Planning a wedding takes all types of decision-making. From minuscule details, including what kind of napkins, to larger decisions like a venue. Of course, the food is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but couples will have to decide on more than the menu such as how they want it to be served at the reception.
Food service is generally not the most ideal part of planning your wedding, but it’s an important aspect of the day. Many people don’t even realize the number of styles of dining that are available for catered dining. The way you serve the catering can dictate the tone and personality of your wedding.
Butler-Passed
If you’re looking to have an upbeat reception, while still serving your guests with care, this style is for you. Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres allow for your guests to mingle, without having to take a break to eat. This is a great option if your reception is in a small venue and there isn’t too much space for tables. At your reception, butlers will have multiple small, bite-sized appetizers on a tray and walk throughout the reception allowing people to eat as they socialize and mingle.
Many couples choose to serve light appetizers to their guests after the ceremony while the bride and groom take their pictures. This tides the waiting guests over until dinner is served. Butler-passed is not limited to food either. This can also be done with champagne, cocktails or any beverage you plan to serve.
Waiters
Sit-down dinners are making a comeback, which means waiters are necessary if you’re looking to go more formal with the reception. Waiters can facilitate the meal in a professional and seamless manner in courses before the party really gets started. Waiters allow for your guests’ needs to be met as soon as they arrive. Drinks will be full, and dishes will be cleared as soon as they are finished.
Buffet Servers
By using buffet servers, the service of food is kept at a more streamlined pace. Guests can serve themselves to try what they want, and it gives them the opportunity to go back for seconds if needed. This style also allows the pace of your reception to be more casual and natural.
With a buffet line, not as many catering staff are needed. Your reception will stay intimate to your close ones, without too much interjection. Guests can serve themselves as they please, and staff will be available to maintain the stations.
Chef-Crafted
Chef-crafted service stations entail catering staff located at food stations around the venue to prepare cooked-to-order items for your friends and family. Stations can be set up at the end of the food lines so if guests don’t want whatever is being served, it can be easily skipped.
This is our favorite style of serving and allows for our creativity and staff to shine. Some fun ideas include having hand-carved tenderloin, fresh fried green tomato stations or make-your-own pasta bowls. Serve guests like this, and your reception will be raved about for years to come!
Whatever food service option you choose, let it be the option that is best for you, your budget and what you have envisioned for your wedding. Bradford Catered Events offers each of these options, as well as the ability to have set-up services, clean-up services and complete bar service. Let Bradford Catered Events help you achieve the wedding of your dreams! With over 35 years of experience, customizable menus and multiple food service options, we make it easy to get everything you need in one place. To book BCE for your wedding or event, give us a call at (865) 522-5552 or visit their website.
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