02

I recently attended a wedding of about 200 guests with a taco bar buffet dinner. It could have worked better.

It had a poor flow. People had to go in and out the same doorway so there was a traffic jam.

To ensure the food didn’t run out, the caterers were serving the food rather than allowing guests to serve themselves.

So yes, some people were finished eating or even back in line for seconds before everyone had been served once.

Since you indicate it’s too late to change anything, just ensure your caterers have addressed these issues and it can still work out well. Be sure they are familiar with the space they have to work with and have made a detailed plan to address any potential issues.

Says, u/Radiant-Ability-3216

03

My cousin had a buffet for around 100 guests maybe a few more.

By the time my table was called, it was around 7:30pm. Dinner had started at around 5:45pm. My mom actually wanted to go back up for seconds but by that time, the staff was shutting down the buffet.

To contrast, we had a 170 person wedding and it was a sit down meal with 17 tables. All tables were served in 15 minutes.

Says u/eyerishdancegirl7

04

Something that really slows it down is that people feel like once their table is “called,” they have carte blanche to go back up to the buffet whenever.

I just went to a ~150 person buffet reception and was at one of the last tables called, and the line was ridiculous because there were a dozen extra people from the earlier rounds getting seconds.

I think there should be a dedicated round for seconds as soon as everyone has the opportunity to get in line.

Then most people would have a chance for seconds too, because it would only take an hour to get everyone served instead of two-plus hours.

Says u/harmcharm77

05

Adding: ASK your caterer about this. Express your concerns so the expectations are set and you know how they’re going to address this.

Says u/Img080293

06

This is correct. Our venue told us that two double sided buffets would feed our 200 guests faster than a plated dinner would, and would allow guests to eat only what they want and reduce food waste. Justice for buffets!!!

Says u/alye11

07

My caterer told us she gets 120 people through in 15 mins.

She puts salads on the tables pre-plated so people can eat while they wait.

I like buffets. Can eat as much as you want and whatever you want. I’ve always been disappointed by plated meals.

Says u/Img080293

08

Same, I feel like plated meals at bigger events are usually pretty unappealing, especially as a vegetarian

Says u/Brave-Exchange-2419

09

It’s more about the setup and skill/size of the serving team.

I don’t even think you should change it, but since it’s too late anyway, I’d address these concerns with your caterer!

Says u/Coldman5

10

We had about 90 people at our wedding in May and the two-sided buffet worked great!

Basically while we were chatting I was keeping an eye on the previous table and as soon as I saw the first couple people return from the buffet we dismissed the table and moved on.

Got through all tables in about 20 min & then sat down to enjoy our own food (pre made plates were brought to us by the caterer).

Says u/SAJ17

11

My caterer told us she gets 120 people through in 15 mins.

She puts salads on the tables pre-plated so people can eat while they wait.

I like buffets. Can eat as much as you want and whatever you want. I’ve always been disappointed by plated meals.

Says u/Img080293

12

I really, really love this idea. Out of interest, how we're you able to make it clear to the guests that it was you who was going to dismiss the table? I hope you don't mind me asking; I'd love to implement this at my own wedding you see!

Says u/dm-me-highland-cows

13

We had the DJ announce it! So for our reception entrance, we came in & immediately had our first dance - following that was the DJ announcement for everyone to remain seated and we would come around to dismiss each table.

Our photographer also followed us and made sure we got a photo with each table! Really nice to have those photos with every person at our wedding.

Says u/SAJ17

-

14

That's brilliant, thank you kindly for the explanation! I did assume that it was the DJ - but the photographer following you is a particularly great idea. What a lovely way to make sure you get a picture with every single guest!

Says u/dm-me-highland-cows