Sit Down Dinner v. Buffet or Cocktail Reception

Shannakang

What is everyones thoughts on a Buffet or Cocktail reception versus a sit down dinner?

BellaSposa223

I think it depends on the type of wedding that you're having. Can you tell us about it so we have some more insight please?

feuerrose2

I think it should fit your budget!  If you can afford and want a more formal affair, sit down is the way to go.  I think as long as your guests know exactly what is going on, everyone is going ot have a great time.  Just don't put yourself in debt for other's expectations!

Siobhan615

I agree with both PP. It should deffinetly be whatever you can afford and will work with your budget. But I also feel it should fit the formality of your event, and the time your event takes place. Personally I wouldn't do black tie and buffet, nor would I do a reception around dinner time and just do hors d'ouvouers.

ssage

I say do what fits your style.

Mine was sit down...but the year before I was in a wedding and it was also sit down and should have been buffet as the service was horrible and half of the wedding was finished eating before the other half even started.

Jenni83

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-york-hudson-valley_sit-down-dinner-v-buffet-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:113Discussion:870d4523-7d0c-4157-9a87-aba12efdd8d6Post:8fcc460d-d5bb-4c06-9c06-933af1178794">Re: Sit Down Dinner v. Buffet or Cocktail Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it should fit your budget!  If you can afford and want a more formal affair, sit down is the way to go.  I think as long as your guests know exactly what is going on, everyone is going ot have a great time.  Just don't put yourself in debt for other's expectations!
Posted by feuerrose2[/QUOTE]

the budget isnt always true,my venue charged the same amount for a buffet & a sit down dinner.

sarahgrrl

I personally like a "sit down," but I think it all depends on the style and venue.  

I recently went to a buffet reception, and hated it!  They actually forgot to announce the last table!  Most of the guests had finished eating before they were even called up.

I've also found that some caters (during a buffet) wait until the tray is EMPTY before replacing the food... not so great if you had your heart set on the near empty tray. Waiting around for a new round stinks!

ssage

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-york-hudson-valley_sit-down-dinner-v-buffet-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:113Discussion:870d4523-7d0c-4157-9a87-aba12efdd8d6Post:608a6e58-7d56-485a-a8af-e9d434191f60">Re: Sit Down Dinner v. Buffet or Cocktail Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Sit Down Dinner v. Buffet or Cocktail Reception : the budget isnt always true,my venue charged the same amount for a buffet & a sit down dinner.
Posted by Jenni83[/QUOTE]

I have to agree...I asked the question at several venues b/c of the issue I mentioned with the wedding that I was in.  Each one said there would be no difference in the price...I think that used to be true but is not anymore.

SueR13

I personally like a cocktail reception - but that's not to be confused with a buffet.

mrsredmoose

At my venue, cocktail and sit down were the same price.  I think you should do what you are comfortable with- there is nothing wrong with any of your options as long as you control the lines if you do a buffet.  Personally, I prefer sitdowns.  I am clumsy and would drop things t a buffet.  But, I think a cocktail reception has a ton of potential if done right. I assume a buffet style would guarantee everyone a seat?  What about a cocktail reception?  

Bat937

I prefer the sit down dinner but my only advice is if you do a cocktail reception, please have chairs for everyone.  Not half, not 1/3rd - everyone.  Don't believe that people will mingle.  It is hard to carry a plate, drink, purse, & camera, while standing in high heels.  Plus people like to have a home base to come back to.

TerriandJoe

As everyone said - it all depends on your style. Your personality and the overall style of your wedding.

I like sit-downs for weddings, but that's because I see them as a formal event. If it was a more casual setting, then a buffet might be ok. (But it might be awkward for elderly guests. And anyone who's not that coordinated! lol!)

Like pp said, some places charge the same whether a buffet or sit-down, because a buffet requires more food, a sit-down more staff.

As far as cocktail receptions go, they are very cool and trendy and "new" but, if your guests aren't a cocktail party kind of crowd, it may not work. (husband and I might be ok if we knew people there, but would prefer a sitdown, one sister and brother in law would prefer sit-down or buffet. My other sister would LOVE the cocktail reception. She is more of the mingler. So, to "pull off" a good cocktail reception - make sure you let your guests know that's its a cocktail reception and make sure it fits with the personalities of your guests.

But, really the question is: "What do YOU envision for your wedding?"

carolsday

Hi , mot to be repeautitious but it does depend on what you want and what you always imagained your wedding day to be .   A lot of places charge the same amount for sit down or buffet.

The other thing to consider is , how many people are you having , if your having 50 quests buffet would probably be ok , but if your having 300 people maybe not    The lines would probably be ridiculios

Do what works best for you and ask your catering hall their reccommendation as well.

Happy Planning !!!

jlizzio

I also think you should think about how much of a party crowd you will have. I am having a cocktail style reception because I want everyone to be able to dance and eat whenever they want. Having worked at catering halls I know that most brides biggest complaint at the end of the night is that it went by too fast and they hardly had time to dance. This being my biggest fear I decided for the cocktail reception so that we would have so much down time for each course. I also think its very important that your venue has experience in creating this type of meal, I was adamant that people not wait on line and have many options to float around to, therefore with our 300 guests we will have 8 large stations around the perimeter of the room with all different foods. hopefully no lines will form but you cant control everything!

reddamask

I have always prefered buffet style, so that's what I am having. I like the freedom of not having to sit down at a set time, wait for your food (which can mean wating quite some time while every other table gets theirs first), and "wasting" what i think of as party time.

That said, the main reason I am going buffet is actually that I feel my venue will handle it better--and this is something most brides dont consider. My venue is primarily a buffet place, they do sunday brunches, they do corporate and art show events as buffet, and, having seen the way they run buffets and listening to the coordinater, I could tell they were much more comfortable with buffet. AND, if they are comfortable, they will do a better job. They also only offered 2 options if you did plated, you couldnt even pay more to get a 3rd. That indicated to me that sit-down was not their strength.

Finally, you might be able to score a discount. My Fiance was against buffet, and the venue charged the same for both. We negotiated, and talked for quite a while before signing a contract. I pointed out to the staff that they seemed to want to push people to buffet, but offered no incentive to do so. They wound up agreeing with me, since they dropped the price $10 a head, not just for me, but on their price lists, if you went buffet.