(Closed) Plated vs stations

• naangel55
• 9 years ago

I like plated but thats just me.  It also depends what the stations are – are they made to order where I can pick what I want or a dinner buffet?  I like an action station for hors d’ oeuvres, like a taco bar or made-to-order pasta.

• Mrs. French Bulldog
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: August 2009 - Bernardo Winery

As a guest I prefer plated… I really don’t like having to wait for my table to go up to the stations (or buffet) and then having to carry my food around. I guess it all stems from not like buffets altogether, but when I’m dressed nicely I don’t want to walk around and get my own food. Plus, I think you can get things done while ppl eat – such as the dances and speeches. Then you have more time for dancing and partying later 🙂

• Meowkers
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: August 2011

Definitely plated.  I hate standing in life for food.  It always feels like camp.  I would rather chat with my table mates.

• amysue
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: June 2009

I actually prefer stations. I just don’t think the quality of plated meals is as good, but that’s just been my experience — that can certainly vary by event. I also like having a little more variety to choose from as far as my sides go, which stations typically offer.

• yohagopelo
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: May 2010

i prefer stations/buffet – more variety, more freedom. i feel like a plated meal takes too long – i’d rather get to the party part.

• weddingplanner41
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: June 2010

It depends on what style you are going for and what your guests will expect. Everyone in my family expects a buffet… not so for his, but as weddings often go, this wedding evokes my family’s style more.

If your guests come from regions where plated is customary, they might feel like they are in a cafeteria. I think that is a big thing to take into consideration.

Having said that, your wedding style is also important. Buffets / food stations are less elegant and formal than being served your meal.

On the flip side, I strongly feel that buffet food often tastes better and is more interesting. Plated meals are often rubbery, lukewarm, or just plain unremarkable — chicken with a plain sauce, etc. I think food stations offer a lot more variety, which can be really special for your guests, especially if you have chef-manned action stations rather than a bunch of food in chafing dishes.

• hhcheung2000
• 9 years ago

I prefer plated because it looks more elegant.  I could go to a buffet anytime, but to me it just seems more classy having someone serve me.

• flamingred
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: June 2010

plated for sure. I hate standing in a food line in my fancy wedding attire holding a plate.

• RoddyBride09
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: September 2009

As a guest I prefer plated because then I don’t have to worry about standing in line.

Our wedding will actually be family style so it is a little of in between but without standing in line

• Juliemd414
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: July 2009

I also prefer the plated meals.  I hate waiting in line and also its nice to just sit at the table and relax.  

• Kittyachi
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: July 2010

I prefer action stations because as a guest I have more options in choosing what I want to eat.

• Jenniphyr
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: February 2013

As a guest I like stations for hors d’oeuvres, desert, etc. But I would prefer plated for dinner if it was a formal wedding. Otherwise, I totally don’t mind a buffet, stations, etc. — we’re having a make-your-own-sandwich bar at our wedding, but we’re also not doing assigned seating, our wedding will be outdoors at a local campground or park, and our dinner will be before the ceremony.

• Thao
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: June 2010

I prefer plated, but I just can’t manage to get that to work with our teeny-tiny venue. I think stations can be really fun, too! It works out best if there aren’t too many people, though–you don’t want people waiting too long to get their food!