There are so many options for how to serve food at your wedding. Here’s a rundown of what to consider.
Food is a central part of any major celebration, and weddings are no exception. But when it comes to the food, there are so many choices—from a food truck wedding reception to the best wedding dessert bar ideas—for how to get your guests the best possible food. For most couples, the options include:
-Preparing and providing the food themselves, usually with the help of family, friends, and guests. -Hosting the wedding itself in a restaurant, where food is already provided. -Hosting a catered event, either buffet-style or sit-down.
For smaller and more casual wedding parties, the decision to prepare and provide your food can be the right call. Maybe you want your guests to share in your aunt’s famous trays of chicken Marbella. Maybe your college roommate has always been an incredible baker. Maybe your vision is a barbeque backyard wedding with music, smoked meats, and everyone you love. Either way, not hiring a professional caterer and catering service can save you money and help the wedding event feel intimate with a custom menu.
If you’re considering this route, here are some things to think about:
If you’re worried about having your wedding catered because you think the food will be boring, bland, or otherwise underwhelming, one alternative option is to choose a beloved restaurant for your wedding venue. Generally, this will require a cap on numbers, but restaurants can often be booked out for weddings or a special event, and this ensures a food experience that you know and can expect.
A catered wedding is one of the more traditional options, simply because it takes away so much of the planning on your wedding day. But there are many options when it comes to catering your wedding. The most common options for a catered wedding include buffet-style or a seated, plated meal. Buffet style means the food is presented in large quantities and guests can serve themselves, often at different stations around the venue. Plated is when guests give their chosen meals to their server—usually from several options—and the meals are served individually plated at their table.
A plated meal is more formal, so if you’re looking for a very formal wedding option, this is the way to go. When considering meal choices, it’s good to be aware of the different needs of your guests. Many weddings offer fish, meat, and a vegetarian option. Think about who is attending your wedding and what you know about their dietary preferences.
Buffet-style meals are less formal but can be just as lovely and even more fun than plated meals. Again, it’s good to consider the needs of your guests when it comes to providing a range of food options.
Many couples wonder if catering is the right option for their wedding. When it comes to venues, wedding size, and budgets, Zola is here to help you figure out whether catering is the right option for your wedding.