Melissa from Raleigh writes in, “What do you recommend- plated, family style, buffet, or stations?”

Food is one of the most important decisions when planning your reception and there is no right or wrong answer when trying to decide how you want the meal to be served. Choosing either plated, family style, buffet or stations is determined by the style and theme of your wedding. For instance, if you are planning a formal reception, a buffet style may look out of place. But if you are looking for more of a fun, mingling atmosphere at the reception, a buffet or stations may work better for you.  Personally, I really like family style service because while it is similar to a plated dinner, the difference is that the food comes on large platters and are placed in the middle of the table.

With family style, guests are able to choose what food they want and how much they want, similar to a buffet but with no line!   A family style dinner creates a very relaxed and intimate atmosphere. It makes the guests feel as if they are at home enjoying a casual yet elegant meal with family and friends. But my favorite part of family style is that it provides better opportunities for guests to interact with each other, which is very important for any reception!