Help! Heavy Hor D'ourves or sit down dinner??

amyliz0226 · March 2013

We are having a casual wedding on the beach at 6 pm. Never thought of this, but it will be dinner time! I was not wanting a plated sit down dinner. Don't even want a buffett. We were wanting heavy hor dourves (including carb bars, carving stations, fruit, veggie, cheese, AND hor dourves ranging from stuffed mushrooms to quesadillas). We are just not "sit down dinner" people and want it to be as casual as possible. Is this ok even if our reception will be at dinner time? We will be ordering $3500 worth of food for a guest list of 50-60 people. Is it ok not to serve a buffett or sit down dinner?

Avion22 · March 2013

As long as you have enough food to constitute a full meal, then it's fine. This is probably in the neighborhood of 15 pieces per person. Keep in mind this will be MUCH more expensive than having a plated meal or buffet. And if anything requires a fork and knife (like meat from your carving station), then you really should provide everyone a place to sit and eat.

If you're already doing the carving station, maybe you could add a few more "action" stations like a pasta bar, baked potato bar, or whatever. It's mroe fun and interactive than your typical buffet, and will round out your menu to provide enough food for a full meal.

MuppetOverlord · March 2013

It sounds a little like a buffet but with stations. As long as ther is enough food for people to feel filled, I think that is okay for dinner time. You mind want to add a salad too.

Are you having tables? or are people supposed to stand and mingle while they eat?

MuppetOverlord · March 2013

ooh baked potato bar sounds awesome!

ciligirl · March 2013

I agree. As long as you have plenty. I personally would rather eat what you are having ( me and my friends call it pickies lol) than a plated meal. I am actually more excited for our cocktail hour than dinner. But I love food and a bigger assorttment definitely appeals to me. Hence, why I can it fit in my dress.

rachelm13 · March 2013

I am doing heavy apps (we have 15 types to choose from). Plus a fajita station, carving station, pasta station , raw bar and crudite. It is not more pricey for us in our area, but it is totally necessary to make sure you have seating. Oh the reason I have so much is that I took into account guests dietary needs. I have folks that are oceanatarians, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free. I also have folks that are straight up carnivores. Luckily no one has severe allergies! Just something to keep in mind.... Not everyone's going to eat bacon wrapped scallops.

NOLAbridealmost · March 2013

Our wedding was similar to what you've described OP. It's called station style or cocktail style. Just be sure you have ample seating available. While guests enjoy being able to eat at their leisure throughout the reception, they'll be annoyed very quickly if there's nowhere to sit while doing it.

nda8414 · March 2013

Sounds great. I'd be happy if I were a guest

amyliz0226 · March 2013

Yes, we will have seating for everyone. It is actually being held in a restaurant at the hotel we will be at. It is a beach front wedding we are doing either a mashed potato bar or mac cheese bar. Thanks for all of your input!