FOR YEARS WEDDING MEALS HAVE FALLEN INTO A few basic categories: the "station" event, where different food stations offer guests a chance to mingle while dining on different styles or ethnicities of foods; the "plated" event, where guests are artfully served dinner, course by course; and the "buffet", ever popular, but a bit anxiety-producing, as brides and grooms fret over the amount of time guests will wait in line to be fed. Each style of service has its strengths and weaknesses, but more and more, the trend in catered meals is towards those that promote conversation, conviviality and cheer!

By now you’ve most likely heard of the family-style meal, where platters and bowls of prepared foods are served directly to tables for guests to serve themselves. This type of presentation builds a sense of community as guests pass and discuss the foods served. Tables look abundant and conversation flows, making this the perfect choice for couples looking to engage guests in a dining experience that instills intimacy and comfort.



When planning the family-style meal, consider the following: Rectangular or square tables seem to work best for this concept as they have more room to accommodate the food. A 6-foot round table with a Lazy Susan works well, but a larger table can make guests feel too far removed from one another and conversation, therefore, becomes more difficult. This concept is all about getting people to interact with one another!

Remember, guests will have to pass platters and bowls, so keep them as small and light as possible, with plenty of staff on hand to replenish. Keep centerpieces low, so that people won’t have to crane their necks to see over a high arrangement. And most importantly, allow the natural beauty of the food to shine!
~ Kate Hays, Dish Catering