Plated Meals vs. Buffets at your next event
It goes without saying, no two events are quite the same. There are pros and cons to both (or any) type of meal you could serve at your next event - whether that be a company gathering, a family celebration, or your big day!
We’ve broken down the pros and cons of plated meals versus buffets to save you some legwork. First up, buffets!
Photo by Ashlie Wittmer Photography
Pros + Cons of a Buffet at your next event
Buffet pros:
Cost: buffets are almost always less expensive. When less staff is needed, less preparation, etc., your cost will inherently go down.
More options: buffet packages will generally let you choose multiple main courses, along with multiple side options - meaning there is a far higher chance you will have a little something everyone can chow down on + enjoy!
More portion control: while a plated meal will come pre-portioned, your guests can take the serving they prefer! While this could go either way in terms of pros or cons when considering your guest’s experience, you typically won’t have to hear from guests who might consider a plated meal portion insufficient (or too much!)
Buffet cons:
More casual: If your goal is a high-class affair, you might lean towards a plated option rather than a buffet. While buffets have gotten a facelift in the past few years, it’s hard to beat a perfectly plated meal if your priority is aesthetics.
Potential wait times: there is no avoiding it; if you have a buffet, your guests will wait in line for their meal. If you would prefer your guests all be served at (just about) the same time, a buffet might not be your best option.
Potential to run out of certain items before others: if your guests are all chowing down on one particular main dish served in your buffet, it could lead to a quick “sell out” of that item if it was unexpectedly more popular - leaving your guests at the back of the line disappointed that they didn’t get the full experience.
Pros + Cons of a Plated Meal at your next event
Plated meal pros:
Elegance: for those who revel in presentation - a plated meal may be the way to go. Each plate will come out perfectly garnished, the same as every other plate, and they are (typically) worthy of an Instagram photo.
No wait times: unlike a buffet, your guests will not be standing in a line waiting for their turn to get their meal. This can feel like a less cluttered experience for your guests and alleviates that inherent “food envy” that everyone feels who is at the back of a line and sees a fully loaded plate walk past!
Portion control: if you plan to serve an expensive cut of meat or seafood - it may be best to choose a plated option! Having control over how much food each guest receives will help you control your budget without having to stare down your Aunt Betty who is trying to nab a second lobster tail.
Plated meal cons:
More expensive (typically): while we cannot promise that a plated option will ALWAYS be the more expensive option, it is more labor intensive for your catering staff, which will generally boost the cost. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a plated meal will not always be your answer.
Additional planning: unlike a buffet, if your second cousin unexpectedly shows up with a plus one - they might be out of luck! Caterers do their best to accommodate these issues, but they cannot always solve the problem. Plated meals require each guest to RSVP (we know what a pain that can be), and this requires more planning, tracking, and tracking down of your non-RSVP family + friends. This is not always worth the hassle, depending on your personality!
Pleasing the masses: you will have less variety when choosing a plated meal for your guests - typically, a budget only allows for 1-2 menu options which can be a battle if you are dealing with a picky crowd!
There you have it, folks! With these pros + cons all being said, there is no wrong answer in regard to what and how you choose to feed your guests at your next event! Both options are delicious and receive excellent feedback time and time again.
Are you starting to plan an event? Contact our team to discuss your menu options!