Before you choose your wedding reception menu, you should consider what style you want it served. “A cocktail-party format (buffet with no assigned seats) generally allows to build up the party energy very quickly, where mingling, eating, and dancing is all happening at the same time, ” shares Artieres. “A family-style dinner allows guests to connect at the table in a convivial spirit. It’s about sharing food and passing each other platters, creating a family setting much like at home.” She notes, “It does take more attention for the caterer to make sure everyone is served and fed.” Then, comes the formal, multi-course meal, which is the easiest type of service for a caterer. “It allows us to control individual food restrictions, portions, and timelines,” she explains. However, she notes, “A seated dinner can feel rushed when the venue access is limited, and you want to fit dinner, dessert, and dancing all in three hours. You want to make sure enough time is allocated for guests to find their seats (about 20 to 30 minutes), enjoy dinner, and leave the table.”
While you may be able to choose a few options to offer guests, it’s best to get an understanding of how your caterer can accommodate dietary restrictions. “Typically dietary restrictions can be flagged and accounted for separately from the menu selections,” explains Smith. “It’s always a good plan to have a vegetarian or vegan option available for guests, and most caterers offer this as a ‘silent vegetarian option’, which means they will provide it in addition to your main menu selections.” She adds that if your guests indicate restrictions within their RSVP, you should let your caterer know at least two weeks in advance to accommodate.