Where’s The Beef? Plated/Seated vs. Buffet Battle

If you read the last installment of The Weekly Chic, it was all about reception seating arrangements. Part of the discussion was explaining how seating guests properly would help inform the caterer to know who has what meal. As a response, I received a few questions from readers asking “Well, what if I don't have a plated/seated meal?” and “What’s better, buffet or plated, and why?” So, I got on the phone and called my new friend Chef Lola Daniels, owner of The Colour of Love. Chef Lola’s slogan, “Unpretentious Food. Unique Perspective!” definitely shines through when she talks with me about how to end the age-old debate and determine what might be the best option for you when it comes to your reception service. 

The Chef’s Preference

We started off the conversation with the most asked question from the readers. As a Chef, what does Lola prefer when it comes to reception catering? She prefers the seated/plated option hands down. “It gives me a chance as a chef to be creative, and put art in front of a guest.” It’s also much easier logistically to serve guests because there is much less commotion and movement. Another plus is a much more recent concern due to CoVid. You don’t have to worry about dinnerware being touched by others, or being in a line close behind 10 other people.  

When it comes to wedding planning, Chef Lola wants brides and grooms to consider their budget timeline, and understand why placing catering at the top is so important when considering costs. “Brides and grooms always place food at the bottom of the planning list. It’s going to be a long day and people gotta eat, you know!” This was super odd for me to hear, however, I imagine that she gets a ton of clients that come to her on their own without a planner. So, my wonderful readers, I want you to picture a triangle. On each corner see these words: Venue, Catering, Entertainment. This is what I call the “Holy Trinity of Events”, and these options should definitely be locked down first. Remember them for every style event, and even if I am not with you, you’ve got the main 3 things people remember about amazing events and weddings out of the way.

Photo Credit: Lola Daniels/The Colour of Love

Budgeting Matters

Although Chef Lola prefers seated/plated, she sees absolutely nothing wrong with doing a beautiful buffet. It is definitely a budget conscientious option to consider, and it gives your guests several selections to choose from. “Everything doesn’t have to be Filet Mignon. Don’t be afraid to downscale, because even simple foods can have an elegant touch.”  Some examples she presented were what she calls her “Backyard BBQ favorites, stepped up a notch”. Serve meatballs at cocktail hour, but instead of plain old ground beef, substitute the protein for succulent ground lamb. Mac and Cheese is always a hit but instead of using cheddar, opt to make it with gruyere or even add lobster. “These can be made at large quantities, and everyone loves them!”

Photo Credit: Lola Daniels/The Colour of Love

The Pros and Cons of Each Style

There are a few other points Chef Lola wants you to think about when deciding how you will feed your guest at your wedding reception. 

Pros of Seated/Plated Dining:

• Specialty requests like Vegan/Vegetarian options for a small select group of people can be made for less because items for these meals won’t need to be bought in bulk. 

• Seated/Plated gives a more luxurious look and feel for your reception. It’s a VIBE!

Cons of Seated/Plated Dining:

• It is more costly due to the staff needed to handle the higher guest counts.

• Creating some plates can be taxing, as some catering choices may not look the same or as nice as others.

Pros of Buffet Dining:

• It’s easier to budget because catering will buy in bulk, and that results in lower costs. It also cuts prep time.

• The display table can also be designed to match the theme/decor.

Cons of Buffet Dining:

• Food temps can vary due to the steam in chafing dishes. Food can become overcooked or become cold faster because of the consistent lifting of lids.

• Waste becomes much more likely because of the amount of food left over. If your guest count drops because of no-shows, then that food is not going to be consumed.

The Heavy Hors d'oeuvres Debacle

Photo Credit: Lola Daniels/The Colour of Love

It is a common misconception that serving heavy hors d’oeuvres rather than a full meal at your wedding reception is cheaper in cost. A lot of people think that if you have smaller/tiny food options, you’ll have a lower price. This could not be farther from the truth and could cost you more money than serving a typical dinner in the long run. Nobody I know only gets a few chicken wings and mini bruschetta, and only decides to make one trip to the buffet table…NOBODY! Chef Lola couldn’t agree more! “These are typically stackable, one bite options designed to be easy to eat while moving. The more you move [dance] and drink, the more you will want, and that could become costly. Her rule of thumb is this: “If your wedding/event has over 50 guests, is longer than 2 hours, and has a dance floor, just don’t do it!” 

What to Avoid

I asked Chef Lola what should our readers watch out for when searching for the right caterer. The first thing she says is “Watch out for the ‘name-dropping’ catering companies. Just because they may know and worked with a celebrity or two, doesn’t mean they know food. I don’t care if the Dalai Lama had it, it’s still nasty!”. Make sure you have a tasting and know what that particular chef specializes in. They should work with your palette, and play with the flavors you love. It’s your day!

The next thing she says to watch out for is the decor up-sale tactics. “I don’t do table decor, I leave it to the planner or decor team to design the tablescapes. Caterers should only focus on the tableware and the food.” Chef Lola typically outsources design with planner partnerships she’s developed over time. The less she has to think about how the table looks, the more time she has to concentrate on amazing flavors for her clients.  

Photo Credit: Lola Daniels/The Colour of Love

To wrap up, I am so excited to share that Chef Lola has just launched a Featured Chef Series! Each week, 12 guests will be invited to take part in a delicious, curated event hosted by a private chef. The featured chef of the evening will select a piece of art, and present 6 stellar courses inspired by that specific piece. Each guest can bid on the art, and all proceeds go toward the LGBT Marriage Club, a nonprofit dedicated to support LGBTQIA+ marriages. 

