A Guide to Dinner Styles

One of the most important elements of your wedding is the food and it's also one of the most expensive. Whether you choose to have a buffet or a formal sit down dinner, the menu should reflect the two of you as a couple. In Trinidad, the most common dinner style is a buffet, but that's definitely not the only way to do it. After 5 years in the industry I've seen many variations of dinner styles which I break down for you below and include some expert tips, pros, cons, and costs associated with each style. Whether you're at an all inclusive venue, or hiring your own caterer, I sure do hope these tips can help:

1. Buffet-Style

Buffet-style dinners feature long tables which are laid out with a variety of food options. This style is desirable if you want to have a wide range of cuisines or have a large groups with many dietary requirements. Guests are required to visit the buffet themselves and it can either be self serve or have servers available at the buffet. A buffet style dinner is quite cost effective and many caterers work with their client's budget to provide the best meal option for their big day.

Pros:

Wide variety of dishes

Guests can choose which foods they want

Cons:

Long lines at buffet

2. Plated Dinner

A plated dinner is where all guests are seated and served a formal dinner. This dinner style typically includes three courses; appetizer, entree and dessert. Guests are usually served the same appetizer, have a choice of entree and choice of dessert. This of course is customizable to your preferences and can include much more. In order to ensure a plated dinner is executed effortlessly, guests will be required to pre-select their meal options when RSVP-ing. Plated dinners are more expensive since they require much more staffing in the execution phase.

Pros:

Sets a formal tone

You have control over the look and feel of the meal

Customizable

Efficient way to serve a meal when working with a tight schedule

Cons:

Limit variety

Challenging for guests with dietary restrictions

Requires more manpower

Expensive

Guests don't send selections on time

3. Family Style

Now that we're having smaller guest counts due to our good friend Covid-19 a family style dinner option is one of my favorites! It's such an intimate way of sharing a meal with those you love. A family style dinner is where everyone is seated around a table and the food is passed around in large platters and bowls, just like you do at home! Since the food is all on the table you don't have to think about the staffing, or the lengthy lines at a buffet. These dinners are usually less formal and includes appetizers, salad, one or two proteins and multiple sides. Family style dinners can be a little more expensive than a buffet since you don't have control over the amount of food people take.

Pros:

Offers variety

Casual and laid-back

Intimate and prompts conversation

Efficient way of serving a meal without long waits or lines

Cons:

Large platters and bowls often take up a lot of space which can be used for decor

Can be expensive

4. Stations

Stations are similar to buffets in that it gives your guests a variety of options however these are more interactive and can be dedicated to a specific type of dish. While some of the stations can be self serve, it can also be a "live' station where a chef is preparing your meal a la minute. For example, a live pasta station is popular, your guests can choose their pasta type, sauce, protein and cheese and have it prepared right in front of them. Stations can be pricey depending on the foods you select, a great tip would be to add one or two stations along with your buffet for the effect. For example you can have a buffet dinner but have the meat option as a live carving station!

Pros:

Fun and interactive

Visually appealing

Encourages interactions between guests

Cons: 

Pricey

Setup may take up a lot of your reception pace

5. Cocktail Style

We chatted about cocktail hour in our previous post, but how about a cocktail style dinner?  A cocktail style dinner means no seating-chart and no fuss! You guests are free to mix and mingle and snack on small bites all long long. Item's can be passed or laid out on a grazing table or you can have a mix of both. The food can be spaced out as much as you like, and it offers many options your guests can choose from! Cocktail style can be quite cost effective since you have full control over your menu and how many options you choose however it does require more staffing so be wary of the additional costs.

Pros:

Casual and easy to control

Fun and interactive

Cost-effective

Cons:

Older guests won't enjoy being on their feet for hours (and the ladies with the 6 inch heels)

Alcohol costs are higher since people have full access to the bar all night

Guests may expect a full meal

Pro Tip:

When selecting your menu keep basic dietary/religious restrictions in mind. It's always a good idea to stick with a chicken and fish option and a "silent" vegetarian option for those who do not eat meat at all!

If you missed my live where I chatted in depth about Food and Beverage tips, click below!

Let's Talk Food and Beverage

Let me know in the comments below which dinner style you prefer! Personally I love the idea of stations, since it's super fun, interactive and different!

PS. Here's some of our favorite local caterers, be sure to check them out!

Chef Chelsae-Marie

International Caterers

Boomerang Caterers

Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre (full-service)

Hyatt Regency Hotel (full-service)

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo