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Wedding Cakes & Food Forum

Family-style vs Individual Plates?? Thoughts please..

So I am wondering what are your thoughts on family-style dining vs separate plates. I am still in the searching stage of looking for different menus and I am definitely keeping budget in mind. So I am mainly looking at poultry options and am taking into consideration family-style dining. They are both generally in the same price range at the venues I've been looking at. In regards to past experiences, which would you prefer at a wedding or what pros and cons can you offer for both options?! Any thoughts??

Re: Family-style vs Individual Plates?? Thoughts please..

  • edited December 2011
    I love family style. I think that it gets people talking, there are more options for people to eat, and no one ever leaves wanting more food. I actually picked my venue because they do family style.

    The taste of the food matters thew most though. SOme famil;y style is yummy and some is not, it is the same with plated meals. But when it comes down to it it is up to what you and your FI want and can afford.
  • edited December 2011
      I prefer individual plates. I like family style at home, but it hasn't work out well at the weddings that I've been to. Mostly because there just wasn't enough space on the table for all the extra dishes, the favors, the centerpieces, etc.
  • edited December 2011
    I have never been to a wedding that served the meal family-style, but my husband's family often does events at restaurants with family-style meals.  I like the concept, but as PP mentioned, the tables can get very crowded (and that's without wedding centerpieces, favors, and table numbers) so I would try to plan accordingly.  The other issue I have is that it can get kind of messy when you're serving yourself - people usually wind up getting food on their clothes, and that sucks when you're dressed up for a nice wedding and getting your picture taken.
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  • mgietler76mgietler76 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I am doing family style, although my favors will not be on the tables and our centerpiece's consist of a wine bottle with flowers in it surrounded by 5 votive candles so there's a lot of room.

    Do whatever will work best for you and your guests.
  • RebeccaB88RebeccaB88 member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    edited December 2011
    I do think of the two, plated works best, and is more formal. I'm a messy eater, so with family style I always spill something or drop food on the tablecloth.  But you can do whichever you can afford, fits the spirit of the eveing, and works best foryou.  You won't be able to please everyone.  I hate plated meals and only like buffets, but many people here feel just the opposite.  Make an effort, definitely, but don't stress out about it.  It will still be okay.
  • SSaltzman87SSaltzman87 member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    I like the family style idea. It allows people to either take as much of something they want or not and try other things. I feel like with a plated dinner you're kind of stuck if you happen to not like the food :-P

    Plus the family style idea would reduce the need for table decor thanks to the platters of food going down. One less detail to worry about.
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  • fallbride1109fallbride1109 member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    My boss' wedding was at a fancy hotel and they did family style.  I actually thought it worked just fine and enjoyed it.
  • edited December 2011
    Thank you ladies for you thoughts and I will take them into consideration when making my final choice! =)
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