Strange idea for reception dinner - thoughts?

jordanandtori · May 2011

So my FI and I have decided that we want to do a fall/harvest themed wedding hopefully located on an open field somewhere with a rustic barn (that would be ideal). Anyway, we were toying between doing buffet and sit down dinner (both of which would be slightly difficult in this type of location). I wanted to do buffet since what I've been reading tends to lean towards it being the cheaper option however, FI really wants to do plated dinner. In keeping with the "harvest" theme I started to think that rather than typical "steak, fish, potatos" we could do something like Chicken Pot Pie with corn or Shepards Pie, something a little more fall themed. Am I totally off my rocker on this idea? Let me know and be honest :-)

jessicabessica · May 2011

There's no rule about what you have to serve at weddings. I think serving seasonal foods is a great idea. The chef at our venue does a lot with local and sustainable foods, and I'm really excited for our menu. As long as it's delicious and there's enough variety that all your guests are likely to find something to eat (including vegetarians), you're fine.

FYI--sometimes buffets are more expensive because people are able to take more food. It definitely varies, so check with your caterer before you decide if cost is a big factor in this decision.

FaithCaitlin · May 2011

I think that is a fantastic idea!! It sounds delicious and would be a very fresh take on wedding food. Do it!

blush64 · May 2011

I love the foods you have suggested. I would love to attend a wedding with foods like that!

unplainjane · May 2011

i think either meats or the pie idea is great. what you could consider doing too is to serve the food family style. where big plates are passed around and guests help themselves. so it has the casualness of a buffet and people can just take what they want but people are seated. i think it would work well in your rustic setting.

kmmssg · May 2011

I think it sounds like a wonderful idea, and your guests will thank you for not serving "wedding chicken".

acwm · May 2011

I think it sounds great. I'm going to echo PPs on 2 things, though-- make sure you have an equally tasty vegetarian option, and check with your venue on price. At our venue, a buffet is more expensive.

Your theme is great!

meep2 · May 2011

Mmmmm. There are some delish veggie fritatta and veggie pot pie recipes out there, too, so it wouldn't be like "oh, I got everyone else this elaborate meal, but you guys get... pasta." If I were serving something so heavy, though, I'd also serve something lighter on the side like a mesclun green salad.

nontradduo · May 2011

Definitely want to check with your venue or caterer- buffet doesn't always equal less expensive for you.
I love the idea of really nice seasonal dinner selections.
I'm actually doing Shepherds Pie as one of my choices! My Da suggested it and as soon as he did I fell in love with the idea. Some of my guests are aware that's one of the options and they LOVE IT! I am coincidentally doing a buffet- in my case it is the less expensive option which does logistically provide more food for my guests.

I'm actually having my reception in a really old barn as well! It was converted to an art gallery at one point and then turned into a wedding venue- they retained all the old details and charm but it has an exquisite fresh, clean look. My FI and I refer to it as rustic elegance.

And yes, please consider any vegetarian guests. I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian and until about 5 years ago, I always had to call and ask if the couple was capable of accommodating my food requirement. And if I can give you a personal piece of advise- don't feed your vegetarians pasta. Apparently venues/caterers believe that is the only food item that vegetarians eat. It sort of makes us feel like a terrible afterthought, unless it's an Italian dinner affair all around. It seems like everywhere I go and every wedding I attend- that's what I have as an option. Vegetarians have so many excellent options and pasta almost feels like an insult to me now (that's my and many of my vegetarian friend's baggage, but it is something to keep in the very back of your mind).
You know your guests, you know what they'll like, and you have a great idea- go with it!

jordanandtori · May 2011

Thanks you so much for all of your awesome ideas! You're all quite right, I totally would have forgotten the whole vegitarian aspect when I know that the best man is a vegitarian! (heh, oops) so thank you all for reminding me. I also love the passing food around the table idea, thank you so much!

iloveu4ever · May 2011

Sounds good yum I would rather have that then reg wedding food you know what I mean?

IDoVenues · May 2011

All of these suggestions are incredible and a good catering company will be able to incorporate all of them into your wedding menu. The gal who suggest that you plan the menu with your facility and cater- is spot on.

The kitchen facilitates available at the venue will determine if your ideas con be incorporated economically. If a kitchen has to be constructed , then it can get costly.

It is obvious you are a food enthusiast, so I'd recommend that you keep an idea book, and then after you have chosen the venue- choose a catering company and then start to tackle the menu- hope this helps- Gloria @ I Do Venues.

aimeechris · May 2011

I like the pot pie idea! Sounds yummy!!!

Hippinhipster · May 2011

It all sounds so delicious!!! Another option you may have if your table are large enough and your caterer allows is "family style" where the food is on each table and you serve yourself. Which would also add to the rustic feel

Strange idea for reception dinner - thoughts?

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