Stations or sit down?

vchuchman

My finance and I are going back and forth on style of dinner service. We both don't want buffet, but are between European Stations or a gourmet sit-down. We are looking at Chef Jack's, Lee John's, and Irene's. Any opinions or suggestions on either the dinner style or caterer? Thanks!

Brewtowngrl

I have only tasted Chef jack of the ones you mentioned and he is delish. if you are budget conscious you might want to price it out. Stations can be more expensive. I personally like sit down.

brideymcbriderson

We had stations and loved it.  I prefer it to sit-down because I get to pick what I feel like at that moment (more potatoes, less meat, etc).  The waitstaff released the tables, so there was never a big rush, and people move through stations more quickly than a regular buffet because they aren't in one line.I say price out both options and do whatever you prefer.  Some people will always prefer one over the other, so just do what makes you happy.

becs11048

I love Chef Jack's!!! Can't say enough about how amazing his food is I like stations but have seen it done well and not so well, seems to work well with smaller weddings of 75 or so people Otherwise sit down is better I think if you are having a larger wedding, more convenient for the food to come to your guests and save them the trouble of waiting in line

Loveguru

stations are basically buffets n buffets are more expensive than sit downs. with a sit down they make and exact amount of food for and exact amount of people but with buffets they always make more because people will take or ask for more of certain things and they dont want to run out.

hdheinz

Hi there, I work as a catering sales manager for an area caterer.  Just wanted to let you know that buffets and stations are not more expensive than a sit down dinner.  Sit Down dinners require more labor, thus bringing the price up.  Buffets and stations are portioned for the amount of guests you guarantee with your final count.  Buffets are the most cost effective service option with off-premise catering (which is what you are looking for).Stations are fun and work well in a unique, interactive venue.  They also get people moving around, which is fun.  It's more of a modern take on a wedding meal.Sit Downs are always lovely, just a bit more traditional.  Hope that helps!  Let me know if you need any help or advice regarding catering--and I promise not to plug the company I work for.  if you want my personal opinion (as I'm in the business) feel free to e-mail me at heather.heinz@hotmail.com

toniinzeo

I must agree with hd...I like stations in the right setting. Say the Art Museum, or Eisner Museum...but in a banquet hall...I don't think they work as well.

IloveDouglas

For me, buffet WAS more expensive than sit down from the same caterer. We had a choice of 3 meats at our buffet (carved beef, chicken and pork tenderloin).  That cost more than the sit down dinner from Saz's.