Which Format to Choose – Sit Down, Buffet, Family-Style, Or Food Stations?
Pros and Cons of the Different Options for Your Next Event. Planning a wedding, business function, or other event with catering often involves making a choice: sit down or buffet? Other alternatives such as a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and food stations, or family-style service are both great choices? There are advantages and disadvantages to each option, so determining your goals and priorities will help you find the best fit for your event. Is your event formal or informal? Is the quality of the food most important or is having a large quantity and variety your primary concern? Do you want guests to be up and mingling while they eat or sitting down for an hour or so to dine? In a sit down format the food should be at its freshest and is plated to order as the dishes are being served. Admittedly, many hotels and lower budget caterers may pre-plate entrees and hold them in a warming box before saucing and send them out. This practice is often why food is dried out or rubber
