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Offering a buffet at a wedding is a beautiful option for your guests and is more economical than a platted sit-down meal service. I have coordinated many weddings over the years, and a buffet is more efficient and popular with guests when done right.
A wedding buffet should be quick and have guests stand in line no longer than 60 seconds before they begin serving their entrees. All guests should never be excused from their tables at the same time to stand in line at a buffet. A banquet manager or coordinator should release tables one at a time.
Here is what you need to know when planning a wedding. Then, follow these tips for the most successful and flawless buffet service at your wedding that guests will discuss for years to come.
What do you Serve at a Wedding Buffet?
- Salad
- 2 Proteins/Main Entree
- Vegetables
- A Starch
- Rolls & Butter
- Coffee, Tea, Water
When deciding what to serve at your wedding, consider your guests and any dietary needs you will need to consider. Pasta is one of the most affordable entrees and is a good option for any vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free guests. Pasta is also a budget-friendly choice for larger weddings.
If pasta is not what you desire to have served, work with the venue or caterer on at least three different buffet options that will work within your budget for your size wedding. For example, offer grilled chicken and salmon and select less expensive side entrees to serve alongside the main entree. It’s a good rule of thumb to include at least ten child meals, 10-20 special dietary entrees, and at least five vendor meals when requesting an estimate from the venue or caterer.
A menu tasting should take place 12 weeks/three months before the wedding. Check out my article, Wedding Step by Step: 20 steps on how to plan a wedding, for helpful guidance. Final entree selections, guests count, special meals, children, and vendor meal counts are usually required 2-3 weeks prior, along with the final balance due. Keep in mind that these meals are generally not set up at the buffet and are served platted style directly to each guest.
*** Add a little flair to your buffet with a vintage popcorn stand ***
What is the Most Popular Wedding Food?
- Chicken
- Beef
- Fish
- Spring Rolls
- Sliders
- Mini Tacos
- Meatballs
- Bruchetta
- French Fries
Is a Buffet Tacky for a Wedding?
No, a buffet is not tacky at a wedding. I have coordinated many weddings, and guests will be pleased when a buffet is executed well. However, what is tacky, is being served a cold meal. This could happen with a plated-sitdown service if the plates were sitting out too long because there was not enough banquet staff to serve the guests.
A well-organized buffet works nicely if there is a designated person to release tables one at a time. Instead of interrupting guests as they mingle with a loud announcement like a DJ on a mic. Allow guests to interact with one another, go to the bar, and enjoy their time while soft, uninterrupted music plays in the background. As each table is released, this can be a good time for the designated person to light candles and refill water glasses. Or assist physically challenged or elderly guests, which helps make the buffet line flow quickly.
A buffet line can be served on both sides of a table. For example, if the buffet is set up on two eight-foot-long tables, guests should serve themselves on both sides of the table. See the diagram below. Another option, if space doesn’t allow for guests to be served on both sides of the buffet, is to set up two to four buffets in different areas of the banquet room, based on guest count.
For entrees that require extra assistance, such as meat, be sure to have it pre-sliced or have a separate carving station setup. This will allow a chef to slice the meat individually for the guests. Chafing Trays are classy and help keep food warm and protected. Always label entrees at the buffet, so guests don’t have to guess what each item is. If an entree is vegan or gluten-free, etc., display description cards. This will help with the efficiency of the buffet line.
Always excuse the immediate family and the wedding party tables first. And be kind, serve the couple, and don’t make them walk to the buffet. The couple, immediate family, and wedding party must eat first to prepare for toasts. Toasts usually take place as dinner is winding down. And don’t forget about vendors. They also need to eat along with the first group. For example, the photographer should eat when the couple is eating to refuel for the next phase of photo ops.
Below is a sample chart of how long it should take for guests to go through a wedding buffet line when tables are released one at a time.
| 75 Guests | 125 Guests | 175 Guests |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 Mins. | 20-25 Mins. | 30-35 Mins. |
| 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3-4 Lines |
Wedding Buffet Dessert Ideas?
- Assorted Mini Pastries
- Candy Bar
- Cookies & Milk
- Donut Wall
- Chocolate Fountain
- Assorted Cupcakes, Cookies, and Cake Pops
When it comes to dessert options to serve at a wedding buffet, there are many fabulous ideas. Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up. Who doesn’t love sweet treats? There is always something for everyone. Check out my article on Cheap Wedding Cake Ideas: Savvy Dessert Tips.
Story Time Wedding
I worked with a couple in 2018 who had 225 guests at their Hawaiian Luau-themed wedding with a massive buffet. The space only allowed for two lines on both sides of the buffet and didn’t allow for another buffet table to be set up.
Honestly, the buffet situation and the size of the wedding were not the issues. The issue was at the end of the buffet was a giant roasted pig with a red apple in its mouth.
The couple decided not to spend $75.00 for a carving station and have a professional chef slice and serve the pork to the guests. Instead, each guest hacked away at the pig, delaying the line. It was a massacre!
Conclusion
When deciding which buffet options to serve at your wedding, ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. And remember, this is your wedding, so select entrees that you and your partner also like.
~ Happy planning and enjoy your wedding day steps ~