Find Your Catering Style: Which Food Service Suits Your Wedding Style

MOSTLY ONES: PLATED DINNER

The classic, tried-and-true food service method for a formal event: the sit-down dinner. This style can be customized to be as laid-back or as sophisticated as you’d like—adding courses and more dish options can elevate the experience. 

“Plated style for your wedding is a traditional option that can add a personal, unique, fun and funky touch to enhance and match your table settings, menu, cute condiments and other elements that will make a memorable dining experience for your guests,” explains Leah Tagatac of Catering Connection.

It’s also fun to get creative when naming your dishes, suggests Nancy Parragué Barclay of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events. “For example, the dining experience is taken to a new level when a pasta course is called ‘First Date Pasta’ after a meal the two shared together on their first date.”Elegant plated dinner by Paula

LeDuc Fine Catering & Events

Elegant plated dinner by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events

Photo: Jose Villa

MOSTLY TWOS: BUFFET

A traditionally low-stress option that can really make a splash, a buffet involves a display of self-serve food options, often all from the same or a similar menu. Guests can load up on plenty of options or grab a ton of their favorite dish.

“Thoughtful presentation, with elegantly arranged dishes and décor that matches the wedding theme, can make a buffet feel just as refined as a plated meal,” says Jamison Evans, owner and lead wedding planner at Jamison + Tania Events. “Incorporating personal touches, like favorite family recipes or a curated selection of regional dishes, can make the buffet feel uniquely tailored to the couple.”

A beautiful decor adds elegance to this gourmet buffet by Pure Joy Catering

Photo: Katina Patriquin

MOSTLY THREES: FAMILY STYLE

In the same vein as a plated meal, with family style, each table is served their dishes. However, with this service option, everything is oversized and shareable. Friends and family pass around each serving dish, like they would at Thanksgiving dinner, and serve themselves.

“Family-style dining is ideal for couples seeking a cozy and intimate wedding atmosphere that fosters conversation and closeness among guests,” says Angie Raygoza, director of sales at Colette’s Catering & Events. “To enhance this approach, consider incorporating communal centerpieces that also serve as part of the meal—imagine bread baskets or charcuterie boards seamlessly integrated into the tablescape, blending décor with dining in a harmonious way.”

A family-style dinner by Colette’s Catering & Events

Photo: Catherine Chuang Photo

MOSTLY FOURS: STATIONS

Also called “activations,” this type of service is similar to a buffet. The main difference lies in the presentation: Instead of a smorgasbord of choices, stations will often follow a particular food theme (such as sushi, pasta), with attendants ready to serve the food in an artful way.

“This style is a really great way to add a personal touch to your wedding day. Did you and your partner get engaged on a trip to Japan? A sushi station is the perfect nod to such a special moment! Perhaps your first date was at your favorite local Italian restaurant, which means a pasta station is a must-have. Or maybe the bride’s family is proudly from Texas, so a barbecue station is a great touch,” suggests Rob Pausmith, founder of Pausmith Group. “Think about what makes you and your relationship unique and consider how those could translate into foods and dishes you can serve your guests to make your wedding day truly personalized to you.”

An interactive sushi station by Pausmith Group

Photo: Stefen Ross

MOSTLY FIVES: FOOD TRUCKS

Calling in a fleet of food trucks takes a lot of the pressure off—once you’ve booked your favorite local trucks to pull up and serve (for this type of service, it’s best if you’re hosting an outdoor reception), you’re done! Note: Most trucks provide disposable dishes and utensils, so if you want more durable options, chat with your planner.

“With a few thoughtful touches, you can easily elevate your food truck reception while maintaining a sophisticated vibe,” assures McKenna Folmar, founder of Events by McKenna. “First off, use real plates, napkins, cups and silverware. Additionally, keep your formal reception tables and chairs; by setting up traditional seating, you give guests the option of enjoying a seated dinner, allowing for those special moments like toasts and speeches. Invest in elegant florals throughout the venue and on the trucks themselves. Lastly, you can create custom signage for each truck to display the menu items; this can help tie the entire look together and make the setup feel intentional and well-designed.”

The In-n-Out truck hits the spot for late-night bites

Photo: Ether and Smith