Buffet vs. tray passed appetizers

marinad05

I am having a full reception with dinner but I am trying to decide whether to have tray passed appetizers or buffet style appetizers during cocktail hour. The buffet style is cheaper and I would love to be able to save $$ there, but I wanted to get opinions on it. I know buffet dinners can sometimes be a nightmare due to how long the lines get and I don't want this to happen with appetizers, especially since they only have an hour. I have never had buffet style appetizer, so I don't know how well they work? Does it not matter either way or should I fork over the extra money for tray passed?

Any suggestions?

sb9411

I think the Buffet for the apps would be just fine, as long as you discussed with your venue HOW they set it up. Can they set them up a far way from each other so that people aren't going to wait in line? Or do two different sections with each buffet item to cut down on traffic.

I Want Cake

As a guest, I'd prefer a buffet, or several small tables with different items.  It seems to me with the passed appetizers, they don't always make it all the way around a room, so some people may get plenty while others get shut out.  It's more convenient, but as long as there isn't a backup at a buffet table, which there won't be if you have stations, everyone can get what they want quickly, plus it saves you some money.

janicejab

I agree with PP. It seems that whenever hors d'ouevres are passed, I never get any! Buffets seem to work well for hors d'ouevres because people will show up at different times and mingle and get drinks from the bar, so you don't tend to have everyone going to get appetizers all at once like you do when there is a buffet for dinner.

Beachy730

While passed appetizers are nice, if they are not done properly I hate it.  If you would be paying per piece served, then I would definitely do stationed appetizers.  As PPs said, when they are passed they usually never make it to the entire room.  Some guests will never get to try certain kinds, and other guests might not get any.  If you have unlimited appetizers for a set price, then I would go with the passed because they will constantly refill them.  For example, our venue was $2.50 per piece for bacon wrapped scallops.  To do passed, they recommend at least 1.5 per person.  With 200 people who responded yes, that would have been $750 right there.  And most people, like H and my dad, would eat probably 5-10 each, so many guests wouldn't get any.  We instead used did the stationed appetizers, and had about 200 of a few different types.  I think we did 200 bacon wrapped scallops, 150 raspberry brie puffs, and 150 tomato basil skewers.  We also had a fruit and cheese display as well.  We didn't run out of any of them, and everyone had plenty of appetizers. 

And I disagree with Stage, I think a small guest list is better for passed, and a big guest list is better for stationed.

mica178

I like a combination of both.  We had 4 passed appetizers and then a large spread of cheeses, grilled veggies, breads, hummus and some salumis.  I think the passed thing is a little more elegant and festive, but I also agree that sometimes the passed stuff doesn't make it to everyone, especially if your venue is spread out between different rooms, inside/outside space, etc. 

delwell

We are having a buffet style for our dinner as well as appetizers, that being said, we didn't really have an option for a "tray service," and to be honest I don't know which I would choose, but if you don't really have a preferance I would do the cheapest way.

Keep in mind your guests will be waiting for you (assuming your taking pictures/in the limo) and having a buffet will give them a chance to get up and mingle a little bit, sign your guestbook, look at a displays (ex: slideshow, enagement album, etc)

gwencortopassi

We had both, but the passed appi's didn't make it to everyone, so it was nice to also have the cheese and fruit station.  My advice?  Save money whenever possible.  Your guests will never think twice, and you can reallocate the funds elsewhere.