Catering Service Styles
Cocktail Style ($)
Cocktail style catering features a combination of tray-passed appetizers and larger stations offering bite-sized items such as sliders, mini tacos, oyster bars, bruschetta bars, and charcuterie. This casual meal service encourages guests to graze throughout the event rather than sit down for a formal meal. One of the benefits of this style is cost savings on rentals, as there is no need for full place settings like plates, flatware, napkins, or sit-down tables. Instead, the caterer typically provides small tasting forks, food picks, and paper plates as needed. To facilitate mingling and grazing, high and low cocktail tables as well as lounges are encouraged to create an inviting, social atmosphere.
Buffet ($$)
Buffet-style catering offers a flexible and cost-effective dining option for weddings and events. Guests are assigned to tables, but not to specific seats, and when it’s time to eat, they are released by table to line up at a buffet station staffed by the caterer. Guests serve themselves from a variety of food options, allowing them to choose which items they want and the portion sizes they prefer. Occasionally, catering staff may assist by serving from the buffet to better manage food waste. This style of service is popular because it streamlines meal distribution and reduces the need for multiple sets of dishes, requiring only one plate, fork, knife, etc. per guest.
Family Style Dinner ($$$)
Family style meal service is quickly gaining popularity as it combines the best aspects of buffet and plated service. Guests have the freedom to choose what and how much they want to eat, similar to a buffet, but with the added sophistication of having serving platters delivered directly to their tables, reminiscent of a traditional holiday meal. Each table receives a selection of dishes to pass around, encouraging a communal dining experience. From a rental perspective, this style requires only one set of plates and flatware per guest, much like buffet service. However, costs increase due to the need for additional staff to manage the serving process and the necessity of renting appropriate serving platters, bowls, and trays to facilitate the sharing. This approach offers a warm, inviting atmosphere while maintaining an elevated level of service.
Plated Service ($$$$)
Plated meal service is the most expensive catering option, renowned for its elegance and sophistication. This style requires additional staff, labor, and specialized rentals to accommodate each course, which contributes to its higher cost. Ideally, servers present all plates to each table simultaneously and return to clear the plates before serving the next course. Plated meals typically feature two to four (or more) courses, extending the overall service time. This method offers a refined dining experience but demands careful coordination and timing to ensure a seamless flow throughout the event.
