Page 40 - Demo

40  A l a s k a B r i d e & G r o o m  2024As you plan your wedding, spend some extra time and consideration on one of the most important elements of the whole event – the food! One of the biggest decisions that you will need to make is how you want to feed your guests. The type of catering service you choose can shape the flow of your wedding reception and help dictate the “feel” of the evening. Sound overwhelming? To help make this decision less daunting, read on for a better understanding of four different catering styles. Plus learn about some of the pros and cons of each one, to help you determine what is best for your wedding.Plated and ServedWith plated meals, you have the option of choosing one entrée for all your guests or offering your guests two or three choices and having them RSVP with their entrée selection. This is traditionally a more formal-style dinner service. If you’re offering guest entrée choices, you will need to collect their entrée RSVPs and provide that information to the catering company along with guests’ table assignments so that the meal service can run smoothly. This is also an opportunity for guests to notify you regarding any special dietary needs.Pros:• A classic and elegant way to serve guests, seated dinners are also a great time for the wedding party to give toasts or for the couple to have their first dance.• If you have an event schedule to adhere to, sit-down catering can help in managing the flow of your event.• The wait staff delivers each course to guests at their assigned seats. This gives them more time to connect with others at their table. It’s also a great way to make everyone feel special.LEARN COMMON SERVICE STYLES Cons:• Serving plated meals typically comes with a higher price tag. This doesn’t have to be the case, however. If a sit-down meal is important to you, work with your caterer to select cost-efficient menu options.• Guests have fewer food choices. When selecting the menu options, be sure to choose items that most people enjoy and accommodate dietary restrictions.• Did someone’s ‘plus one’ realize they can attend at the last minute? Sit-down seating leaves less room for guest count fluctuations.BuffetA buffet-style catering service is common for a more casual atmosphere while also offering your guests more options. Buffets can be one sided or double sided, generally depending on guest count, to help move guests through dinner service. The DJ or catering team can release tables, keeping the buffet organized and giving the catering staff time to replenish items that are running low.Pros:• Buffets are often more affordable choices. These feasts are great for large receptions. They offer a wider variety of food choices and guests can enjoy second helpings.• Buffet tables can be designed in several ways, be aesthetically pleasing, and incorporate elements of your wedding to create personal touches.• Guests can customize their plates.Cons:• Buffet-style dinners can take a long time, and some guests may not enjoy waiting in line or serving themselves. Consider doing multiple buffets to allow maximum number of guests to be served at a time.• The larger the event, the more you risk the food getting cold. Work with the caterer to ensure they have a plan for keeping everything at their desired temperatures.• You may need a larger reception space to accommodate the buffet. Family StyleFamily-style dinners, served to the entire table, create a warm atmosphere. Guests feel a sense of home as bowls and platters are passed around during conversation, giving the feeling of comfort, THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH+