Wondering whether you should select a plated or buffet meal for your wedding celebration? There are many factors to consider when making this wedding planning decision. What is your culinary vision for your wedding? Which type of experience would you like to create for your guests? The great news is Ferah Catering offers a variety of service styles to impress your guests and we're here to help guide your decision. Let's look at the benefits of each service style so you can make an informed decision for your special day.
Which is option is more affordable: buffet or plated?
Considering your budget is an important part of your special day and though this can be a daunting task, a professional full-service caterer like Ferah will walk you through customizing a menu based on your needs. Pricing transparency is a core value of Ferah which is why we list our wedding package pricing online so you can get a feel for the base cost of our offerings.
Typically, buffet menus are more affordable since they require less staffing than a plated meal. Plating and serving individual meals to each guest requires chefs, plating assistants, and more servers to ensure guests receive each course of their meal in a timely fashion and that tables are bussed efficiently. There are many factors that contribute to the overall cost of a catering package and Ferah's catering concierge is here to guide you during this process. We always recommend reaching out for a custom proposal to consider all the services and menu selections you'd like for your wedding.
What are the pros of buffet meals?
One main benefit to buffet meals is that they allow you to serve a variety of food and your guests can select which options they'd like; customizing their own plate. The flexibility of a buffet meal is often appreciated by guests. Ferah offers a variety of elegant buffet options.
Buffets also require less staffing and servers to execute, so your staffing costs will typically be lower than a plated meal. All of Ferah's full-service buffet packages include table bussing to ensure our five-star service standard. Clients who are concerned about long buffet lines: fear not! Ferah works with your venue to set up double-sided buffets (multiple buffets, if space allows) so your buffet line can move efficiently.
Take a look at this fusion buffet menu Ferah recently served at a multi-cultural wedding in McKinney:
Mini Halal Chicken Skewers
Mini Halal Beef Skewers
Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Canapés
Halal Brisket Carving Station
Mediterranean Halal Smothered Chicken
Strawberry Fields Salad
Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Halal Chicken Biryani
Roasted Vegetables
Their buffet had a unique variety of cuisines that complimented their crowd and price point.
Explore our full menu here.
What are the cons of buffet service?
When selecting proteins that require a specific cooking temperate (for example: steak cooked medium well), a buffet-style meal may not be the most ideal option. If your wedding reception is tight on time, consider the space in your reception room and the ability to set up multiple buffet lines to help things move quicker. Waiting at the buffet line can be a negative to your timeline but a positive in that your guests get to mingle and move around while grabbing their plate.
What are the pros of plated meals?
Plated dinners bring an upscale restaurant experience to your wedding venue. Seated meals allow for a relaxed, a la carte experience where guests pre-select their entree when they RSVP for the wedding and enjoy the experience of being served each course. Additionally, when considering high-end protein selections like filet mignon, the cooking temperature can be better controlled for a plated meal versus a buffet. At Ferah Catering, we offer a variety of plated menu options and can also accommodate your guests with dietary restrictions (ie: gluten-free friendly or vegetarian). We recommend adding this question to your list when inquiring with potential caterers.
What are the cons of plated meals?
Let's say that three of your cousins bring a plus one that they didn't RSVP - uh oh! Guest counts for plated meals are typically more finite as the caterer has prepared a more refined amount of food and equipment to serve your specific number of guests. There is less flexibility for those who didn't RSVP.
If you are offering your guests a choice of entree, professional caterers like Ferah ask for a seating chart with guests' entree selections and personalized name cards placed at each seat (with entree selection noted) in advance of the wedding to ensure timely and accurate service. This can add more items to your planning to-do list but Ferah has found it is a requirement for smooth and professional plated dinner service.
Overall, there is a lot to consider when deciding which catering style that will best suit your wedding. From portion control and menu variety to final costs and event atmosphere, both plated and buffet options can be a great fit for a variety of events. Either way, your guests will enjoy a delicious meal from Ferah while making lasting memories during your special day!
Ferah Catering & Events: Top Caterer in DFW
Looking to plan an event as unique as your love story? At Ferah Catering & Events, we will partner with you to create customized catering and bar services in a variety of cuisines and presentations.
Contact Ferah Catering & Events to speak with our catering concierge and plan your dream event today.
Don't forget about our Engagement Season Promo:
Ferah is offering great perks to those who book their wedding's catering service by February 28th, 2025! Book your 2025 wedding package (25% deposit paid and catering agreement signed) by February 28th and select either a gift for yourself (planning a wedding is hard work!) OR enjoy a complimentary upgrade to enhance your event.
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