I would like to thank Chef Lola Daniels for joining me on this blog topic because I want all of you to make the best decisions for the best event experiences. I definitely learned a lot about catering, and I got rather hungry talking about all the amazing food! To learn more about Chef Lola and The Colour of Love, follow them on IG @thecolouroflove_atl and on Facebook @TheColourOfLoveATL. If you like what you’ve read, give us a like, and share this blog on your socials. If you’re getting married or have an event to be planned, be sure to contact us today for a free consultation.

Until next time!

Keep it Chic,

XOXO

Amaris T.

Have A Seat: A Guide To Seating Your Wedding Guests

I was with my clients last Monday night helping them sort out the seating chart for their upcoming wedding this weekend. As I was jotting down what cousin would go to which table during the reception, I thought to myself that this would be a great topic to write about! Seating tips for my readers who might be getting ready to do the same task.

Let’s take a look at my tips on wedding seating.

The A, B, C’s To The Seating Chart

It’s really as simple as A, B, C! This scale never fails, and it is the perfect way to get everyone seated without pulling your hair out. As you can see, I  have color-coded the tables for you to see exactly what I mean. When I work with a client, I go to my local print shop and blow up the floorplan to jot notes on. Try it for yourself! 

A = ALL the people in your wedding party

This section is designated for Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Parents, Grandparents, and all the other important players on your wedding day. A good way to think of it is anyone who is at your rehearsal will be in this section.

B = Best of the friend group and close family 

This section is designated for family and close friends but were not involved in the wedding. They have a great vantage point in that area.

C = Coworkers (or those Cousins that don’t act right, LOL)

Now, as I said in a blog prior unless you have a small office, I don’t really like inviting coworkers. When I did the 9-5, I worked in a super small team of 4 (including myself). To be frank, looking back I wish I didn't invite 1 of the 3 that came. My though process was it would be too much drama NOT to invite the other coworker. If you only want to invite a few of your work folks, make sure you do it on the low. Ask the friend group at work out for happy hour, and hand them the invites there at the bar. Remind them that they are the chosen ones, and request that they don't talk about the wedding around the water cooler.

Different Ways To Seat Your Guests

There are three popular ways to let your guests know exactly where they will be sitting at your reception. While they are the most popular, they are not the end-all, be-all. There are so many creative ways to show folks where to park it, as long as you have something available for your guests to navigate the tables you’re good to go!

Seating Chart Sign

Photo/Design Credit: Woodland Custom Design

This is a large sign strategically placed near the reception area. It is usually grouped by table number, and the guest names are listed below each number. I’ve seen some super creative ways to make these large charts. The most common is on thick foam board from a print shop or store. Some others use mirrors, acrylic, old doors, windows…you name it! 

Pro: You only need one print (should you decide to use a print shop or etsy), and you save paper.

Con: It can cause some serious “bottlenecking” and you’ll have a crowd of people around the sign trying to see where they go.

place Cards 

Photo Credit: Simply Chic Soirées

Design Credit: Sweet Luxury Events

These are seating cards with the guest’s name placed at each place setting. It can be combined with the use of the seating chart sign. Options of this is a simple tent card or go super fancy, and have the names of your guest scribed in acrylic. 

Pro: This is great if you are having a seated/plated meal. It’s a much more detailed way to inform the catering staff who had salmon, steak, or a vegan meal.

Con: You could have a lot of folks walking around looking for their name, instead of just taking a seat at the designated table. It can cause a bit of a delay for the reception.

Escort Cards

Photo Credit: Fat Cat Paperie

Hands down my favorite option, as the escort cards are placed near the entrance of the venue. When your guests arrive, they take the card, and well before the reception starts they already know where they are seated. Should you have the seated/plated option rather than a buffet, you can have their meal of choice printed on the opposite side so they are assured to have the correct meal. (Plus you’ll absolutely know who hasn’t arrived prior to the reception, and if applicable, potentially take that food home.)

Pro: Easy seating as long as you have the table numbers clearly displayed

Con: Buying the paper, or going to the local print shop to make the cards. That’s the only con I have *shrug*…hence my fave!

Plus One Or Just One

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

This is always a tough conversation with my clients. To allow guests to bring a plus one or to kill the option altogether. I have never been an advocate for the latter, but this can and will affect your seating in a major way. Personally, I know more people who are in a couple than not. So how do we brighten the grey area? In my opinion, here’s the best way:

Anyone married, engaged, or in a serious relationship may be allowed to bring a plus one. Anyone else must come unaccompanied. 

Is this an idea I like, to be honest, no. I’m a super social person but some people are not, and some may not be too good at getting to know new people. There’s also a safety factor we have to think about. As an Army veteran, I do believe there is safety in numbers, and I like the “buddy system”. These are just MY reasons, and while I’m not a fan, that doesn’t mean these are good reasons to double your catering budget. You have to do what is best for your wedding day, and only you and your fiancé should be the one to decide how you will accept the RSVPs. No matter what, my golden rule: Once a guest RSVPs, or the deadline hits NO “PLUS” CHANGES. As a guest, you should definitely let the couple know if you or your plus one are not going to be able to attend in the most time possible.

Caveat here:

OK…so at my wedding I did not have a seating chart, however, my Husband and only I had two large groups and that’s about it. Our families, and our combined military family, with a sprinkling of friends. We all knew who was coming, and we had plenty of seating. It worked out fine for us, but I never would recommend that to one of my clients especially if you are working on a smaller budget or have a small venue with limited seating. 

I hope I gave you seating tips that will help get your guests in the best seat for your wedding day. Remember, this is just a guide to help you decide what seating method works perfectly for you. FYI, don’t freak out if people swap seats during the reception. It will happen, it’s not a big deal…breathe…repeat…it’s not a big deal. Good Job!

Until next time!

Keep It Chic

XOXO,

Amaris T.