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About Wedding Reception Buffets

by Nicole Canfora

  • Overview

    Many brides and grooms offer a buffet at their wedding receptions because it is the easiest way to please everyone's palate. Advantages include allowing guests to select their food and portions to reflect tastes and dietary needs. It is also simple to return for seconds and cuts down costs because it is self-serve.

  • Features

    A buffet at a wedding reception is a popular way to let guests choose what they want to eat. Picky eaters can easily avoid what they do not like. All food is kept at a required temperature by using covered serving trays and either heating elements or iced containers. Some items do not need to be heated or refrigerated, such as bread and certain salads, so they can be left at room temperature. It also lowers costs because it does not require many servers at the food tables.
 

  • Types

    The type of food incorporated into a wedding buffet depends on the time of day and the choices provided by the bride and groom. Generally, breakfast includes eggs, bacon and pancakes; lunch includes sandwiches, soups and salads; and dinner includes heartier fare such as chicken, beef and pasta. The food might also reflect specific religious or dietary needs. Dessert is put out as a buffet after the main dishes are presented.

  • Time Frame

    The length of time for a wedding buffet is up to the reception hall, caterers or bride and groom. Courses can be staggered throughout the time allotted, put out at the beginning and the end, or left in heated trays the entire time so guests can eat at their leisure.

  • Considerations

    While there does not need to be an excessive amount of food at a wedding buffet, there should be a variety of choices. Salads, pastas, breads, meats, poultry and seafood, plus a number of vegetable side dishes cover most dietary needs. Some dishes should be meatless in case some guests are vegetarian or vegan.

  • Warning

    It is important to have enough food to feed everyone throughout the reception, particularly if there are not a lot of selections, so make sure the caterer or the person preparing the meal knows how many guests are in attendance. The food trays should be refilled as necessary to keep everyone satisfied.

  • Benefits

    A buffet reception encourages guests to get up and mingle, as opposed to a sit-down meal. It creates a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, resulting in a more festive wedding.
       
       
     
     

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